RGR40118 - Certificate IV in Racing (Racehorse Trainer)

Why Study a Certificate IV in Racing (Racehorse Trainer)?

• Become a licensed racehorse trainer - This qualification is required for licensing in many Australian states and territories to operate a racing business.
• Train horses for competitive racing - Learn to condition, prepare, and manage horses for performance in harness or thoroughbred racing events.
• Manage a racing establishment - Gain skills in staff supervision, financial management, equipment coordination, and stable operations.
• Lead with confidence - Develop leadership and planning abilities to oversee complex, non-routine tasks in a dynamic racing environment.
• Apply industry ethics and integrity - Understand and uphold the rules, responsibilities, and ethical standards of the racing industry.
• Tailor training programs for horses - Learn to assess horse fitness, implement exercise regimes, and monitor health and welfare.
• Progress from hands-on to strategic roles - Ideal for experienced stablehands or trackwork riders ready to step into business ownership or senior training roles.
• Nationally recognised qualification - Accredited under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), respected across the racing industry.
  
  

Duration

Full Time: 12 months

Part Time: 24 months

Delivery mode

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

Course specifics

• This qualification is designed for individuals seeking to become licensed racehorse trainers in the thoroughbred racing industry.
• Focuses on developing skills in horse care, training techniques, stable management, and race preparation.
• Includes on-the-job training to provide hands-on experience in real racing stable environments.
• Students learn to manage racing operations, oversee staff, and ensure horse welfare and safety.
• Equips graduates with the knowledge required to meet industry regulations and licensing standards.

Entry requirements:

To undertake this qualification, individuals must have:

• A relevant Certificate III qualification in the racing industry that

Must demonstrate experience in horse care, welfare, and management, such as:

• RGR30518 – Certificate III in Racing (Trackwork Rider)
• RGR30218 – Certificate III in Racing (Stablehand)
• RGR30318 – Certificate III in Racing (Driving Stablehand)

OR

• Equivalent skills and knowledge in the care, welfare, and management of horses that match the competencies of the above qualifications.

Considering this, RQ mandates that individuals undertaking this course must:

• Attend and be active in scheduled training and assessments, both on and off-the-job.
• Ability to operate in the racing industry environment and handle standard industry equipment.
• Possess adequate language, literacy, and numeracy skills to comprehend learning materials and carry out routine work tasks effectively within their role.

Please note: RQ will communicate with individuals who express interest in enrolling to assess their language, literacy, and numeracy skills. The RQ team is equipped to offer supplementary learning support to learners in need of basic assistance. For those requiring more extensive support, RQ can facilitate referrals to specialised language, literacy, and numeracy development providers. These providers can aid learners in enhancing their language, literacy, and numeracy skills to ensure their readiness to begin the course effectively.

Course Details and Unit

To achieve this qualification, competency must be demonstrated in 16 units of competency: 7core units plus 9 elective units.

Core Units (7)

Electives (9)

Career Pathways and Outcomes

Certificate IV in Racing as a racehorse trainer can become a licensed Trainer and train and condition horses for racing, manage stable operations, and oversee race preparation under industry-regulated licensing criteria. With pathways to the following:

• Foreperson or Assistant Trainer – Support senior trainers in managing horses and staff.
• Stable Manager – Oversee daily operations, logistics, and compliance within a racing establishment.
• Racing Business Owner – Operate a licensed training business, manage finances, and liaise with owners and racing authorities.
• Industry Mentor or Educator – Share expertise through training, assessment, or advisory roles in vocational education.

Graduates of this qualification will be able to:

• Apply advanced knowledge of horse health, nutrition, and conditioning to develop effective training programs.
• Manage daily stable operations, including staff supervision and horse care.
• Prepare horses for racing, trials, and recovery in line with industry standards.
• Ensure compliance with racing rules, licensing requirements, and welfare obligations.
• Communicate effectively with owners, jockeys, veterinarians, and racing officials.

Ready to Become a Horse Trainer? Here’s What to Know

• Early Starts, every day racehorse training requires dedication - early mornings and consistent routines are key.
• Keep Horses and Stables in Top Condition: A trainer must ensure horses are fit, healthy, and well-prepared for racing.
• Train With Skill and Care: You’ll manage multiple horses, supervise staff, and plan training programs - expertise and confidence are essential.
• Racing is a Lifestyle: Be prepared for long days, fast-paced environments, and weekends at the track.

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:

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