OverviewAbout this course
Gain a solid understanding of horse behaviour and body language that will help you safely care for and handle horses. Learn vital equine management skills that will further your studies or enhance your opportunities to work in the equine industry.
OutcomesWhat you'll gain
Learning outcomes
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Safely care for and handle horses
Provide routine care and First Aid
Safely load and unload horses
Apply equine biosecurity and infection control practices
Implement a horse health program
Prepare horses for presentation
Course outcomes
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
A nationally accredited qualification at Certificate III level
A pathway to further study in equine management
Specialist skills that will allow you to work in various sectors of the equine industry
Confidence to safely handle and care for horses
A sound understanding of horse behaviour and body language
SuitabilityIs this course right for you?
Entry requirements
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
A calm, compassionate and reliable nature
An adequate level of fitness to manage the physical demands of working with horses and handling related equipment
A passion and enthusiasm for horses and their welfare
A computer or similar device with internet connection
Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) at a Year 10 high school level
TAFE NSW may ask you to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test.
This skills test helps us to understand your individual study needs, to design an individualised plan that supports your study success and ensures your LLN skills match the demands of the course.
Completion requirements
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
Completion of the Use of Animals in Learning course through the TAFE NSW Moodle on your first day of class to meet the requirements of the TAFE NSW Animal Ethics Committee
Entry recommendations
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
A calm, compassionate and reliable nature
An adequate level of fitness to manage the physical demands of working with horses and handling related equipment
A passion and enthusiasm for horses and their welfare
A computer or similar device with internet connection
Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) at a Year 10 high school level
TAFE NSW may ask you to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test.
This skills test helps us to understand your individual study needs, to design an individualised plan that supports your study success and ensures your LLN skills match the demands of the course.
TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.
PathwaysFuture career and study options
Career pathways
Our graduates go onto roles like:
Stablehand
Stablehands assist with handling of horses and maintaining and cleaning stables.
Full-time share Full-time workers usually work 35 hours or more a week (in all their jobs combined).
69%
Employment size Employment size is the number of workers who do this as their main job.
1,500 workers
Average age This is the average age of all workers in this job.
32 years
Weekly pay Median earnings are shown for full-time, non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate, before tax or any amounts that are salary sacrificed. These figures are a guide to earnings only and should not be used to determine a wage rate.
$840
Average full-time The average full-time hours that people in this role work each week.
44 hours
Skill level rating Skill level ratings are based on the range and complexity of job roles. In general, the higher the skill level, the more formal education and training, previous experience or on-the-job training needed to be good at the job.
Entry level
Gender share
58% female
Future growth The Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business estimates the likely change in number of workers in this role, or industry, over the next 5 years. Future growth is the likely percentage change compared to all other job roles.
Strong Growth
Other jobs include: equine groom, stud hand, strapper, farmhand and trail ride assistant.
Study pathways
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Previous study0 Courses
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
The Certificate III in Horse Care does not have any pre-requisite courses.
Further study1 Course
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
Related study1 Course
Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.
Your experience counts
At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.
UnitsUnits taught in this course
Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate III in Horse Care qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 18 units of competency, including 9 core and 9 speciality units.
Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.
Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.
Work safely in equine workplacesACMEQU313
Prepare horses for presentation at an eventACMEQU311
Manage personal health and fitness for working with horsesACMEQU221
Follow equine biosecurity and infection control proceduresACMINF302
TAFE NSW servicesFacilities and support
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.
TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)
TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
TAFE NSW Libraries
Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential
Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home
LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
Student associations – get social with our student community