RGR30218 - Certificate III in Racing (Stablehand)

Turn your passion into a career get straight into the action with real, on-the-job training in racing stables. This nationally recognised qualification builds confident, capable stablehands ready to support the daily care and performance of racehorses. Learn how to feed, groom, and handle thoroughbreds, support morning trackwork, swim horses, and help prepare them for race day. You’ll gain real-world experience in a fastpaced industry where no two days are the same.

Working under the delegated authority of a licensed trainer who holds overall operational responsibility, the stablehand operates within the stable environment—either independently or by supervising other staff—depending on the scale of the operation. In accordance with racing regulations, they may act on behalf of the trainer. The role demands autonomy, sound judgement, the ability to interpret and respond to information, and accountability for both the conduct of operations and the quality of outcomes.

Why study a Certificate III in Racing (Stablehand)

• Hands-on career with horses - Gain practical skills in horse care, handling, and stable operations—ideal for those passionate about working with racehorses.
• Pathway to professional roles - Opens doors to roles such as stablehand, trackwork rider, or trainer, with clear progression into higher qualifications.
• Industry-recognised qualification - Nationally accredited and respected across Australia’s thoroughbred and harness racing sectors.
• Workforce-ready training - Learn essential tasks like feeding, grooming, transporting, and attending horses at race meetings and trials.
• Compliance and biosecurity knowledge - Understand racing rules, ethics, and infection control—critical for maintaining safety and integrity in the industry.
• Flexible career options - Suitable for employment in racing stables, studs, or as part of mobile horse care teams.
• Licensing support - May assist with meeting licensing or registration requirements in various states and territories.
• Mentorship and teamwork - Develop leadership and coordination skills by supervising others or managing operations under a trainer’s guidance.
• Contribute to a prestigious sport - Be part of Australia’s iconic racing culture, supporting horses that compete at local and national levels.
• Early start and finish work times provide options to study a second qualification, hold a second job to increase your earnings, or participate in your hobbies.

Key responsibilities

Stablehands play a crucial role in the racing industry with responsibilities that may include:

• Horse Care: Feeding, grooming, and monitoring the health of racehorses.
• Prepare for Trackwork & Races: saddle, strap, and walk horses to and from training and race events
• Support Horse Fitness Swim, walk, and cool down horses as part of their training routine
• Maintain Stables & Equipment: Keep stables clean, safe, and ready for action.

Course duration and delivery mode

Duration

• Full Time: 12 months
• Part Time: 24 months

Traineeship duration nominal:

• Full time: 24 months
• Part time: 48 months

Delivery Mode

Blended Learning – combination of on-the-job training, face to face and e-learning.

Entry requirements

There are no entry requirements for this qualification.

Program requirements

The following requirements apply to all students undertaking this program. They cover the physical demands, licensing, equipment and technology needs, and language, literacy and numeracy skills involved in training and working in the racing industry. 

• Training and assessment involve moderate physical activity. Students must be able to actively participate in scheduled training and assessment activities, both on and off-the-job.
• Students must complete workplace tasks in accordance with employer expectations.
• Students must be capable of operating in a racing industry environment and handling standard industry equipment.
• Students must possess adequate language, literacy, numeracy and digital (LLND) skills to comprehend learning materials and effectively carry out routine work tasks within their role.
• Students must have access to a computer, laptop, or tablet with reliable internet to engage with online materials, along with basic computer skills.
• Students must acquire personal protective equipment (PPE) for the course, which may include enclosed shoes, sun protection (hat, sunscreen).
• Students must obtain the appropriate racing industry licence relevant to their training prior to, or at the commencement of, the course and maintain this licence for the duration of their enrolment.

For information regarding licensing requirements and the application process, please contact the relevant racing authority in your state:

• Queensland: Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) - https://qric.qld.gov.au/licensing-and-registration
• South Australia: Racing SA - https://www.racingsa.com.au/licensing-and-forms/licensing-forms
• Tasmania: Tasracing - https://tasracing.com.au/integrity

Please note: as part of the enrolment process, the RTO will assess each individual's language, literacy, numeracy and digital (LLND) skills. Learners needing basic assistance can access additional learning support directly through the RTO. Where more extensive support is required, we can refer learners to specialist LLN providers to help build their skills and ensure they're ready to begin the course.

Industry connection tip: this program requires hands-on industry experience and is best suited to individuals already working in a licensed racing stable under a trainer. Not currently working in a racing stable? Contact our Education Department to discuss your options.

Course packaging

To achieve this qualification, competency must be demonstrated in 18 units of competency:

12 Core + 6 Elective = 18 Total Units

Core Units (12)

An asterisk (*) next to the unit code indicates that there are prerequisite requirements which must be met when packaging the qualification.

Electives (6)

Career pathways and outcomes

Certificate III graduates may find employment as stablehands or grooms in racing stables, equestrian centres, or stud farms; track riders, responsible for exercising and training horses on the racetrack; strappers, assisting in the preparation and care of racehorses before and after races; grounds maintenance workers, maintaining racetrack facilities; stud hands, assisting with the breeding and care of thoroughbred horses; or racing administration assistants, performing administrative tasks within racing clubs and organizations. Graduates may also choose to pursue further education and training within the racing industry.

Completing this qualification opens up opportunities for further study and career progression in the horse racing industry, including:

• RGR30518 Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider) – for those wanting to become licensed trackwork riders.
• RGR30419 Certificate III in Racing (Cadet Steward) – for those interested in racing integrity, rules, and stewarding roles.
• RGR40118 Certificate IV in Racing (Racehorse Trainer) – for those aiming to become professional racehorse trainers or take on advanced stable management roles. This course prepares students for hands-on roles in racing stables, stud farms, or equestrian centres, building skills that can lead to a long-term career in the thoroughbred racing industry

Fees

Course fees are determined based on the student's enrolment pathway, funding eligibility (where applicable) and the qualification being undertaken. 
 
 Where government-funded training is available, student contributions and any applicable concession arrangements will be applied in accordance with the relevant funding program requirements.
 
 Students who are not eligible for government funding will be enrolled under a fee-for-service arrangement.
 
Information regarding applicable fees and charges will be provided to students prior to enrolment, ensuring they have the opportunity to make an informed decision before commencing training. For further information regarding current fees and charges, please refer to the Fees Schedule.

How to apply

Ready to get started?

Select your state below and complete the relevant expression of interest form:

• Queensland expression of interest form
• Tasmania expression of interest form
• South Australia expression of interest form

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us at:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 07 3869 9781