This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
This qualification describes the skill and knowledge for work activities undertaken by an equine service provider or skilled worker in an equine establishment who provides specialist technical skills. They may work autonomously as small business operators or as part of a management team in an equine establishment. The job roles covered in this qualification are:
- fitness and performance trainer
- horse educator
- gear fitter and checker
- horse clipper
- head groom/lead stable hand.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, in accordance with state/territory work health and safety, animal welfare and biosecurity codes, regulations and legislation that apply to the workplace.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
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Financial help
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Government funding is not available for this course.
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are not available
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You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
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On-the-job training
- Apprenticeships and traineeships are not available for this course.
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Entry requirements
This course has entry requirements. See more information at the National Training Register
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Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Qualification only:
6 months – 2 years
- Qualification only:
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Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Follow equine biosecurity and infection control procedures | Core |
| Implement records systems for small business | Core |
| Interpret and address horse behaviour and welfare | Core |
| Maintain and monitor horse health | Core |
| Provide first aid and emergency care for horses or other equines | Core |
| Provide specialist advice to clients | Core |
| Relate musculoskeletal system to horse conformation and movement | Core |
| Advise on horse nutritional needs | Elective |
| Advise on transitioning and rehoming horses | Elective |
| Apply knowledge of equine musculoskeletal system, biomechanics and pathology for effective hoof care | Elective |
| Contribute to WHS risk management | Elective |
| Coordinate business operational plans | Elective |
| Coordinate business resources | Elective |
| Educate horses in initial handling | Elective |
| Educate horses to be driven | Elective |
| Educate horses to be ridden | Elective |
| Educate pack horses | Elective |
| Establish operational strategies and procedures for new business ventures | Elective |
| Evaluate equine service or therapy provision | Elective |
| Evaluate horse education methodologies and individual programs | Elective |
| Evaluate saddlery and gear fit for horse and rider combination | Elective |
| Fit and adjust bits and bridles | Elective |
| Identify factors that affect racehorse fitness and suitability to race | Elective |
| Identify hazards, assess and control safety risks for horse handling and riding activities | Elective |
| Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices | Elective |
| Instruct horse handling skills | Elective |
| Make a prototype | Elective |
| Manage compliance for small businesses | Elective |
| Manage finances for new business ventures | Elective |
| Manage fitness in horses | Elective |
| Manage horses to meet sport event requirements | Elective |
| Manage presentation of horses for sale or show | Elective |
| Manage selection of horse for handler, rider or driver | Elective |
| Market new business ventures | Elective |
| Oversee site biosecurity and infection controls working with animals | Elective |
| Provide First Aid | Elective |
| Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site | Elective |
| Provide horse clipping services | Elective |
| Provide non-riding exercise to horses | Elective |
| Provide saddle fitting and adjustment services | Elective |
| Provide work skill instruction | Elective |
| Re-educate horses to manage behaviours and/or transition to new purposes | Elective |
| Select horses based on analysis of pedigree | Elective |
| Use business software applications | Elective |
| Use digital technology for non-routine workplace tasks | Elective |
| Work safely in equine workplaces | Elective |
| Work safely in providing equine services as a contractor | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate IV in Equine Care sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Horse Trainer
ANZSCO 361112
Horse Trainers prepare horses for riding, breeding, racing, work, show or competitions.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Other Animal Attendant and Trainer
ANZSCO 361199
Other Animal Attendants and Trainers includes jobs like Crutching Contractor, and Muleser.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III -
Horse Riding Coach and Instructor
ANZSCO 452313
Horse Riding Coaches or Instructors coach horse riding.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV
Training providers delivering Certificate IV in Equine Care
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
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Brisbane College of Australia (RTO code 31315)
Contact this provider
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Halo Nation Training Pty Ltd (RTO code 32485)
Contact this provider
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ROAR Training Solutions (RTO code 6302)
Contact this provider
How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.