Equine
Get professional training in all aspects of the equestrian industry with a qualification at GOTAFE.
Turn your passion for horses into a career
Whether you're interested in breeding, performance, or general care of horses, we have the courses and trainers to help you reach your goals. You'll learn the industry skills employers are looking for, and get to practice them in a real-life stable environment with our world-class training facilities. With a range of courses to choose from, and pathways into tertiary study, you'll graduate ready to excel in the equestrian industry.
Courses
Get a recognised qualification with one of our accredited courses. We offer a range of courses in different areas, so no matter what your goals are, we have a course for you.
Certificate III in Equine Studies (22647VIC)
If you're passionate about horses and interested in a career in the equine industry, the Certificate III in Equine Studies is the perfect qualification to get you started.
Certificate III in Horse Breeding (RGR30619)
Learn the skills to join Australia's horse breeding industry with a Certificate III in Horse Breeding from GOTAFE.
Certificate IV in Farriery (ACM40818)
Interested in becoming a farrier? You'll be a shoe-in after studying the Certificate IV in Farriery.
Short Courses
Upskill quickly with our Equine short courses. Learn the skills you need to succeed at work, and advance your career.
Stable Start Program (SA3SSART25)
The Stable Start Program is a Racing Victoria initiative and is mandatory for those wishing to gain employment in the racing industry.
FECAL
GOTAFE’s Faecal Egg Count Analysis Laboratory (FECAL) has been established to better monitor and manage parasite infestations in horses, cattle and sheep.
The laboratory is an initiative of the Animal Sciences team and is located at the Wangaratta Regional Study Centre, 218 Tone Road, Wangaratta.
"My favourite part of the course which was also the most beneficial to me was the breeding and foaling units, as I had the opportunity to get my Shetland pony in foal while I was doing the course, which meant I was able to apply the things I learnt from the course to a real situation."
– Nicole, Certificate II in Equine Studies
Why study with GOTAFE?
World-class facilities
Our Trainers have experience in a range of different roles in the equine industry, from stud managers and jockeys, to thoroughbred breeders and National Coaching Accreditation Scheme (NCAS) accredited coaches.
Our world-class training facilities include an 18-horse stable complex, feed room, tack room, hot and cold wash bath, undercover and lungeing arenas, breeding facilities, as well as yards and paddocks. You'll train in a fully functional stable environment, and gain the practical skills and expertise you need to succeed in a professional environment.
Established industry connections
Whether you choose to stay local, or take your career elsewhere, you'll have the skills to take you where you want to go. Our Trainers have strong industry networks, so we're always in touch with the changing needs of the equine industry. Our students have gone on to work with some of Australia's largest racing stables and breeders, and employers often ask us for recommendations when they have positions available.
Some of the organisations we have connections with include:
- Racing Victoria Limited (RVL)
- Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria
- Australian Veterinary Association
- Pony Club Victoria
- Horse Riding Club Association Victoria (HRCAV)
- Equestrian Australia