Certificate IV in Racing (Racehorse Trainer)

Training Details

This qualification reflects the role of individuals licensed to operate a business that trains horses under racing industry regulated licensing criteria, for the purpose of competing in industry-regulated events in the harness or thoroughbred racing codes.

It covers the care, maintenance and performance of racehorses and the tasks and duties associated with running a racing establishment, including managing staff, finances and equipment. Trainers are responsible for planning and organising their own work, leading others and carrying out often complex and non-routine tasks.

This qualification is required for industry licensing and registration in some states and territories; check with the relevant Principal Racing Authority for current requirements. Competencies attained apply to the harness and thoroughbred codes of the industry, and the qualification records which code it was achieved under.

To undertake this qualification you need a racing industry Certificate III demonstrating industry-relevant experience in the care, welfare and management of horses (such as RGR30518 Trackwork Rider, RGR30218 Stablehand or RGR30318 Driving Stablehand), or demonstrated equivalent skills and knowledge.

Assessment is competency-based and combines theory with practical demonstration.

Find more information on RGR40118 – Certificate IV in Racing (Racehorse Trainer) on training.gov.au.

What You’ll Study

The qualification is made up of 16 units of competency: 7 core units plus 9 elective units, chosen from the qualification’s elective list or another endorsed training package or accredited course.

• Core skills: managing a small team, maintaining workplace safety, racing industry ethics and integrity, participating in racing protests and inquiries, supervising the handling of horses, managing horse health and welfare, and operating a horse racing training business.
• Business and compliance electives: regulatory, taxation and insurance requirements, marketing the small business, managing small business finances, workplace sustainability policy, media interviews and promoting arrangements with owners.
• Horsemanship and training electives: applying knowledge of horse behaviour, assessing suitability of horses for specific uses, driving and trackwork skills, educating horses for harness or thoroughbred racing, planning and adapting training and conditioning programs, and selecting and trialling horses for racing.
• Care and welfare electives: biosecurity and infection control, first aid, nutritional requirements, exercise programs, and relating animal welfare to track and environmental conditions.

On successful completion you receive a nationally recognised Certificate IV in Racing (Racehorse Trainer).