How do I become a stable hand?
Certificate II in Racing Industry
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate II in Horse Care
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate I in Racing
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate III in Equine Studies
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate I in Racing (Stablehand)
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate III in Racing (Stablehand)
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate III in Horse Care
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate I in Animal Care Industry Pathways
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Related occupations
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.
Horse Trainer
A Horse Trainer prepares horses for racing or competitions, develops fitness, trains behaviour, and aids in recovery, requiring horse handling skills and team collaboration.
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 Stable Hand earn?
In Australia, a full time Stable Hand generally earns $1,000 per week ($52,000 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 Stable Hand?
The number of people employed as a Stable Hand has remained steady over the last five years. There are currently 4,400 people in this role in Australia and they can be found in all states and territories.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
How do I become a Stable Hand?
If you’d like to work as a Stable Hand you could enrol in a Certificate II in Horse Care. This 12 month course covers all aspects of the industry like horse care, horse behaviour and feeding and handling safety. You may also be able to specialise in an area that interests you like stud work, trail riding or horse sport. You could also consider the Certificate I in Racing which covers more aspects of the horse racing industry.