Certificate IV in Racing (Racehorse Trainer)

RGR40118

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 reflects the role of individuals licensed to operate a business that trains horses under racing industry regulated licensing criteria for the purpose of competing in industry-regulated events in the harness or thoroughbred racing codes.

It covers the care, maintenance and performance of racehorses and the tasks and duties associated with running a racing establishment, including managing staff, finances and equipment. Trainers are responsible for planning and organising their own work, leading others and carrying out often complex and non-routine tasks.

This qualification is required for industry licensing and registration in some states and territories. Refer to the relevant state or territory Principal Racing Authority for current requirements.

Competencies attained in the units packaged for this qualification will apply to the harness and thoroughbred codes of the industry. Consequently, when performance criteria are applied they will relate to the harness or thoroughbred code and a Certificate IV in Racing (Racehorse Trainer) must contain a statement as follows:

'This qualification was achieved under the conditions operating in the [insert relevant racing code - harness OR thoroughbred] code of the racing industry.'

  • Financial help

  • Cost

    Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.

    • VET Student Loans are not available
    • You may need to pay for equipment or materials.

  • On-the-job training

    • Apprenticeships and traineeships are not available for this course.

  • Entry requirements

    This course has entry requirements. See more information at the National Training Register

  • 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

  • Delivery options

    You may be able to access this training in these ways:

    • Part-time available
    • Partially online
    • Classroom-based

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
Comply with racing industry ethics and integrity Core
Maintain workplace safety Core
Manage a small team Core
Manage horse health and welfare Core
Operate horse racing training business Core
Participate in racing protests and inquiries Core
Supervise handling of horses Core
Advise on transitioning and rehoming horses Elective
Apply knowledge of horse behaviour Elective
Assess suitability of horses for specific uses Elective
Comply with regulatory, taxation and insurance requirements for the micro business Elective
Determine nutritional requirements for racing horses Elective
Develop a social media strategy Elective
Develop driving skills for trackwork Elective
Develop systems and records for horse racing business training operations Elective
Develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainability Elective
Drive horses in pacework and fast work Elective
Educate horses for harness racing Elective
Educate thoroughbred horses for racing Elective
Implement stable operations Elective
Manage conflict at work Elective
Manage equine biosecurity and infection control Elective
Manage selection of horse for new or inexperienced handler, rider or driver Elective
Manage small business finances Elective
Market the small business Elective
Participate in implementing racehorse exercise programs Elective
Participate in media interviews for racing Elective
Perform basic driving tasks Elective
Plan and adapt training and conditioning programs for racehorses Elective
Plan and implement education of horses for racing Elective
Prepare to drive jog work Elective
Promote and maintain business arrangements with racehorse owners Elective
Provide care and treatment of horses Elective
Provide First Aid Elective
Re-educate horses to manage behaviours and/or transition to new purposes Elective
Relate animal welfare to track and environmental conditions Elective
Select horses for racing Elective
Train horses for jumping racing Elective
Trial and race horses Elective

Job prospects

The Certificate IV in Racing (Racehorse Trainer) sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.

  • Horse Trainer

    ANZSCO 361112

    Horse Trainers prepare horses for riding, breeding, racing, work, show or competitions.

    Recommended education level:
    Certificate III or IV

Training providers delivering Certificate IV in Racing (Racehorse Trainer)

It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.

Showing: 3 providers

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.

Delivery locations can change as students enrol. If you're doing any workplace-based training, like an apprenticeship, this will take place in a different location from your classroom training. Contact your training provider to confirm delivery locations.
Government funding may be available. Contact your training provider to confirm.
Back to top