Stable Hand Courses
A Stable Hand feeds, grooms, and exercises horses while maintaining stables and equipment, requiring physical stamina and excellent horse handling skills.
AI Exposure
Low
Core skills such as social intelligence and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
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How do I become a Stable Hand
Get qualified to work as a Stable Hand with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
RGR30218
Study mode
Distance, On Campus, Traineeship
Become a professional stable hand with the RGR30218 Certificate III in Racing (Stablehand). This nationally recognised certificate qualifies you for roles in either harness racing or thoroughbred horse racing. The course is hands-on and you will learn how to handle racehorses in the stables and at trackwork. The course also covers: following instructions from the trainer, overseeing the safe transporting of horses, identifying issues with a horse’s fitness and race suitability, equine first aid, and much more.
Career opportunities
Study mode
Distance, On Campus, Traineeship
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ACM40818
Estimated fee
From $29,521
Duration
3 years - 4 years
Study mode
Apprenticeship, Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
Turn your love of horses into a professional career with the ACM40818 Certificate IV in Farriery. During 3 years of practical training, this nationally recognised training course will teach you how to safely administer a full range of hoof care and horseshoeing services — plus give you the business skills you need to setup your own farrier service micro-business. The course covers: horse handling, horseshoe construction, welding, hoof trimming — and business skills related to tax, insurance and financial...
Career opportunities
Estimated fee
From $29,521
Duration
3 years - 4 years
Study mode
Apprenticeship, Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
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ACM20221
Duration
10 months - 12 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online
Get the skills you need to handle horses safely with the ACM20221 Certificate II in Horse Care. This nationally recognised certificate is the qualification you need to get started in the equine industry. You’ll gain foundational riding skills as well as essentials in horse care, feeding, grooming, exercising, loading and transporting. There is also scope to learn stock and farming skills. Enquire now for the full list of study units, specialisation electives (and their availability), and enrolment opportu...
Career opportunities
Duration
10 months - 12 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online
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ACM10121
Duration
6 months - 12 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online
The ACM10121 Certificate I in Animal Care Industry Pathways provides foundational knowledge and skills for work in the animal care and management sector. Students will assist with routine tasks in an animal care facility, including feeding, cleaning enclosures, and grooming a variety of small domestic and wild animals. The course also covers animal behaviour and proper handling techniques, preparing students for initial work, community involvement, or further study in the industry.
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Career opportunities
Duration
6 months - 12 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online
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Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Stable Hand.
Common questions
How much does a Stable Hand earn?
In Australia, a full time Stable Hand generally earns $1,000 per week ($52,000 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
What are the job opportunities for a Stable Hand?
The number of people employed as a Stable Hand has remained steady over the last five years. There are currently 4,400 people in this role in Australia and they can be found in all states and territories.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
How do I become a Stable Hand?
If you’d like to work as a Stable Hand you could enrol in a Certificate II in Horse Care. This 12 month course covers all aspects of the industry like horse care, horse behaviour and feeding and handling safety. You may also be able to specialise in an area that interests you like stud work, trail riding or horse sport. You could also consider the Certificate I in Racing which covers more aspects of the horse racing industry.
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Browse here online for the latest courses in horse care, animal grooming, equestrian sports, veterinary nursing, animal behaviour, and pet shop management.
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Gain practical skills to work in kennels or catteries, providing love, grooming, and safety to animals. Check your funding eligibility and apply today.
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These courses don’t just teach you how to catch and euthanise stray animals, you will learn underpinning state legislation and local government regulations, safety management approaches, and incident response.
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These nationally recognised qualifications will teach you the finer points of animal behaviour and refine your skills in behaviour correction.
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More information
A Stable Hand cares for horses in facilities such as racing stables, breeding centres or farms. You’ll have to feed and groom horses and give them their exercise. You’ll make sure their stables are clean and maintain all their equipment. Stable Hands keep an eye on any injuries and make sure horses are in good health. You might have to transport horses or accompany them to race meetings, horse riding competitions or other events.
Being a Stable Hand is a very physical job with plenty of manual labour. You’ll have early starts and often have to work on weekends. You’ll spend a lot of time outdoors so you’ll need to be ready for all sorts of weather. Stable Hands need excellent horse handling abilities and plenty of patience. You’ll need to be flexible and have strong observational skills.
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