This subject provides the essential skills and knowledge required to confidently and safely handle calm, well-educated horses in a range of equine environments. You’ll learn how to safely identify, catch, control, and release horses, with a strong focus on minimising risks and supporting the welfare of both horses and handlers.

Beyond practical handling, the subject also explores the fundamentals of horse behaviour—how horses perceive the world, communicate, and respond to their environment. You’ll gain an understanding of how horses learn, including the principles of pressure and release training, positive reinforcement and effective training methods, helping you to work with horses in a way that is safe, humane, and productive.

By combining safe handling techniques with a deeper awareness of equine behaviour and learning, this subject prepares you to interact with horses responsibly and confidently, whether you’re starting out or looking to build on your existing experience.

This subject is a gateway subject, that is you must complete and pass it before you can undertake any of the other horse handling or riding units.

This subject credits over to the ACM30821 Certificate III in Horse Care

PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT
This subject requires a practical assessment to occur with three different horses being caught, led, handled, hoof cleaned and returned to the paddock.

Horse Care Essentials introduces you to the daily routines and responsibilities involved in caring for horses. This subject covers the practical skills and foundational knowledge needed to keep horses healthy and comfortable, including feeding, grooming, cleaning stables, and maintaining safe and hygienic environments.

You’ll learn how to perform routine care tasks under supervision in a variety of settings, such as stables, paddocks, and yards. Through hands-on activities and real-world scenarios, you’ll build confidence in handling day-to-day horse care, develop attention to detail, and understand the importance of good husbandry practices.

Equine Health Support focuses on the essential skills and knowledge needed to monitor horse health and assist with basic treatments. In this subject, you’ll learn how to carry out routine health checks, recognise signs of illness or injury, and report concerns promptly. You’ll also gain experience providing simple treatments under direction, as well as supporting others—such as supervisors or veterinary professionals—when more advanced care is required.

You’ll practise these tasks in a supervised setting, building your confidence and competence in everyday horse health care. This subject also introduces you to common horse health issues, basic first aid, and the importance of observation and communication in maintaining the wellbeing of horses.

Safe Horse Transport equips you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to safely load and unload horses from transport vehicles. This subject focuses on practical techniques and safety precautions that protect both the handler and the horse throughout the transport process.

You’ll learn how to prepare horses for travel, use appropriate equipment, and follow step-by-step procedures for loading and unloading in a range of environments—including stables, paddocks, event venues, and public areas. Emphasis is placed on understanding horse behaviour during transport, recognising signs of stress, and applying calm, confident handling.

Grooming Horses covers the specialist skills and knowledge needed to get horses ready for competitions, shows, and commercial sales. In this subject, you’ll learn how to wash, groom, and trim horses’ coats to meet presentation standards, as well as how to clean and correctly fit gear for a professional and compliant appearance.

You’ll explore techniques for making horses look their best while maintaining their comfort and welfare, and you’ll practise preparing horses in a variety of environments, including wash bays, grooming areas, yards, and event venues. The subject also teaches you how to interpret different presentation requirements, use your judgement to meet high standards, and care for valuable animals with attention to detail.

Lunging Horses introduces you to the essential techniques and knowledge required for exercising horses safely from the ground. This subject focuses on the correct use and fitting of lungeing equipment, understanding safe lungeing practices, and recognising the signs of fatigue or stress in horses before, during, and after exercise.

You’ll learn how to lunge calm, well-educated horses under supervision in a variety of settings, such as yards, exercise arenas, and event areas. The subject also explores the reasons for lungeing, the basics of horse movement and behaviour during groundwork, and key safety considerations for both handler and horse

Equine Biosecurity & Infection Control equips you with the essential skills and knowledge to protect the health of horses and the wider community by preventing the spread of infectious diseases. In this subject, you’ll learn how to apply effective biosecurity and infection control procedures across different equine settings.

You’ll explore the principles of disease prevention, practical steps to minimise disease transmission, and how to respond to potential outbreaks. This subject also covers how to recognise and report signs of illness, maintain hygiene standards, and use personal protective equipment appropriately.

To complete your qualification, you’ll need to obtain a current First Aid certificate by undertaking a human first aid course with a registered training provider (HLTAID011 Provide First Aid) . This important step ensures you’re equipped with essential emergency skills for any workplace, and your certification must be supplied before graduation.

Equine First Aid provides you with the essential skills and knowledge to respond effectively to health emergencies and routine health concerns in horses. In this subject, you’ll learn how to accurately measure and record vital signs, recognise and report signs of common illnesses and injuries, and provide immediate care in emergencies.

You’ll gain practical experience following first aid policies and procedures specific to horses, ensuring you can act quickly and confidently when a horse needs help. The subject also covers when and how to escalate care to veterinary professionals, the importance of clear communication, and maintaining accurate records.

Riding Horses A introduces you to the foundational skills and knowledge needed to safely ride calm, well-trained horses under supervision. This subject focuses on building your confidence and ability to control a horse at walk, trot, and canter within a secure environment such as exercise yards or fenced arenas.

You’ll learn how to work with horses that are suited to beginner riders, developing essential riding techniques while always prioritising the safety and welfare of both rider and horse. The subject also covers key safety considerations and risk awareness, helping you understand how to manage potential hazards when working with and around horses.

By completing Riding Horses A, you’ll gain the practical riding skills, safety awareness, and foundational knowledge required for entry-level riding tasks, setting the stage for further learning and progression as a capable, responsible rider.

Ride Horses B builds on the foundational skills gained in Riding Horses A, taking your riding to the next level. In this subject, you’ll learn to ride educated horses both on the flat and while negotiating set obstacles, gaining confidence in a variety of controlled and open environments—such as paddocks, exercise yards, arenas, trails, and event venues.

You’ll develop more advanced riding techniques while continuing to prioritise the safety and welfare of both horse and rider. The subject covers risk assessment, safe riding practices, and how to manage different riding situations and environments, ensuring you’re well-prepared for real-world challenges.

Prerequisite: You must successfully complete Riding Horses A before commencing in Ride Horses B.

If you do not have access to your own horses and coach and already, you will need to enrol with an approved riding school to complete the necessary lessons to learn to ride. Horse riding lesson costs are not included in your course fees.

Personal Health & Fitness for Equine Work focuses on the skills and knowledge you need to maintain your own wellbeing while working with horses. This subject covers the basics of health and nutrition, the importance of staying physically fit for hands-on equine roles, and practical strategies for managing stress and workplace fatigue.

You’ll learn how to assess your own fitness and nutrition needs, adopt safe work practices, and develop routines that support your energy and effectiveness on the job. The subject also explores ways to prevent injury and burnout, helping you build habits that contribute to a long and successful career in the horse industry.

This subject credits into the ACM30821 Certificate III in Horse Care.

Equine Welfare equips you with the skills and knowledge to evaluate the welfare of horses using recognised animal welfare assessment frameworks and tools. In this subject, you’ll learn how to systematically observe and assess the physical and behavioural wellbeing of horses across different environments—such as stables, paddocks, training facilities, and event venues.

You’ll explore industry-accepted models for welfare assessment, understand what good equine welfare looks like, and develop the ability to identify signs of compromised welfare. The subject emphasises the importance of accurate monitoring, record-keeping, and clear reporting to ensure horses receive the care they need.

Basic Hoof Care introduces you to the essential skills and knowledge required to maintain healthy horse hooves as part of routine care. In this subject, you’ll learn how to safely check horse hooves and shoes, identify common issues affecting hoof health and function, and apply simple treatments when needed.

You’ll gain practical experience in removing loose or damaged horse shoes and recognising situations that require professional attention from a farrier or veterinarian. The subject emphasises the importance of regular hoof checks and preventive care to support the horse’s overall wellbeing and soundness.

This subject credits into the ACM30821 Certificate III in Horse Care.