How do I become a horse trainer?
Certificate IV in Racing (Racehorse Trainer)
- Completed Certificate III in Racing (Driving Stablehand) OR Certificate III in Racing (Stablehand) OR Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider) or equivalent qualifications OR
- Evidence of relevant skills, knowledge and employment experience
Certificate III in Horse Care
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate IV in Equine Care
- Completed Certificate III in Equine Studies or equivalent qualifications OR
- Evidence of relevant skills, knowledge and employment experience
Related occupations
Stable Hand
A Stable Hand feeds, grooms, and exercises horses while maintaining stables and equipment, requiring physical stamina and excellent horse handling skills.
Stable Manager
A Stable Manager supervises daily operations in a horse stable, ensuring horse care and managing staff, finances, and schedules efficiently.
Trainee Farrier
A Trainee Farrier treats horse hooves, fits horseshoes, works irregular hours, and requires strong communication and horse handling skills.
Farrier
A Farrier trims and shapes horses’ hooves, fits custom shoes, treats hoof issues, and works irregular hours, requiring strong horse handling skills.
Track Rider
A Track Rider exercises horses for racing or training, improves their fitness, addresses behavioural issues, and works in a team, often with irregular hours.
Racing Cadet Steward
A Racing Cadet Steward oversees horse races, ensuring compliance with regulations, handling investigations, and enforcing rules on equipment, performances, and animal care.
Jockey
A Jockey rides horses in races, assists with training, develops racing plans, and manages horse fitness, requiring physical fitness, tactical thinking, and teamwork.
Horse Breeding Assistant
A Horse Breeding Assistant supports breeding, training, and care of horses for racing, dressage, and more, working irregular hours as needed.
Horse Riding Instructor
A Horse Riding Instructor coaches students in equestrian techniques, conducts lessons, prepares them for competitions, and adapts to individual needs.
Common questions
How much does a Horse Trainer earn?
In Australia, a full time Horse Trainer generally earns $1,346 per week ($69,992 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
What are the job opportunities for a Horse Trainer?
The number of people working in this industry has decreased in recent years. There are currently 2,900 people working as a Horse Trainer in Australia, compared to 3,100 five years ago. Horse Trainers may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
How do I become a Horse Trainer?
A Certificate IV in Racing (Racehorse Trainer) is an excellent qualification if you’re interested in a career as a Horse Trainer. This course will give you the skills to supervise the handling of horses, manage horse welfare and run a horse training business. You’ll learn to select horses for different riders, apply your knowledge of horse behaviour and manage equine biosecurity and infection controls.