ONE horsewoman who relishes her new role in Teagasc is Equine Specialist Crea English.

Reared on a drystock farm in Co Wexford with some 10 broodmares, Crea’s lifelong interest has been honed from an early age.

“I came up through the Wexford pony club where my passion for horses bloomed and I have remained heavily involved in the home enterprise of showing, breaking and production of young horses. I attained my BSc in Equine Science from University of Limerick in 2005 and in 2007 started lecturing in the Equine Department in Teagasc Kildalton College. During my 10-year stint in Kildalton College, I furthered my equine skills by completing the prestigious British Horse Society “I” coaching exam as well as the Horse Sport Ireland level 2 coaching award. I still compete up to one-star level in eventing and am still involved in my family’s breeding programme,” she said.

Crea has recently moved into a new role within Teagasc as an Equine Specialist, replacing Declan McArdle who has taken up a new position in Teagasc.

Teagasc has two Equine Specialists – Crea, based at Kildalton College, and Wendy Conlon, based at Teagasc Athenry.

The primary focus of their work is to support the Knowledge Transfer Programme, deliver educational activities, provide advice and look towards innovative ways to support the sector.

Meanwhile, Declan McArdle now works as Teagasc’s Knowledge Transfer Online Media Specialist, a new post within Teagasc to develop and support the capacity of Teagasc to communicate and provide services through online media to farmers, students, Teagasc staff and the public.