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Horse Trainer

ANZSCO 361112

A Horse Trainer prepares horses for racing or competitions, develops fitness, trains behaviour, and aids in recovery, requiring horse handling skills and team collaboration.

  • This role has a low level of AI exposure. Core skills such as adaptability, social intelligence, and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
      • NSW
      • ACT
      • VIC
      • QLD
      • TAS
      • SA
  • 10,000 people employed in Australia
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).

How do I become a horse trainer

Get qualified to work as a horse trainer with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.

Common questions

In Australia, a full time Horse Trainer generally earns $1,346 per week ($69,992 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

Author Image Courses.com.au Team

The number of people working in this industry has decreased in recent years. There are currently 2,900 people working as a Horse Trainer in Australia, compared to 3,100 five years ago. Horse Trainers may find work across all regions of Australia.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

Author Image Courses.com.au Team

A Certificate IV in Racing (Racehorse Trainer) is an excellent qualification if you’re interested in a career as a Horse Trainer. This course will give you the skills to supervise the handling of horses, manage horse welfare and run a horse training business. You’ll learn to select horses for different riders, apply your knowledge of horse behaviour and manage equine biosecurity and infection controls.

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Further reading

How to start a career in Dog Training

26th August 2021

Choosing a security licence course in Australia: A step-by-step guide for jobseekers

10th November 2023

JobTrainer: What does it mean for me?

19th October 2020

Horse Trainer careers

A Horse Trainer gets horses ready for racing or competitions. You might exercise horses to develop their fitness or train them to follow behavioural commands. Horse Trainers might follow a rehabilitation program if horses are recovering from injury or help them to overcome other obstacles during their training.

Horse Trainers should have excellent horse handling skills and be able to adapt their skills to meet the needs of individual horses and owners. You should have a strong knowledge of equine and racing industries and be able to work as part of a team. Horse Trainers may have to work irregular hours when required.