Certificate III in Equine Studies
22647VIC
Certificate III in Equine Studies - 22647VIC
Course Overview
Course start dates are indicative and are subject to change. Students will receive information from their teacher upon enrolment including a confirmed start date and timetable. If applicable, students will also receive information about a course induction and directions on where to go on the first day.
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.
Students will learn:
- Basic horse anatomy and physiology
- Safe horse handling and restraint techniques
- Equine nutrition and feeding practices
- Routine health care and first aid for horses
- Introduction to equine behaviour and training
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.
This information relates to 2025 course delivery.
Careers & study pathways
Where can this course take me?
Roles graduates may be eligible for include:
- Stable hand.
- Stud worker.
- Groom.
- Horse rider coaching assistant.
Further study
After graduating, participants might like to undertake further study in the:
Course details
Upcoming dates and times
Choose a location below to learn more about when this course is offered and on which days you’ll need to attend.
Online Campus
(3 commencing soon)
Block 6 - Open From: 26-Aug-2025 - Workplace - Part time - Tuesday - Workplace Training & Online Study
Block 7 - Open From: 07-Oct-2025 - Workplace - Part time - Tuesday - Workplace Training & Online Study
Block 8 - Open From: 11-Nov-2025 - Workplace - Part time - Tuesday - Workplace Training & Online Study
Study units
Take a look at some of the subjects you’ll be studying when you take this course.
This course requires a total of 11 units: 8 core and 3 elective.
Core units
8 unit(s)
- ACMEQU212 Handle horses safely
- ACMEQU213 Follow safe work practices in equine industries
- VU23586 Work effectively in an equine organisation
- VU23587 Implement and monitor horse health and welfare practices
- VU23588 Implement and monitor horse feeding programs
- VU23589 Relate equine form to function
- VU23590 Identify equine anatomy
- VU23591 Identify and describe equine physiology
Elective units
3 unit(s)
- RGRPSH201 Handle racehorses in stables and at trackwork
- VU23595 Examine the application of horse breeding principles and practices
- VU23596 Prepare for the care of pregnant mares, foals and young horses
Attendance & commitment
General public blended delivery | 1-year course length | Part-time study load
Students are expected to:
- Attend 6 compulsory practical skills and training workshops on campus at the Wangaratta Tone Road Campus (this includes the working safely with horses workshop).
- Additionally, students can attend monthly skills workshops from March to October.
- Attend 38 webinars (webinar schedule provided on enrolment) (a minimum of 80% attendance required).
- Spend approximately 2 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision, and completion of assessments.
- Attend a one-day excursion to horse breeding stud enterprises (scheduled during school holidays).
- Students have the option to attend an Equine Seminar Day at the Wangaratta Tone Road Campus (scheduled during school holidays).
- GOTAFE recommends that students with minimal or no horse experience should complete up to 40 hours of practical experience in the industry 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.
Placement details
- Placement is organised by the student.
- A practical placement agreement is entered into between GOTAFE, the student, and the host provider, and is signed prior to the commencement of placement.
- Students may be required to complete up to 80 hours of practical placement over the duration of the course.
- Placement can be completed with different hosts and individual daily hours (start and finish time) will vary, depending on the host's requirements.
- Students may need to travel (up to approximately 50km away) throughout Victoria (at their own cost).
- Students may need to source accommodation for their period of placement.
- GOTAFE uniform/PPE is required to be worn during placement.
Workplace online delivery | 2 years course length | Part-time study load
Students are expected to:
- Attend weekly online webinar classes (Tuesdays) with a minimum of 80% attendance.
- Spend 6 hours per week working through course materials.
- Attend monthly regular virtual catch-ups with their trainer, timing is arranged directly with the trainer.
- Meet with their trainer at their place of work at least 8 times over the duration of the course.
- Remain employed within the industry for the duration of their course.
- Optional attendance at the one-day excursion to horse breeding stud enterprises (scheduled during school holidays).
- Students have the option to attend an Equine Seminar Day at the Wangaratta Tone Road Campus (scheduled during school holidays).
- Consolidate their learning in their workplace.
VDSS blended delivery | 2 years course length | Part-time study load
Students are expected to:
- Attend an online induction (compulsory).
- Attend 2 practical workshops per year (9am - 4pm) in the school holidays at the Wangaratta Tone Road Campus.
- Attend one skills workshop per year (practical training and assessment) (9am - 4pm) during the school term at the Wangaratta Tone Road Campus.
- Attend a weekly webinar (Wednesdays) (a minimum of 80% attendance is required).
- Attend a one-day excursion to horse breeding stud enterprises.
- Students have the option to attend an Equine Seminar Day at the Wangaratta Tone Road Campus.
- Spend approximately 6-10 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision, and completion of assessments.
- Complete between 40-80 hours of practical placement, as outlined in the placement details below. Please note: VCAA highly recommends 80-plus hours of practical placement.
Placement details
The VCAA highly recommends that all students who are not working in industry should complete 40-80 hours of practical placement (Structured Workplace Learning) where they undertake duties related to their units of study and gain valuable knowledge and skills. This can be completed in one or more equine facilities over the duration of the course. This placement is organised by the student and a SWL agreement is entered into between the student, school, and the placement host. This practical placement is not mandated by the training package rules.
Assessment methods
Assessment methods may include:
- Knowledge questions
- Simulated demonstrations
- Tests
Before you begin
Entry requirements
GOTAFE entry requirements
Before being accepted into this course applicants must:
- Complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online test to ensure the required literacy & numeracy levels for the course are met.
- Undertake a Pre-training Review by interview to ensure the course suits their needs and aspirations, and that they are likely to complete the course successfully.
- Prospective VDSS students are required to apply through their School's VET Coordinator or Careers Advisor.
- Prospective Workplace students are required to have a minimum of 15 hours of paid employment in an approved workplace.
- 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. This can be completed in one or more equine facilities over the duration of the course. This placement is organised by the student and a practical placement agreement is entered into between the student, GOTAFE, and the placement host. This practical placement is not mandated by the training package rules.
Physical requirements
The physical requirements for entry into this course are based on the demands placed on individuals who handle horses and undertake stable management duties. They are designed to ensure their safety, the safety of others, and the safety of the horses in their care.
Students must have:
- A moderate level of physical stamina and strength sufficient 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.
- A moderate level of agility and coordination to move smoothly, safely, and quickly in response to horse behaviours.
Student resources
Students must have:
- 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 stationery (pens, pencils, rulers).
- Clothing suitable for working with horses - long pants, sleeved shirt, and work boots.
Enrolment
Please note: Eligible individuals who wish to access a government-subsidised place, must participate in a Pre-training Review. This will consider your:
- Aspirations/career goals
- Educational attainment and capability
- Literacy and numeracy skills
- Suitability for Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer
Skills recognition / Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Skills Recognition is an assessment only process that may result in credits towards a part or full qualification. There is no formal training involved, although you may choose to complete further training as a result of the assessment process.
You can apply for Skills Recognition before you enrol in the qualification you are seeking. You can apply for Skills Recognition through one or both of the following processes:
- Credit Transfer for formal training that might be equivalent to a new qualification or partial qualification.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for people who have relevant and current skills and knowledge that they have gained through non-formal or informal learning i.e. work or life experience.
Fees and payments
Fees and costs
GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding to eligible individuals.
Please note that the fees on this webpage, for this particular course:
- are correct at the time of publishing for those enrolling in 2025 and may change without notice.
- will be discussed with applications as part of the application process to ensure it is understood what is being paid for and which fee rates they may be eligible for.
Course Fees consist of three different components:
- Student Tuition Fee - covers the costs of training and assessment. These fees vary across courses and are calculated based on a rate per nominal hour enrolled in. The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Circumstances may include:
- an individual’s eligibility for Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- an individual’s eligibility for concession rates on Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- ineligible individuals who are required to pay the full fees for tuition and other costs.
- Material Fee - where applicable, cover the costs of classroom consumables, handouts and booklets, e-Learning resources and associated license access fees and excursions.
- Student Services Fee (SSF) – contributes to the provision of student engagement, learning and support services. SSF is a non-refundable annual fee that does not apply to short-course participants.
Additionally, some courses require students to purchase or supply textbooks, kits, tools, uniforms and personal protection equipment. Some specific materials may be purchased through the GOTAFE Bookshop. A full list with associated costs will be provided to you at your course information session, induction session, or during the pre-training review interview.
GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your fees.
Learn more about fees, charges, refunds and payment options
Student support
As an enrolled student at GOTAFE you may access a wide range of academic support services to assist you to meet the academic challenges of your course from our Learning Support Unit.
Learning support
A free and confidential service to help you build the foundation skills you need to be successful at TAFE. Improve your english language, maths and/or writing skills; enhance your computer, exam and study skills.
Learn more about our learning support services
Library
Our library team are passionate about supporting students to achieve their study goals. They have subject guides, referencing help, and online resources to assist you with you assessments.
Find how to reach out to our library in Shepparton
Jobs and study options
Our Skills and Jobs Centres can assist and talk through options for courses, careers, assistance with job applications and more.
Reach out to our Skills and Jobs Centres
Contingent Study Arrangements
Where a situation arises that prevents campus attendance (such as COVID restrictions, natural disasters, etc.) and it is deemed an appropriate response in protecting the health and safety of staff, students, and visitors, this course will adapt to alternative training arrangements, possibly using online methods of teaching and/or communication while students engage from home with their Trainers. Any required practical components of the course will be moved to a more appropriate time.
Whether you need support with time management, your mental health, grief and loss, a diagnosed disability, financial hardship, or any other challenge life throws your way, we are here to help.
Support for personal issues
We have a dedicated team to ensure students have the help they need with personal issues impacting studies such as homelessness, family problems & setting up payment plans.
Find out how the Student Experience Team can help you
Disability support
Get access to the supports and adjustments you need for your disability or medical condition to be successful in your studies.
Seek support from our Equitable Learning Advisors
Counselling services
We offer free counselling services to help you work through life's challenges including grief and loss, mental health or relationships.
Learn about our Student Wellbeing Advisors
Koorie Unit
The Koorie Unit is a culturally safe space on our Shepparton Fryers Street Campus for all Koorie students enrolled and studying through GOTAFE, or with one of our education partnering organisations.
Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.
Further information is provided at course induction.
This course is government accredited and has national recognition.
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