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 New Zealand Equine Academy 

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We provide the pathway - You provide the passion

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The NZ Equine Academy was established in 2021 and in partnership with Skill New Zealand, delivers a clear and well-regarded pathway for those wanting to work in the thoroughbred industry.

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Led by experienced industry professional Amie Best, the NZ Equine Academy offers NZQA-endorsed Level 2 and 3 courses that are designed to teach students essential skills and knowledge so they have the confidence to launch a successful and rewarding career with horses.

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A mixture of classroom and practical learning, combined with field trips and guest speakers, mean the NZ Equine Academy is the obvious choice for those wanting to build a career with thoroughbreds.​

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The L2 course operates out of the Byerley Park campus in Kingseat, while the L3 course is offered at the Cambridge campus. 

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Courses Available

From stud manager to star jockey - the sky's the limit for those developing a career with thoroughbreds. Kickstart your career with us by completing one of our study options.

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NZ Cert in Equine Skills
L2

The NZ Certificate in Equine Skills L2 is a 13-week course with intakes in February and September each year. ​The only prerequisites are that students are over 16yo and are motivated to learn, no horse experience is required. ​The course introduces students to all the employment opportunities in the thoroughbred industry as well as giving them the skills and confidence to enter the workforce. ​From racing stables to stud farms and everything in between - the course provides a launch pad for each student to begin their career with horses. ​The course is delivered via six unit standards covering: -skills for employment -preparing racehorses for exercise and providing aftercare -routine, minor and temporary maintenance of equine facilities -external anatomy and signs of good and ill health -preparing horses for travel and loading/unloading -providing routine care for horses

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NZ Cert in Equine Skills
L3

The NZ Certificate in Equine Skills L3 is a 19-week course with a July intake each year. The course is for those focused on a career in the racing industry and is split into the strapper and trackwork rider strands. Students must be over 16yo and have either completed the L2 course or be assessed as being up to that standard. Learning is a mixture of classroom and practical time as well as field trips and guest speakers. Ideally students are employed while completing the L3 course and tutors visit students in the workplace as part of assessments. Classroom time is structured to ensure students can work and study simultaneously. The course expands on the students' knowledge and skillset so they become more independent in the workplace and can confidently attend to horses on raceday. The strapper strand comprises on 10 unit standards and covers: -communication in the workplace -providing routine care for horses in the workplace -knowledge of feed and nutrition -conformation, action and lameness -a horse's body systems and health -healthcare, hazards and emergency responses -lunging -traveling horses -strapping on race day The trackwork rider stand also includes: -trackwork riding skills -riding in barrier practice and jumpouts This course is offered out of the Cambridge campus, though blended learning is available on a case-by-case basis.

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Apprentice Jockey Academy

The Apprentice Jockey Academy, powered by Entain, is where young talent is nurtured so riders become valued members of the New Zealand riding ranks. ​This a Level 4 course. ​Led by Leith Innes, the academy teaches attention to detail and takes a holistic approach that focuses not only riding but also nutrition, fitness, sports psychology and working with the media. ​Jockeys are given every opportunity to be at the top of their game on raceday. ​The proof is at the winning post. The apprentice academy is open to domestic and international jockeys.

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"This course has so many opportunities for young people eager to step into the thoroughbred industry.  I feel very privileged to work with professionals and like-minded individuals in a complex field, combining my passion with my hobby."

Shyla - former student

Your Equine Career Starts Here!
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