JENNA Harkness and Anna McErlean were featured by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland this week, as it promoted the Level 2 and Level 3 Equine Apprentice courses at the Enniskillen Campus of the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE).

An Equine Apprentice works for a minimum of 21 hours per week in a Northern Ireland business and completes training one day per week. Cookstown’s Harkness is based at NK Sporthorses, Templepatrick and, as part of the Apprenticeship Programme, is working towards attaining her British Horse Society (BHS) Stage 2 qualification.

Jenna’s employment provides hands-on experience in all aspects of horse care and stable management, with the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals in a supportive work environment.

Apprenticeship training is delivered through online classes with CAFRE’s equine lecturers, Jenny Richardson and Chris Bogues. These sessions deliver the theory aspects with attendance at Enniskillen Campus for blocks of practical training. Throughout her time at both CAFRE and NK Sporthorses, Harkness has demonstrated remarkable commitment to her training and has gained experience in areas such as feeding, grooming, horse transport, riding and understanding horse behaviour.

Skill set

Commenting on her Level 2 Apprenticeship, Jenna said: “Work is incredible. I’ve learned so much from the team. My confidence has developed, as well as my skill set. I feel that I am learning every day between placement, online sessions and the practical elements at CAFRE. I really enjoy the blended learning at CAFRE. I like attending training at Enniskillen Campus, as I meet other apprentices, who are also working in the industry. It’s great to catch up with them and share equine experiences. Working towards my BHS Stage 2 qualification is a challenging, but exciting step in my career, and I feel lucky to have this opportunity.”

Anna McErlean from Moira, who has been competing in the Baileys Horse Feeds Flexi Eventing series at The Meadows, is one of four CAFRE students working towards the Level 3 Apprenticeship, who are based with Smith Brothers Eventing in Gilford. As part of the programme, Anna is gaining hands-on experience in competition riding, stable management and horse care, all under the guidance of Trevor Smith, Steven Smith and yard manager Casey Webb.

Pursuing dreams

Speaking about her experience, McErlean said: “Working at Smith Brothers Eventing has been an incredible opportunity. Every day I learn something new, whether it’s caring for horses at the highest standards or seeing what it takes to prepare for top level competition. I really enjoy the blended learning at CAFRE. We have online classes every other week and then have block training once a month at CAFRE.

“At CAFRE, we focus on the practical element of the exam, and we complete lungeing, riding and practice such things as bandaging. I really enjoy my time at CAFRE, as I also get to meet other students my own age, who are working in the industry. I feel the apprenticeship has given me the confidence and skills to pursue my dreams in the equestrian world.”

Anna obtained direct entry to the Level 3 Apprenticeship after gaining her Pony Club B test through the Killultagh, Old Rock and Chichester Branch, along with her academic qualifications.

For further details on the equine courses starting in September 2025, please visit www.cafre.ac.uk, or email jenny.richardson@daera-ni.gov.uk.