‘If you’re willing to put in the hard work and follow your dreams, you can achieve a lot’

Robyn Dowling, from Skerries, Co. Dublin, was named Teagasc/FBD Student of the Year 2025. Describing it as “a huge personal achievement”, especially as “the first equine student to do so”, she operates Hacketstown Stud Stables, a family run riding school and livery yard.

Her interest in horses began through the Louth Hunt Pony Club when she was 11 years old: “We would have been going to the rallies, the Area 7 shows. My favourite part was definitely the pony camps. We also completed our pony club assessments. This really got my interest in going down the coaching pathways as well,” she explained.

As past student of Kildalton College, Robyn said her time in Piltown proved beneficial and had a major influence on her career.

“I really enjoyed my time in Kildalton College. I made great friends that we have for life. The lecturers gave us great knowledge and guidance, and they really made the environment a fun and enjoyable one,” she said.

Robyn Dowling also had a passion for the equine business module, explaining: “In this module, we were able to set up our own business plan, so I actually set up my business plan for my riding school at home, so it was really beneficial for me,” she said.

She said her family’s support had been central to her success, adding: “It’s a huge personal achievement for me to become the National Teagasc/FBD Student of the Year, especially the first equine student to do so. I am very proud to represent the equine industry in such a positive way, and I also hope to inspire other young equine students that if you’re willing to put in the hard work and follow your dreams, you can achieve a lot within the industry.” Robyn Dowling added.

For more on Robyn Dowling’s story, watch the below video:

For more on the Teagasc/FBD Student of the Year, visit here.