Equine students heading to Ireland
07 February 2012
Twenty-eight Higher National Diploma and Certificate Equine students head off from Oatridge next week for the annual study tour to Ireland, which will take in a series of the horse-mad country's world famous equestrian facilities.
Based in Dublin, the group will cram in visits to the Kildangan Stud, owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's Darley global breeding operation and home to some of the world's best stallions (pictured); Troytown Equine Hospital near Kildare, which boasts state-of-the-art treatment facilities for the breading and racing industries; Wicklow Polo club, Ireland's only year-round centre for the sport; Fairyhouse racecourse, the venue of the Irish Grand National; and the Irish Equitation School, which since 1926 has produced riders who have been the backbone of the nation's highly successful international showjumping and eventing teams.
The tour has been planned by Equine Team Leader Sharon Anderson who has made sure that the trip will not be all work and no play for the students. A previous participant reported: "Night time always felt like Saturday night in Dublin and we all had a great time with the Irish."
