GOTAFE
Certificate III in Equine Studies
Nationally Recognised Vocational Education and Training (VET)If you're passionate about horses and interested in a career in the equine industry, the Certificate III in Equine Studies is the perfect qualification to get you started. This course is designed to give students a strong understanding of working with horses, with comprehensive training in horse handling, health care, and equine behaviour.
This course can be delivered as part of GOTAFE’s VET Delivered to School Students (VDSS) program. Students interested in undertaking this course need to enrol through their school.
Skills First subsidised funding is not available for VDSS programs. Contact your school for VDSS Fee information.
Please note that riding horses is not part of the course delivery.
Delivery mode
GOTAFE offers this course through the following delivery modes:
On campus
Work with instructors and classmates in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Online
Set your own study schedule and balance study with your other commitments.
Work Placement
GOTAFE recommends that all students who are not working in industry should complete 40-80 hours of practical placement where they undertake duties related to their units of study and gain valuable knowledge and skills.- 218 Tone Road, Wangaratta, VIC
Entry requirements
Domestic Students
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
GOTAFE entry requirements
Complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB)an online test to ensure the required literacy & numeracy levels for the course are met.
Prospective VDSS students are required to apply through your School's VET coordinator or Careers advisor.
GOTAFE recommends that all students who are not working in the industry should complete up to 40 hours of practical experience where they undertake duties related to their units of study and gain valuable knowledge and skills. This is to be organised by the student and is not mandated by the training package rules.
Technical requirements
- A laptop/computer with internet access, including access to YouTube.
- Access to a digital camera or video camera for visual and audio assessment tasks.
- General stationary (pens, pencils, rulers)
Physical requirements
A moderate level of physical stamina and strength sufficient to be able to perform tasks such as: carrying feed/water buckets, maneuvering wheelbarrows, using brooms, rakes, shovels, and lifting gear (e.g. rugs/saddles) onto a horse is required.
A moderate level of agility and coordination to move smoothly, safely, and quickly in response to horse behaviors is required.
Additional requirements may apply.Course fees
- VIC Subsidised Training This training may be subsidised by the VIC Government for eligible individuals. Places are limited.
Career opportunities
The Certificate III in Equine Studies will prepare you for the following roles.
Stable Hand
A Stable Hand cares for horses in facilities such as racing stables, breeding centres or farms. You’ll have to feed and groom horses and give them...
Racehorse Groom
A Racehorse Groom is responsible for the daily care and maintenance of racehorses, ensuring their health, cleanliness, and well-being. Their duties...
Horse Trainer
A Horse Trainer gets horses ready for racing or competitions. You might exercise horses to develop their fitness or train them to follow behavioura...
Horse Riding Instructor
A Horse Riding Instructor provides coaching to students in equestrian activities. You’ll demonstrate a range of techniques and show students how to...
About GOTAFE
GOTAFE is the largest vocational education provider in regional Victoria. Offering over 130 courses across eight campuses, GOTAFE services 11 local government areas with an estimated resident population of over 240,000 people. We service more than 9,000 students per year on average, employ over 500 staff, and we are an intrinsic part of the communities that we serve.
