Fermanagh’s Megan McGrory blows the old adage, ‘those who can’t do, teach’ out of the water, as she more than certainly can when it comes to all things horses.

Her job as an equine lecturer involves teaching students both the theory and practice of equine management.

Megan’s route to teaching involved both a life in horses and also graduating from the very college she now teaches at: “I competed in show jumping from a young age and have jumped at the Dublin Horse Show and in numerous young horse classes throughout Ireland.

“I also worked in America for four years on two different farms; one thoroughbred farm specialising in breeding and producing yearlings and the other a hunter/jumper farm specialising in high-class competition horses.”

Living the dream

Megan is currently teaching the competition grooming and equine care modules at CAFRE.

As well as lecturing, Megan also runs her own stables, Lisnagole Equestrian, focusing mainly on breeding and producing high-quality jumping horses.

“Going to feed the horses every morning fills me with such joy because I have dreamt about having my own yard of horses for as long as I can remember.” As the famous saying goes: “If it was easy, everyone would be doing it,” says Megan.

Megan McGrory has been showjumping since a very young age.

“It certainly presents its challenges at times, but managing the yard is such a rewarding job. I have amazing support to keep it all ticking along. I count myself so lucky to have such supportive family, friends and partner.”

Like so many other equestrians, there’s no hesitation from Megan in admitting to horses being her passion: “I love horses for so many reasons. Their ability to work with us and understand our language just fascinates me. I genuinely count my blessings everyday that I get to work with such beautiful animals. “A wise man once told me: ‘The best thing you can ever do for a horse is teach it to be a good horse, because a good horse will always be looked after and loved.’ So for me to be part of a horse’s education and help them on their journey is an amazing gift.”

This philosophy also applies to Megan’s teaching, about which she explains: “Teaching young people how to do things correctly and respect animals will hopefully help to continue to raise the standard of the industry in Ireland as a whole.”

Megan was a student at CAFRE herself and admits that the experience helped her in many aspects of her life: “Studying at CAFRE made me grow a lot as a person. It helped my confidence and my ability to speak out, as well as vastly expanding my knowledge of the wider equine industry.

“Instead of just focusing on showjumping – what I grew up doing – CAFRE broadened my knowledge, which in return led me to work in America which was such an incredible experience, one that I probably would not have tried without attending the college.

“At CAFRE no matter where you come from or what your background is, everyone has a love, passion and respect for horses. This makes the teaching and the learning a unique and enjoyable experience for both students and lecturers. The energy and enthusiasm the students bring to class is inspiring because they love what they are doing.”

Big ambitions

Alongside her wish to deliver exceptional equine education, Megan admits to more ambitions than most, but she says she wouldn’t have it any other way. She describes her biggest ambition as breeding good-quality showjumping horses, as well as a desire to compete at the Dublin Horse Show again – with any luck on one she has bred and produced herself.

And Megan’s take-home message to anyone starting their equine education? “Never take horses for granted. They are a beautiful animal and we are so lucky to have such a thriving industry here in Ireland. People need to remember how sacred horses are and should be grateful for them everyday.”