New Zealand Certificate in Equine Skills (Level 3) (Sporthorse Stable Assistant)

Farming

A course by

SIT

This 16-week full-time certificate programme prepares students to work as Sporthorse Stable Assistants, developing core skills in horse care, health, stabling, handling, exercising, training, and event preparation.

NZ$3,000

inc GST

Enquire about international pricing


This course starts anytime

NZQA Level 3 Certification (50 Credits)

Study Level

Entry

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

In-person study

Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting

Telford, Telford

It will take a total of 16 weeks

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Apply equine health and safety procedures

Identify and respond to common health problems in horses, and apply safety procedures including emergency response.

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Care for and prepare horses for performance

Attend to routine daily requirements, stabling, and preparation of horses for events.

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Communicate within the stable and with clients

Interact effectively with both team members and clients in a professional context.

What You're Signing Up For

The New Zealand Certificate in Equine Skills (Level 3) (Sporthorse Stable Assistant) equips students for careers in the sporthorse industry by covering essential aspects of horse care, health, exercise, event preparation, and teamwork. Students learn to safely and effectively handle horses, provide routine health care, support horse training, and prepare for performance events. The course includes significant hands-on practical elements and can be a pathway into further equine, animal care, or agriculture qualifications.

Course Content

  • Routine identification, reporting, and treatment of problems in horses in training
  • Responding to emergencies involving horses
  • Day-to-day requirements of horses in training
  • Effective communication with team members and clients
  • Preparation of horses for events and supporting horses/riders at events
  • Routine exercising and training of horses for sporthorse disciplines
  • Completion of a practical component at an equine workplace

What you need to know first

Minimum age 16 years at course commencement

Relevant NQF Level 3 qualification or NCEA Level 2

Expressed interest in working in the sporthorse sector

Physical ability to work safely with horses and machinery

Willingness to meet attendance and academic requirements

Evidence of riding ability (video submission: must be able to rise to a trot and canter)

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What sort of industry will this job lead to

  • Animal Care

  • Equine

  • Agriculture

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Future employment opportunities might be

  • Sporthorse Stable Assistant

  • Animal care roles

  • Equine industry entry roles

  • Pathway to rural animal technician