RUTH Shanley, a 17-year-old transition year student from Columba College in Killucan, Co Westmeath, won €1,000 for her school and a family pass to the Irish National Stud by writing a poem about the transition year (TY) programme, From Foal To Race.

The From Foal to Race TY programme was established in 2022 by equuip, Horse Racing Ireland’s education and training division, and Agri Aware, and is structured to create a learning experience for both student and teacher to enhance understanding and interest in all things racing.

This academic year, 5,334 students from 134 schools around the country participated in From Foal to Race TY programme – a 31% increase in participation compared to last year. The programme includes six chapters including horse-care basics, making a racehorse, breeding and stud farms. Students also participated in a series of interactive webinars and submitted a group project to complete the programme. In addition, the programme also covered transferable skills of group work, debate, public speaking, and research.

This year, for the end-of-programme project, pupils were tasked with submitting a reflection that demonstrated their learnings. Submissions received included poetry, essays, artwork and presentations on racing and breeding related topics. With a little held from her classmates, Ruth came up with the winning entry.

As a bonus prize, she and her classmates will enjoy a VIP behind-the-scenes trip to a racecourse next autumn.

Ruth said: “My family, especially my sisters and I, love horses. I took part in equine therapy when I was younger which really helped me. I learned directions and colours by painting therapy horses with water colours.

“The Foal to Race programme was lots of fun and I enjoyed learning about all the stages it takes to get the horses from being a foal to the racecourse. It was my favourite project that we did as part of my TY year. I love videos and digital learning too, so it was a perfect fit for me.”

Ruth’s teacher, Enya Scally, said: “We are so proud, thrilled and delighted for Ruth winning the competition. It has brought huge excitement and buzz to the school at the end of the year. It was our first year to enter the From Foal to Race TY programme and found the programme excellent, not only for students with an interest in horses, but also those with no equine background or experience. We are really excited about the class trip and look forward to taking part again next year.”

Elaine Burke, equuip manager, commented: “It’s great to see the increase in interest levels and the uptake in The From Foal To Race TY programme since its inception last year. Our partnership with Agri Aware offers us a unique platform to engage with second level students, to enhance their understanding of the horse racing and breeding industry and the many career options available. Big congratulations must go to Ruth and her classmates. Her poem is a very creative reflection of the foal to racehorse story.

“Sincere thanks to all transition year classes from the 134 schools around the country who submitted projects. The calibre of entries was extremely high. We hope they enjoyed their time learning about the thoroughbred industry.”