A TOTAL of £29,500 in bursaries was awarded to equine programme students at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, this week.

The bursaries were sponsored mainly by thoroughbred and sport horse businesses and organisations, including Coolmore, Godolphin, Juddmonte, Derrinstown, Tinnakill House, Downpatrick Racecourse, Horse Racing Ireland, Weatherbys and the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association.

The Irish Farmers Journal, sister paper of The Irish Field, also sponsored a bursary.

Godolphin also awarded work placements to three CAFRE students.

The presentations followed a discussion chaired by Leo Powell which featured a number of CAFRE graduates talking about their careers in the equine industry.

Many of the bursary sponsors also took the opportunity to meet CAFRE undergraduates and discuss employment and training opportunities.

CAFE will host an open day for those interested in its equine programmes on Saturday, April 13th.

Web: cafre.ac.uk