National Trade Academy Certificate in Equine Skills (Level 3)

Course Length: 38 weeks
Start Dates: February each year

The aim of the certificate is to provide students with the skills and knowledge required to pursue a career in the Equine industry. Students will be job ready for spring season employment in the Equine industry.

The Equine industry has undergone significant growth and stable hands are being sought after to work in both local and overseas stables. This has created a significant demand for new employees with appropriate equine skills.

Course Outline

Care of Horses
Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of paddock maintenance, supplementary feeding, paddock management, stable management including bedding and cleaning stable equipment, grooming and use of grooming kit, farrier techniques, and lunging.

Horse Health
Students will demonstrate knowledge of the anatomy of horses, will recognise signs of good and ill health, be able to identify plants and trees potentially poisonous to horses, and their management, assessing a horses conformation and action, structure and functions of the horses body and emergency care.

Industry Knowledge
Students will understand the carer and training opportunities within the equine sector and what will be expected of them in an employment situation.

Riding Skills
Students will have the option of improving their riding skills and demonstrating knowledge in the selection a fitting of gear on a horse for riding and saddlery maintenance.

After completion of the course, a student will:

• be able to meet an employer’s expectations in the equine industry by demonstrating adequate practical skills and a general understanding of the industry
• understand and be able to manage likely hours of work, conditions of employment, contracts and the salary structure within the industry
• recognise structured career paths and pathways for advancement both in the industry and in further education within the Equine ITO
• recognise and be able to develop equine business opportunities

The National Trade Academy Certificate in Equine Skills is awarded at level 3 with a total of 102 credits gained from a compulsory section and 26 credits (or more) from one of the four strands. A minimum of 128-131 credits are required for the Certificate.

Course Schedule

Course material for the Certificate is delivered over a period of 38 weeks and includes two two-week period recesses. Students must attend all delivery for the Certificate. Each theory/practical week consists of:

• Scheduled tutor delivery:   25 hours
• Work Experience:   8 hours

Students normally begin their course of study in the first week of February and finish mid October. No other entry points are possible.

Work Experience

• The course will consist of Field trips to a various equine related businesses.
• From week six work experience will take place each Friday at an equine related business.

Driver’s license and a vehicle is preferable but not essential.

Qualifications

NTA Certificate in Equine Skills Level 3

The qualification also incorporates one of the following National Certificates;
National Certificate in Equine “Stable Practice” Level 3 with Strands in either:
Sport Horse, Harness Racing, Thoroughbred Racing or Track Riding

Course Fees

Please contact for details about the Agent nearest to you. They will provide fee details.

Entry Criteria

Students will meet the following entry requirements:

• have a real desire to work in the Equine industry
• possess sufficient English language skills
• are at least 16 years old (domestic students)
• are at least 18 years old (international students)

Previous equine experience is considered an important factor in allowing students entry to the course and NTA will actively seek evidence of this. Acceptable evidence may be in the form of (for International students):

• a written referee statement
• written employment history
• letter of endorsement from an organisation or business within the industry

No pre- and/or co-requisites are required other than the ability to meet the riding criteria for the NZ Pony Club “C Grade” certificate.

Student Visa

To enable you to study on this course you will need to apply for a Study Visa or Permit from NZIS. The following information is a brief outline of what NZIS will require from you.

To enter New Zealand you need:

• to have an offer of a place from a New Zealand education provider such as a school, polytechnic or university
• evidence that you’ve arranged accommodation through the education provider or through another person
• to be in good health and of good character. If your stay is longer than six months, in some cases you may need to complete a TB clearance. You may also need to complete a medical and police certificate depending on how long you intend to stay in New Zealand
• a passport that’s valid for at least three months past the date you are to leave New Zealand
• proof that you plan to leave New Zealand once you’ve completed your study
• proof that:
  • you’ve paid any course fees that you’re required to pay,
    or
  • you’re exempt from paying fees
    or
  • you have a scholarship or an award that covers your fee
• proof that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay
• to have the right visa for your visit.