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Online Equine Short Course

Horse Care Fundamentals

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A Course for Horse People, Created by Horse People

Are you passionate about horses and their care? Looking to further your knowledge or focus on a career in the equine industry?

Our Horse Care Fundamentals course is presented in a unique online format for those looking to learn more about equine studies! A career working with horses is extremely rewarding and satisfying, and this online equine short course is a great way to make your dream become reality!

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This horse care course is ideal if you are:

  • Looking to pursue a career in the equine industry
  • A volunteer or already working in the equine industry
  • A leisure rider who just wants more knowledge about horses
  • Looking for a future career in equine veterinary nursing and need exposure to horse care

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  • An existing veterinary nurse who is seeking more experience in equine care
  • Seeking more experience with horses to go on to further training
  • A property owner caring for horses.

Course snapshot


Duration: Up to 6 months

Study mode: Self-paced

Online study time: Approx. 4-6 hours per week

Application status: Enrol now

Prerequisite: No prior qualifications are required

Best suited to: Those looking for more skills, knowledge and expertise in the area of horse care, or those who are looking to pursue a career in the equine industry 

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Equine and Horse care studies - online course Australia
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Online course outline

Delivery & Assessments

This course is delivered online and you will not be required to attend classes. You will be provided with a login to our Online Learning Platform where you will find all of the course materials including interactive learning material, videos, and assessments.

Entry Requirements

The Horse Care Fundamentals short course is a great building block for those with an interest in horse care. There are no prerequisites for entry into this course, however, to enrol in this course you will need to:

  • Be passionate about all things equine.
  • Be at least Year 9 high school age.
  • Have a reliable internet connection and access to a desktop computer, laptop or electronic device. 

What will you learn?

You will complete 10 modules  online, covering a broad range of equine topics relating to the principles of working in the animal care industry.  You will be introduced to:

  • Equine behaviour and welfare
  • Safe and effective handling techniques including loading
  • Daily husbandry routines for horses
  • Fitting gear and equipment
  • Equine health and nutrition
  • Assessment of horse conformation
  • Safe and effective lunging

All of the skills and knowledge you will learn can be applied across a broad range of horse care facilities. For more information on jobs and careers in this industry, read our article Ten Rewarding Careers that Involve Working with Horses.

Training in horse care - online studies

Course outcomes

Our graduates go on to a wide range of roles across the equine and animal care industry.  You can learn more about working with horses in our popular blog post “Ten Rewarding Careers that Involve Working with Horses” and below are potential outcomes for graduates of our horse care fundamentals course:

Job outcomes

On completion of your training, potential career pathways include, but are not limited to:

Skills outcomes

As well as becoming confident in handling horses, here are some of the skills you will be able to apply once having completed this course:

  • Understand horse behaviour
  • Handling and caring for horses safely
  • Undertaking stable duties
  • Horse health, including nutrition and feeding
  • Assessing horse conformation
  • Fitting gear correctly
  • Lunging horses safely
  • Safe transportation of horses including loading and unloading

The Australian Veterinary Nurse and Technician (AVNAT) Regulatory Council has allocated 10 AVNAT CPD points to this continuing education activity.

Course content

Our training is comprised of 10 modules covering the principles of working in the equine and horse care industry. You will be required to study the topics listed below:

  • Module 1 – Working in the Horse Industry
    Discover potential career paths within the horse industry. This module sheds light on topics such as animal welfare, biosecurity, and the transmission of zoonotic diseases in horse care facilities.

  • Module 2 – Understanding Horse Behaviour
    Learn how horses’ innate behaviours, including the flight response, social structures within herds, special senses, and communication, shape their interactions. This module also delves into problem behaviours, often termed as ‘vices’.

  • Module 3 – Working Safely with Horses
    Develop a comprehensive understanding of workplace health and safety, covering hazards, risks, and emergencies specific to horses and their care facilities. It includes safe handling techniques such as approaching, catching, leading, tying up, and releasing horses, as well as horse restraint and transportation.

  • Module 4 – Terminology, Characteristics, and Identification of Horses
    Gain a foundation of knowledge on horse breeds and types, along with points, different gaits, and methods of identification based on sex, coat colour, and markings, both natural and acquired.

  • Module 5 – Housing of Horses
    Explore various housing options like stables and paddocks, discussing appropriate bedding, stable routines, agistment, and Australian regulations pertaining to horsekeeping.

  • Module 6 – Routine Husbandry
    Understand the importance of grooming, foot care (including the application of boots and bandages), hosing, clipping, rugging, exercising, and maintenance of tack and saddlery equipment in routine horse care.

  • Module 7 – Nutrition and Feeding
    Identify horses’ complex nutritional needs, including digestive anatomy, food types, handling, storage, body weight and condition assessment, and formulation of daily rations.
  • Module 8 – Horse Health
    Learn the essential factors for horse health, methods of assessment, vaccination schedules, and common health concerns like lameness, colic, dental issues, and parasitic infections.
  • Module 9 – Assessing Horses’ Suitability for Specific Uses
    Learn how to assess horse conformation and suitability for specific purposes based on conformation, action, breed, type, and other characteristics.
  • Module 10 – Lunge Educated Horses
    Explore the basics of how to safely lunge an educated horse, including equipment, techniques, and troubleshooting strategies.

Why choose our Online Horse Care course?

  • Designed by equine professionals

    Learn with confidence through expert-developed online videos and easy-to-follow study materials that help bring theory to life.

  • Easy payment option

    Access your course with low monthly payments, making it easier to invest in your future.

  • Flexible study schedule

    Enjoy the freedom to study at your own pace, from any location, at any time.

  • Boost your career potential

    Add a recognised horse care course to your resume and increase your opportunities in the horse care and equine industry.

  • Earn CPD points

    Approved under the AVNAT Registration Scheme, this course earns you 10 CPD points with the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia.

What students are saying about this course

I went looking for a course that would add to my existing qualifications, confirming my existing skills and boosting those that may be lacking. AVT’s Certificate II course certainly did that, covering many areas in more detail than any other training I have done. It’s confirmed that I am following the correct procedures and certified that I can pass this knowledge on to my students. Read Matilda's full story here
Melissa Yates
Melissa YatesCertificate II in Horse Care Graduate
I am now more competent and confident in my own abilities. I know I’m on the right track and that my skills are current and accredited. Coming from a clinical background, I understand how important it is to have current knowledge based upon evidence and best practice, and the right accreditation and qualifications. It’s also very important from a business perspective.
Tanya P
Tanya PHorse Care Student and Graduate

Fees & inclusions

Total course fees: Starting from $595

All course fees include:

  • Textbooks (available as PDF)
  • Online Support Chat
  • Dedicated Student Support
  • Assessments and Certification

 

Choose from two payment options:

Option 1
Full Payment Upfront 
Total cost: $595

Option 2
Monthly Payment Plan
Total cost: $650
$150 upfront enrolment fee 
Plus 4 monthly payments of $125

 

*Fees, inclusions and payment plan amounts are subject to change. If you decide to withdraw from study for any reason, refunds are not issued. Please see our policies page for full details.

 

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Horse Care Fundamentals

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FAQs

 

Horse Care Fundamentals
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Is the Horse Care Fundamentals short course nationally recognised or accredited?

This short course is non-accredited, which means it doesn’t form part of a nationally recognised qualification. However, it has been expertly developed by industry professionals to give you valuable knowledge and confidence in horse care.

  • It’s a fantastic introduction if you’re new to working with horses or considering a career in the equine industry.
  • You’ll gain insights into safe handling, feeding, grooming and basic health care – all essential skills for anyone around horses.
  • Many students use this course as a stepping stone to further study or to strengthen their experience when applying for equine jobs.

While not accredited, this course is a great way to build your skills, explore your passion, and boost your resume in the animal care field.

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Does this course meet the prerequisite for the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing?

As the Horse Care Fundamentals is a non-accredited short course, it does not meet the prerequisite for the ACM40418 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.

To apply for Veterinary Nursing, you must have any one of the following prerequisites:

  • Certificate II in Animal Care, OR
  • Certificate III or a higher level qualification in an animal science discipline, OR
  • The equivalent skills and knowledge in a relevant animal science discipline (to a Certificate II level)
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Does this course meet the prerequisite for the Equine Veterinary Nursing course?

The Horse Care Fundamentals short course is non-accredited, so it doesn’t meet the formal entry requirement for the Equine Veterinary Nursing course.

The Equine Veterinary Nursing course is an advanced program that builds on the skills and knowledge of qualified veterinary nurses who are ready to expand their skills into the equine field.

To enrol, you’ll need to have completed a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing or hold an equivalent qualification. This ensures students have the clinical background needed to successfully take on equine nursing responsibilities.

If you’re passionate about working with horses, this short course is a valuable way to develop your understanding of horse care. It’s a great addition to your resume, whether you’re preparing for further study or you’re a veterinary nurse or animal care professional looking to expand your knowledge in equine care.

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Is there a practical component of the Horse Care Fundamentals course?

The Horse Care Fundamentals short course has been designed for flexible online delivery allowing you to learn at your own pace. You’ll dive deep into the world of horses through interactive modules, real-life scenarios, and online experiences. It’s a flexible format that lets you learn at your own pace in your own time.

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Do I need to find a work placement for the Horse Care Fundamentals short course?

No work placement is required – this course is 100% online, making it a flexible and accessible option for anyone interested in learning more about horse care.

  • You can complete all your learning and assessments from home.
  • Study at your own pace over a 6-month period, with no need to organise a workplace or on-site training.
  • It’s ideal if you’re looking to gain equine knowledge without the pressure of sourcing a placement.

This format gives you the freedom to focus on building your horse care knowledge in a way that suits your lifestyle.

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Why choose AVT?

Dedicated Animal Care College

AVT has been delivering Vet Nursing and Animal Care related courses for over 25 years. It's safe to say there are no plumbing or hairdressing courses here!

Prerequisite course for veterinary nursing

Outstanding Track Record

A recent NCVER VET student outcomes report found 93% of AVT graduates were employed or enrolled in further study after training and 95% of graduates would recommend the training provided by AVT.

Prerequisite course for veterinary nursing

Safe and Supported Learning

Our qualified teaching team have many years of experience as well as extensive backgrounds in the veterinary and animal care industry. They're approachable and dedicated to helping students succeed.

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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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We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land where our campus is based, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and we commit to walking alongside our indigenous brothers and sisters. We extend that respect to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in our community.

Applied Vocational Training (AVT) is proudly a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 5273).

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