Certificate IV in Racing (Racehorse Trainer)

About this course

Are you looking for a career in racehorse training? This course will give you the skills to work as a professional racehorse trainer and to prepare horses for racing success.

You’ll learn about:

caring for, conditioning and training horses
nutrition and fitness
horse handling and safety.

You’ll also develop the skills to manage horses in a racing environment, including how to:

work with jockeys and stable staff
manage a racing stable.

This qualification is recognised nationally under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

Licensing and regulatory information

In Victoria you will need a licence to work as a horse trainer. Visit the Racing Victoria website for details.

This course can be done as an apprenticeship. You’ll get practical skills and experience in a specific trade or profession. On completion you will receive a nationally recognised qualification.

To do an apprenticeship you’ll need an employer willing to hire you as an apprentice.

To get started:
- search for advertised apprenticeship opportunities and apply
- contact an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider for information on finding an employer and for ongoing support
- find a course provider that delivers the course as an apprenticeship.
To get help:
- contact the TAFE and Training Line
- visit our apprenticeships and traineeships page
- visit Apprenticeships Victoria.

Units of study

Core units

Unit title	Unit code
Manage a small team	BSBSMB407
Maintain workplace safety	BSBWHS301
Comply with racing industry ethics and integrity	RGRCMN203
Participate in racing protests and inquiries	RGRCMN305
Supervise handling of horses	RGRPSH302
Manage horse health and welfare	RGRPSH408
Operate horse racing training business	RGRPSH421

Elective units

Unit title	Unit code
Apply knowledge of horse behaviour	ACMEQU205
Manage selection of horse for new or inexperienced handler, rider or driver	ACMEQU406
Manage equine biosecurity and infection control	ACMINF502
Comply with regulatory, taxation and insurance requirements for the micro business	BSBSMB305
Market the small business	BSBSMB403
Manage small business finances	BSBSMB421
Develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainability	BSBSUS501
Provide First Aid	HLTAID011
Manage conflict at work	MSMSUP280
Participate in media interviews for racing	RGRCMN402
Assess suitability of horses for specific uses	RGRHBR304
Perform basic driving tasks	RGRPSH203
Prepare to drive jog work	RGRPSH204
Implement stable operations	RGRPSH301
Develop driving skills for trackwork	RGRPSH305
Provide care and treatment of horses	RGRPSH401
Drive horses in pacework and fast work	RGRPSH402
Educate horses for harness racing	RGRPSH403
Educate thoroughbred horses for racing	RGRPSH407
Determine nutritional requirements for racing horses	RGRPSH409
Participate in implementing racehorse exercise programs	RGRPSH420
Promote and maintain business arrangements with racehorse owners	RGRPSH422
Train horses for jumping racing	RGRPSH423
Re-educate horses to manage behaviours and/or transition to new purposes	RGRPSH424
Advise on transitioning and rehoming horses	RGRPSH425
Plan and adapt training and conditioning programs for racehorses	RGRPSH501
Plan and implement education of horses for racing	RGRPSH502
Trial and race horses	RGRPSH503
Develop systems and records for horse racing business training operations	RGRPSH504
Select horses for racing	RGRPSH505
Relate animal welfare to track and environmental conditions	RGRTRK402
Develop a social media strategy	SIRXMKT006

Course providers

This course is offered by the following providers. Click on the links to the provider websites for the latest information on course details, fees and how to apply.

Government funding for eligible students:
Locations: Junortoun, Melton, Flemington
Delivery modes: Full time on-campus
- Visit Racing Education Centre for course details, fees and how to apply
- Check our FAQs on choosing a course and provider
Government funding for eligible students:
Locations: Horsham, Longerenong, Dandenong (Dandenong South)
Delivery modes: Full time on-campus, Part time on-campus
- Visit Skillinvest for course details, fees and how to apply
- Check our FAQs on choosing a course and provider