Published: Thursday, 4th February, 2010 12:10pm

Students learn how to get a start in the equine industry

Equine students at CAFRE Enniskillen campus, attending their college career's event. Included are Sam Nelson, senior lecturer and Judy Maxwell of Baileys Horse Feeds with (from left) Ashley Black, Fintona; Darren Preston, Castlederg; Lloyd Harte, Coa, Ballinamallard; Samantha Balfour, Ederney and Stephen Farrell, Dromore.

Equine students at Enniskillen Campus have again persuaded the industry to come to them as they held yet another careers seminar last Wednesday.

The event gave the students who come from all over Ireland, the opportunity to discuss career opportunities with industry professionals at first hand. The theme for the afternoon seminar was 'Starting a Business in the Equine Industry'. Seventeen businesses, from varying sectors were in attendance incuding representatives from the British Horse Society, Coolmore Stud, Care Intervet, Horse Racing Ireland, Irish Field, Baileys, Equine Plus, Spillers, Giltspur Scientific, Turf Club, Northern Bank and Darley Flying Start.

Of particular interest, former graduates of the college, Andrew Gault and Anthony O'Donnell were present. Andrew represented his business, Equine Plus and Anthony represented Horse Racing Ireland. Current students found Andrew and Anthony particularly inspiring, as they demonstrated the diverse career paths which may be taken following graduation from Enniskillen Campus.

Students were able to interact with the various industry personnel on a one to one basis, which they found very informative and insightful, as it provided them with the opportunity to direct questions to the visiting representatives.

Four of the visitors addressed the students, via a short presentation, on their respective areas of expertise.

John Henning, from Northern Bank, commenced proceedings with an interesting talk on the financial aspects of starting your own business in the equine industry. Mr. Henning emphasised the importance of having a viable and profitable business venture and highlighted potential sources of funding.

This was followed by a speech by Roy Nelson, from Loughry Campus, on effective leadership and motivation within the workplace.

Brendan McArdle, from the Irish Field, focused on how to achieve maximum return from your business through advertising and spoke about the evolution of marketing, developing a website and also explored social networking platforms as a potential marketing outlet.

Tyrone-based racehorse trainer, Andrew Oliver, closed the seminar with an enlightening talk of his own experiences of the racing industry and an evaluation of training as a potential career.

The afternoon was concluded with a prize draw for a photograph of the six time Group 1 winner Sea the Stars, signed by trainer John Oxx and jockey Michael Kinane and donated by Horse Racing Ireland.