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.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Telford, Telford
It will take a total of 16 weeks


Coming Soon: Nexties Explorer
Our AI-powered Explorer is almost ready. Soon, you’ll be able to build a dynamic profile of your skills, goals, and strengths, and get a curated selection of courses just for you.
More detailsUnlock these abilities

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

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

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)

What sort of industry will this job lead to
Animal Care
Equine
Agriculture

Future employment opportunities might be
Sporthorse Stable Assistant
Animal care roles
Equine industry entry roles
Pathway to rural animal technician


Coming Soon: Nexties Explorer
Our AI-powered Explorer is almost ready. Soon, you’ll be able to build a dynamic profile of your skills, goals, and strengths, and get a curated selection of courses just for you.
More details