New Zealand Certificate in Equine Skills (Level 2)

Strategic Purpose Statement

The New Zealand Certificate in Equine Skills (Level 2) is intended to provide the equine industry with individuals who have the skills and knowledge to work safely and effectively around horses in the equine industry.

This programme is targeted at people who wish to acquire the skills and knowledge to enable them to seek employment at an entry level in an equine industry, or who wish to progress to further education or training.

Graduates will benefit by having a qualification that provides recognition of their skills and a pathway to further qualifications in the equine racing or sporthorse industry. 

The industry will benefit from this qualification by having qualified staff who are able to contribute to overall workplace safety and productivity.

Graduates will be able to work at entry level under close supervision and will be able to contribute to overall workplace safety and productivity.

Graduate Profile

A graduate of the New Zealand Certificate in Equine Skills (Level 2) will be able to -

1. Contribute as part of a team in an equine workplace.

2. Care for and handle horses safely in and around the equine facility.

3. Carry out tasks to create a clean and safe working environment in paddocks and/or equine facilities.

Education Pathways

Learners may pathway to further study to achieve the following qualifications:

New Zealand Certificate in Equine Skills (level 3) with strands in Harness Racing Stable Assistant, Thoroughbred Raceday Strapper, Thoroughbred Racing Track Rider and Sporthorse Stable Assistant.

Employment Pathway

Graduates of this qualification may be employed as stable hands or stud assistants in a sector of the equine industry.

With further work experience and study, graduates may gain employment as harness stable assistants, thoroughbred racing track riders, thoroughbred racing strapper's, thoroughbred stable assistant, sporthorse stable assistants, stud grooms, or therapeutic riding assistant coaches.

Entry Criteria

Domestic Students

Applicants will participate in a pre-enrolment interview to assess their experience, aspirations, and motivation prior to being accepted for enrolment into this programme. Enrolment is subject to the Academic Director’s approval.

Age: must be at least 16 years old or 15 years of age with a Ministry of Education early leaver exemption.

Academic: open entry

Physical: Learners must have the physical capability to cope with the practical demands of the qualification.

International Students

Age: Minimum age of 18 years old or turning 18 prior to the end of the programme.

Academic: Students must have a background or an interest in equine in their own country and will   be required to provide a CV outlining this.

If English is not their first language, applicants must, prior to enrolment, sit an English language test to satisfy the Academy that the student can successfully complete the course.

English, Download PDF

We have many excellent land-based farming, agriculture, horticulture, animal care and other courses to choose from.

Back to Courses