Qualification Overview

Qualification Title New Zealand Certificate in Equine Skills (Level 3) with strands in Harness Racing Stable Assistant, Thoroughbred Raceday Strapper, Thoroughbred Stable Assistant, Thoroughbred Racing Track Rider, and Sporthorse Stable Assistant
Qualification Type Certificate
Level 3
Credits 40 - 55
Subject Area
  • Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies » Agriculture » Animal Husbandry
Strategic Purpose Statement
The purpose of this qualification is to provide the equine industry with individuals who have the skills and knowledge to assist in the stabling, care, and/or exercise of horses in the performance horse sectors of the equine industry.

The qualification is stranded to reflect the specialist skills required to work either in the harness industry, thoroughbred racing industry or the sporthorse industry.

Graduates will be able to contribute effectively in the workplace at entry-level with limited supervision.
Graduate profile
Graduates of this qualification will be able to:

- Communicate effectively with team members and clients
- Attend to the routine day-to-day requirements of horses in training.
- Identify, report, and treat problems for horses in training, and respond appropriately to emergencies involving horses.

Graduates of the Harness Racing Stable Assistant strand will also be able to:
- Prepare and drive standardbred horses in trackwork and attend to horses' requirements before and after trackwork and racing.

Graduates of the Thoroughbred Raceday Strapper strand will also be able to:
- Apply correct procedures in the routine preparation of horses in work and racing and attend to horses' requirements before and after work and racing.

Graduates of the Thoroughbred Stable Assistant strand will also be able to:
- Apply correct procedures in the routine preparation of horses in work and attend to horses' requirements before and after work in a thoroughbred stable.

Graduates of the Thoroughbred Racing Track Rider strand will also be able to:
- Apply trackwork skills and correct procedures when riding thoroughbred racehorses, as instructed on training tracks, and attend to horses' routine requirements before and after trackwork.
- Apply skills and correct procedures when riding thoroughbred racehorses for barrier practice and jumpouts.

Graduates of the Sporthorse Stable Assistant strand will also be able to:
- Apply routine procedures when exercising horses in training for a sporthorse discipline.
- Attend to the routine preparation and requirements of a horse at an event.
Education pathways
This qualification builds on the New Zealand Certificate in Equine Skills (Level 2) [Ref: 2375].
The Harness Racing Stable Assistant strand of this qualification can lead to the Harness Trainer or Racing Driver strand of the New Zealand Certificate in Equine Racing (Level 4) with strands [Ref: 4221].
The Thoroughbred Racing Strapper and Thoroughbred Stable Assistant strands, with significant industry experience, can lead to the Racing Stable Foreman strand of the New Zealand Diploma in Equine Management (Level 5) with strands [Ref: 2380].
The Thoroughbred Racing Track Rider strand of this qualification can lead to the Thoroughbred Racing Jockey strand of the New Zealand Certificate in Equine Racing (Level 4) with strands [Ref: 2374].
The Sporthorse Stable Assistant strand of this qualification can lead to the New Zealand Certificate in Equine Skills (Sporthorse Groom) (Level 4) [Ref: 2377]
Employment pathways
Graduates of this qualification may be employed as harness stable assistants, thoroughbred racing strappers, thoroughbred stable assistants, thoroughbred racing track riders or sporthorse stable assistants, depending on the strand completed.

With further work experience and study, graduates may gain employment as harness trainers, harness racing drivers, thoroughbred racing jockeys, or sporthorse grooms.To find out more about employment opportunities click on the CareersNZ logo, then the provider who offers this qualification.
Entry Requirements
The following industry rules apply:
- New Zealand Rules of Harness Racing of Harness Racing New Zealand Inc.
- New Zealand Rules of Racing of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Inc.
Education Organisation 5 Organisations can assist in gaining this qualification
Developed By Muka Tangata - People, Food and Fibre Workforce Development Council
Quality Assured By New Zealand Qualifications Authority
Number 2376
Status Current
Created November 2014
Last Reviewed October 2015
Next Review May 2025
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Subject Area

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Strategic Purpose Statement

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Education pathways

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