Over 120 students were today graduating from the Enniskillen campus of the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE).

Almost 90 students are graduating in subjects ranging from equine management, equine science, horse management and farriery along with a further 35 students with qualifications in agriculture.

Among today’s graduates is Sarah Donald from Gilford in Co Armagh. She was due to graduate with a BSc (Hons) degree course in equine management at Enniskillen Campus.

After finishing her A-levels at Banbridge Academy, Sarah spent three years pursuing her equine education with the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE).

As well as achieving academic success, Sarah took the opportunity to excel in the saddle, winning the college’s Riding Club Cup in 2008.

During her final year at CAFRE she was placed first in the Dressage Competition at the all-Ireland Inter-Universities and Colleges Championship (Intervarsities), which was held in Ashbourne, Co Meath.

She also won the preliminary Dressage Class on the College-owned Ballyalt Star at the Northern Ireland Dressage Festival which was held at Necarne Castle.

Now that Sarah has graduated, she hopes to travel to Australia to gain valuable work experience in the equine industry before returning to start a post-graduate programme in 2010.

Seamus McAlinney, head of Enniskillen Campus, said: “Our graduates have secured employment in a wide range of disciplines, including competition yards, equine breeding and training, sales and marketing, administration and teaching.

“Past students work in the north and south of Ireland, Great Britain, mainland Europe and across the globe.

“A major contributory factor in this success is that Enniskillen students benefit from invaluable hands-on experience working with a range of horses in the equine units and on the extensive Campus estate.

“This living green classroom provides students with a unique opportunity to develop the business management and technical competences which are so necessary for a successful future in the industry.”