New Zealand Certificate in Equine Skills (Level 3) (Sporthorse Stable Assistant)
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
Core skills this course teaches
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.
About This Course
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
Entry Requirements
Minimum age 16 years at course commencement
Relevant NQF Level 3 qualification or NCEA Level 2
Build towards these roles
Sporthorse Stable AssistantAnimal care rolesEquine industry entry rolesPathway to rural animal technician
Build skills in these industries
Animal CareEquineAgriculture
