RGR30218 - Certificate III in Racing Industry (Stablehand)

Why Study a Certificate III in Racing Industry?

• 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.

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.

This course can be completed as part of a traineeship. Enquire today to check your eligibility requirements.

Program requirements

• A Stablehand licence from the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) is required prior to any engagement at a registered horse racing establishment. For more information, please visit the QRIC website.
• Must have access to computer/laptop or tablet and reliable internet to engage with online materials, along with basic computer skills.
• Students must acquire personal protective equipment (PPE) for the course, including enclosed shoes.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE

This program offers hands-on industry experience for individuals already engaged in a registered stable, stud farm, or pre-training facility. Applicants who are not currently involved in one of these environments are encouraged to contact the Racing Queensland Education Department for further information.

Industry Connection tip:

Prospective students are encouraged to explore industry networks, such as the All Things Racing SE QLD Facebook group, to discover stable placements and begin their training journey.

Course specifics

• Designed for those working in thoroughbred racing stables, stud farms, pre-training farms or equestrian centres, with strong immersion in the racing industry.
• The course includes extensive practical industry experience, ensuring students develop the skills and confidence to support the daily operations of a racing environment.

Course Outcomes

• A nationally accredited qualification at a Certificate III level.
• Builds the knowledge and practical skills needed to work as a professional Stablehand in the racing industry.
• Covers essential areas of horse care, handling, feeding, grooming, exercising, and stable operations.
• Provides substantial practical industry experience, ensuring students gain real-world skills in racing stables
• Prepares graduates for a rewarding career supporting the health, welfare, and performance of racehorses, while contributing to the smooth operation and success of racing stables.

Details and Unit:

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

Traineeship Eligibility: You must already be employed to enrol as a trainee with Racing Queensland. Speak to your employer about choosing Racing Queensland as your Supervising Registered Training Organisation (SRTO).

Cost: Eligible apprentices and trainees that meet the Queensland state funding requirements will be charged a set fee per nominal hour. These fees are calculated at a regulated rate.

Concession rates apply for students who hold a current Health Care Card or who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

Non-funded trainees will be charged a fee for service cost. These will be confirmed prior to the commencement of training.

Information regarding costs will be outline on the agreed training plan which will be provided to the employer and apprentice or trainee at the time of induction.

Fees and funding: A full fee schedule is available here.

How to Apply?

Ready to get started?

Fill out an expression of interest form here.

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

• Email: training@racingqueensland.com.au
• Phone: 07 3869 9781