Performance horses are athletes of the equine world, and their care needs are considerably higher than their grass-kept counterparts. This course is ideal for performance riders, stud owners and anyone working with horses. It’s also valuable for people aspiring to start an equestrian business.
The Certificate of Horse Care (Intermediate Program) follows on from the Certificate of Horse Care (Introductory Program). It will provide you with an understanding of equine husbandry and practical knowledge in the care of stabled and performance horses.
In this professional development horse course, you will explore feeding, stabling, bedding and mucking out, as well as foot care and shoeing. You will also learn how to exercise and condition a horse, about tack and fitting, and what’s involved in the design of a professional equine facility.
On completion of this course, you will feel confident to care for stabled and performance horses and discover opportunities for working with horses.
Course Structure
Horse Care II
Unit 1 – Feeds
- Roughage
- Concentrates
- Roots
- Green feeds and succulents
- Tempters and tonics
- Salts
- Feeding for special purposes
Unit 2 – Stabling
- Three ways to keep horses
- Combined systems
- Stalls
- Stables/looseboxes
- Barns
- Stable layout
- Feed rooms
- Tack rooms
- The medicine chest
- Stable routine
- Stable tricks and vices
Unit 3 – Bedding and Mucking Out
- Reasons for bedding
- Bedding qualities
- Bedding types
- Choosing a system
- Tools needed for mucking out
- Mucking out
- Bedding down
- Managing the bed
- Conserving bedding
- Comparing bedding
- The muckheap
Unit 4 – The Foot and Shoeing
- Foot structure
- Trimming
- Advantages and disadvantages of shoeing
- Signs that shoeing is required
- The farrier’s tools
- How the horse is shod
- What to look for in a newly shod hoof
- Basic shoes
- Surgical shoeing
Unit 5 – Exercise and Conditioning
- The difference between exercise and conditioning
- Soft and hard condition
- Exercising a horse
- The fittening schedule
- Principles of fittening
- Maintaining fitness
Unit 6 – Tack and Tack Fitting
- Principles of bitting
- The mouth
- Types of bits
- Where the bit acts
- Fitting the saddle
- Causes of sore backs
- Care of the back when unsaddling
- Saddle types
- Linings
- Girths
- Saddle cloths and numnahs,
- Tack cleaning
Unit 7 – Horse Facility Design
- Farm layout
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
About Us
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Enrol Now
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Enrol via Purchase Order/Tax Invoice
Enrolling Multiple Staff?
To enrol multiple staff, please complete the Employer Enrolment Form. We’ll be in touch within 60 minutes during business hours!
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:-
- Horse Owners
- Horse Carers
- Horse Enthusiasts