Broadening knowledge through equine industry visits

Date published: 16 May 2016

These units give students a better understanding of the rehabilitation programmes used when a horse suffers an injury. It also aims to increase their knowledge of training practices and fitness in the equine athlete. In order to broaden their experience of equine rehabilitation and fitness, students recently visited Royal County Equine which is a training, rehabilitation and injury management centre near Ratoath in Co. Meath.

Royal County Equine is run by James Purcell and Ali Cox who have years of combined experience across a wide range of equestrian disciplines. Ali and James showed the students the hydrotherapy spa and a Kraft straight line walker which they use for a range of purposes in the process of rehabilitating horses following injury. A range of case studies that the centre has dealt with were discussed with the students, who took the opportunity to ask a number of questions to broaden their knowledge.

Following the talk on rehabilitation, a demonstration of the behavioural work which is carried out at the centre took place. This gave the students a great insight into the range of methods that can be used when working with horses from the ground, whether that is as part of a rehabilitation programme, general training or working with horses which have behavioural issues.

The students thoroughly enjoyed their trip and benefited from James and Ali’s vast knowledge and experience of the equine industry. Enniskillen Campus would like to thank James and Ali once again for their hospitality.

For further information on the equine courses offered at Enniskillen Campus check out our website or follow us at DiscoverCAFRE on Facebook.

By Laura Smith, Equine Lecturer, CAFRE Enniskillen Campus