If you love horses and enjoy practical, hands-on work, becoming a stable hand could be the perfect entry point into the equine industry.
Stable hands play an essential role in supporting the health, comfort and performance of horses by managing their daily care routines. In some settings, this role may also be referred to as a groom, a professional responsible for the care, feeding, and day-to-day management of horses. From feeding and grooming to monitoring general wellbeing, their contributions ensure horses remain content, healthy and well-prepared for riding, training or competition.
Working as a stable hand allows you to immerse yourself in a horse-focused environment where you’ll build valuable animal care skills while developing a close bond with the horses in your care. This role offers rewarding daily routines, physical activity and the chance to work outdoors in a team environment.
For those with a passion for horses and an interest in learning more about their behaviour, wellbeing and management, stable hand positions provide a strong foundation for a career in the equine industry. Many people use this role as a stepping stone into more specialised paths such as a groom in a competition yard, riding instructor, stud farm management, equine therapy, horse training, equine retail or veterinary care related positions such as an equine veterinary nurse.
Stable hands are at the forefront of equine welfare, providing essential daily care for all horses, whether tending to a high-level competition horse or providing support for a retired or geriatric horse spending their days in a green pasture. They play a critical role in daily routines including feeding and grooming, monitoring behaviour and body condition, spotting early signs of illness or injury, and maintaining clean and safe stables. This creates the foundation for good health and performance. Their daily efforts support the wellbeing of each horse and the smooth running of the facility as a whole.
Stable hands are responsible for a variety of routine horse care duties, including:
To succeed as a stable hand, you’ll need:
Many of these skills are also expected in groom positions, especially in performance-focused, where the title may differ but the core duties remain similar.
Stable hands are employed in a range of equine settings, such as:
Depending on the size of the stable, a stable hand may also be involved in general maintenance of the facilities and surroundings including ground and fence maintenance as well as general administration duties.
As of 2025, stable hand salaries in Australia vary based on location, experience, and type of employer. Most entry-level roles offer a starting salary between $49,500 and $55,000 per year. Experienced stable hands in larger or performance-focused facilities may earn up to $70,000 to $75,000 annually.
Wages are generally guided by the Farm Employees Award, and may also include benefits like accommodation, meals or bonuses, depending on the role.
The demand for stable hands in Australia remains steady, particularly in regions with active equestrian communities. Performance horse facilities, riding schools, and private stables consistently require reliable and skilled workers to care for their horses. While the role is often entry-level, those with strong skills and a good work ethic are well-positioned to progress into more senior or specialised positions over time.
There are no formal qualifications required to start as a stable hand, but gaining basic training and hands-on experience is highly recommended.
A great place to begin is with our Horse Care Fundamentals – an online, self-paced program created by horse people, for horse people. This flexible course introduces key topics like equine behaviour, husbandry routines, feeding, health, lunging, conformation assessment and safe handling practices.
It’s ideal for those looking to start a career in the equine industry, volunteers, leisure riders, or property owners caring for their own horses. With no prerequisites, it offers a well-rounded entry point into horse care and complements practical experience gained through volunteering or working at your local pony club or stables.
For those wanting to build on this foundation, the ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care introduces general animal care skills and basic handling, while the ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services offers more deeper knowledge of animal health and wellbeing.
A further career pathway is to become an Equine Veterinary Nurse. This typically involves completing a ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, followed by additional training in equine-specific care such as an Equine Veterinary Course to specialise in this field.
If you are just starting out, volunteer work or casual employment at local stables, pony clubs and riding schools or equine rescue organisations can also provide valuable experience. This hands-on exposure helps build confidence and practical skills while introducing you to the routines and expectations of the role.
With the right attitude, a willingness to learn, and a strong work ethic, becoming a stable hand can be the start of a fulfilling and lifelong career working with horses.
AVT is proud to launch a national internship opportunity for animal care students through a new partnership with Greencross Vets. Students enrolling in our Certificate II in Animal Care (Vet Nurse Program) will gain real-world experience with guaranteed clinic placements throughout Australia.
If you dream of working with animals and are seeking a fulfilling, flexible career caring for them, why not consider a dog walking business.
Deciding between a Certificate II and a Certificate III in Animal Care? The Certificate II is ideal for beginners, providing foundational skills, while the Certificate III builds on existing experience with advanced training. Explore key differences and find the right course for you.
The leader in delivery of Australian Nationally Recognised Qualifications including ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care (formerly Animal Studies), ACM30122 Certificate III in Animal Care Services, ACM40818 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and ACM40322 Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training.
Applied Vocational Training (AVT) delivers a range of qualifications and short courses for students wishing to pursue a career working with animals.
AVT is a Registered Training Organisation based in Perth, Western Australia, providing on-campus and online courses to students studying throughout Australia. More about us →
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