Program Overview

Diploma of Equine Management

The Diploma of Equine Management (ACM50421) is a nationally accredited qualification that can be completed in 12 months. The program is available at UQ Gatton or online, with payment plans available.

Program Overview

The program is designed for individuals who are passionate about horses and wish to expand their skills to make their passion their career. The program covers topics such as:

• welfare, behaviour and education
• health, nutrition and fitness
• breeding and team leadership
• business management

How You'll Learn

The program involves attending in-person classes at UQ Gatton's world-class facilities over 3 days (Monday to Wednesday), and submitting assessments online.

Assessment

You will be assessed through a variety of methods, including written exams and reports, oral assessments and practical demonstrations.

Start Date

The start date for the program is 2 February 2026.

Entry Requirements

There are no entry requirements for this qualification. However, all UQ Skills programs require access to a computer with a Windows operating system, up-to-date versions of Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader, and a reliable internet connection.

Vaccination Requirements

As you'll be exposed to animals and agricultural environments as part of your learning, immunisations against tetanus are mandatory. You'll need to provide evidence of immunisation before you commence your program. You may also require vaccination against Q fever, lyssavirus, rabies or influenza (flu), depending on the work and environment within which you interact with animals.

Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) Testing

You’re required to complete a language, literacy and numeracy test as part of the enrolment process. This helps us identify and plan for any learning or support needs you may have before you start your training.

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have recent work experience, you may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning.

Resources

The 2026 UQ Skills Student Handbook (PDF, 1.4 MB) includes student support and guidance on fees, withdrawal and other policy information.

Fees

• Prerequisite Units: $300*
• Diploma Full Fee: $14,700 *Can not be deferred to VET Student Loans.

VET Student Loans

This program is a VET Student Loan-approved program. To achieve this qualification, you must complete 17 units of competency.

Units of Competency and Course Codes

The program includes the following units:

• Handle horses safely | ACMEQU212
• Provide routine care for horses | ACMEQU306
• Work safely in equine workplaces | ACMEQU313
• Manage safe work practices in a horse establishment | ACMEQU512
• Manage equine biosecurity and infection control | ACMINF502
• Implement and monitor animal welfare programs | AHCLSK404
• Interpret and address horse behaviour and welfare | ACMEQU412
• Evaluate horse education methodologies and individual programs | ACMEQU411
• Manage horse nutrition and feeding plans | ACMEQU501
• Manage horse health care | ACMEQU502
• Relate musculoskeletal system to horse conformation and movement | ACMEQU415
• Manage fitness in horses | ACMEQU505
• Identify and select animals for breeding | AHCLSK422
• Implement continuous improvement | BSBSTR402
• Lead and manage effective workplace relationships | BSBLDR523
• Manage budgets and financial plans | BSBFIN501
• Manage legal, insurance and business aspects of horse establishments | ACMEQU506

Careers

You may find employment in the following roles:

• assistant horse trainer
• equine events manager
• equine facility manager
• equine office administrator
• exercise rider

Disclaimer

Details are correct at the time of upload and are subject to change. UQ Skills reserves the right to change programs, subjects or costs or to cancel a program based on consideration of student numbers and resource allocation. Ensure that you understand the program, subjects, associated costs and fee liability prior to signing an enrolment form.