In order to compete for the bursary, students are required to develop a social media marketing strategy that aims to encourage national and international clients in the horse industry to purchase or promote Irish stock.

The sport horse industry contributes in excess of €700 million per year to the Irish economy and the marketing strategy designed by the winning student will hopefully lead to the growth of the sector.

The bursary is open to all second year students on the BSc (Hons) and Foundation Degree Equine Management programmes and HSI will present the successful student with their award at the Equine Careers Event to be held at Enniskillen Campus on Wednesday 11 February 2015.

Professor Patrick Wall, HSI Chairman said, "The sports horse industry in an all island industry and we want to make Ireland truly ‘the land of the horse’ and the ‘go to place for a horse for all level of rider.’

He continued by saying that “social media channels provide access to a global audience of all ages, with the potential for interesting stories to be picked up and further disseminated by recipients.

“The young people are the future of our industry and they also have the knowledge to utilise the new media channels to the maximum so we are excited to see what will emerge from this initiative.”

Mr Seamus McAlinney, Head of Equine Education, CAFRE thanked HSI for their willingness to support young people participating in the higher education programmes at Enniskillen Campus.

He said, “We at CAFRE are extremely grateful for this fantastic opportunity which HSI are providing for our students. We hope to build on the links with HSI and keep providing the sport horse industry with capable enthusiastic employees for the future.”