Certificate III in Horse Breeding

Overview

Introduction

Take your passion for horses to the next level with our comprehensive qualification in horse breeding.

During the course, students will learn how to:

• Horse anatomy and reproductive physiology
• Breeding program management
• Care and management of mares, stallions, and foals
• Safe handling and restraint of horses
• Monitoring and assisting with foaling
• Health care and nutrition for breeding horses

Our program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required for working in horse breeding or stud farm operations, covering all aspects of equine reproduction and foal care. This applies to horse breeding activities across disciplines and sectors including for the thoroughbred and harness racing codes.

This information relates to 2025 course delivery. If required, students will be notified of 2024 course information and fees during the onboarding process.

Careers & study pathways

Where can this course take me?

Graduates will be equipped to pursue a career working in a horse breeding or stud farm operation.

Further study

After graduating, participants might like to undertake further study in the:

• ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
• AHC40116 Certificate IV in Agriculture

Course details

Upcoming dates and times

Attendance & commitment

General public blended delivery | 1.5 years course length | Part-time study load

Students are expected to:

• Attend the 'Working Safely with Horses' workshop at the Wangaratta Tone Road Campus before commencing practical assessments.
• Attend weekly online webinars on Tuesdays.
• Attend six practical workshops and seven practical assessment days at the Wangaratta Tone Road Campus.
• Attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled webinars and practical face-to-face workshops.
• Spend approximately 15-20 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision, and completion of assessments.
• Attend a one-day excursion to a horse breeding stud.
  
• (Optional) Attend an Equine seminar day at the Wangaratta Tone Road Campus.
• Complete up to 240 hours of placement, as outlined in the placement details below.

Placement

• Placement is organised by the student. Students finding locating practical placement providers difficult may seek assistance from their trainer.
• A practical placement agreement is entered into between GOTAFE, the student, and the host provider and signed prior to the commencement of placement.
• This course has been designed by GOTAFE for students to complete up to 240 hours of practical experience in the equine industry where they undertake duties related to their units of study and gain valuable knowledge and skills.
• Placement can be structured around workplace requirements and personal commitments. Individual daily hours (start and finish time) may vary, depending on the host's requirements.
• Depending on the student's experience they may complete this component in less than 240 hours. This is considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Students may need to travel to placement (at their own cost).
• GOTAFE uniform/PPE is required to be worn during placement.

School-Based Apprenticeship Traineeship blended delivery | 2 years course length | Part-time study load

Students are expected to:

• Spend one day per week working in industry, to consolidate learnings.
• Attend weekly webinars as scheduled on Tuesdays or watch recorded sessions.
• Spend approximately 6-7 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision, and completion of assessments.
• Attend 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 four times per year.

Traineeship online delivery | 1.5 years course length | Part-time study load

Students are expected to

• Attend weekly webinars as scheduled on Tuesdays or watch recorded sessions.
• Spend approximately 9 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision, and completion of assessments.
• Attend 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 four times per year, for a total of six visits.
  
• Consolidate their learning in their workplace.
  

Traineeship blended delivery | 1-year course length | Part-time study load
Fast-track program

Students are expected to:

• Attend intensive practical workshops (2 x 3 weeks) in Scone, NSW.
• Attend weekly webinars as scheduled on Tuesdays or watch recorded sessions.
• Spend approximately 4 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision, and completion of assessments.
• Attend 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 four times per year.
• Consolidate their learning in their workplace.

Workplace online delivery | 1.5 years course length | Part-time study load

Students are expected to:

• Attend weekly webinars as scheduled on Tuesdays or watch recorded sessions.
• Spend approximately 9 hours per week working through their course materials, research, revision, and completion of assessments.
• Attend 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 4-6 times throughout the course.
• Consolidate their learning in their workplace.

Assessment methods

Assessment methods may include:

• Quizzes
• Knowledge questions
• Simulated demonstrations
• Short answer questions
• Practicals
• Logbooks
• Performance evidence

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 15 units: 3 core and 12 elective.

Before you begin

Entry requirements

GOTAFE entry requirements

Before being accepted into the 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.
• Attend an induction, face to face, via Zoom, Teams, or phone.
• Be over 15 years of age at the time the course commences.
• Complete a self-assessment of their horse skills.
• It is recommended to have a current Tetanus immunisation before commencing this course.
• Workplace-based applicants are required to have 15 hours of paid employment in a horse breeding enterprise.
• Prospective Traineeship or Apprenticeship students are required to apply through an Apprenticeship Network Provider with their employer to organise their apprenticeship contract before applying for this course.

Placement requirements

• This course has been designed by GOTAFE for students to complete up to 240 hours of practical placement in the equine industry where they undertake duties related to their units of study and gain valuable knowledge and skills.
• Workplace-based students, school-based apprentices/trainees, and trainees are not required to complete practical placement.

Industry 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 and 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 be able to perform tasks such as: carrying feed/water buckets, manoeuvring wheelbarrows, using brooms, rakes, shovels, and lifting gear (e.g. rugs) onto a horse.
• Students must have 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.

• Clothing suitable for working with horses i.e work boots, pants, sleeve shirt.

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.

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

Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.

Further information is provided at course induction.