New Zealand Certificate in Equine Skills (Level 3)

Pacific Coast Technical Institute (PCTI) offers the New Zealand Certificate in Equine Skills (Level 3) with strands in:

  • Thoroughbred Raceday Strapper
  • Thoroughbred Racing Track Rider

This is a Level 3 programme comprising 50 to 56 credits depending on the strand completed.

The programme aims to develop skilled track riders and raceday strappers. Learners develop specialist communication, horse care, health and safety, and riding or raceday strapper skills to support progression within the thoroughbred industry.

Delivery and workplace learning
The programme is delivered through face to face and blended learning. Learning is divided between classroom study and work placement in the equine industry. PCTI has arrangements with workplaces that support learners during their learning.

Duration and learning commitment
Both strands are delivered over 19 weeks including 17 teaching weeks and holiday weeks.

What you will learn
The programme content includes:
  • Effective Communication
  • Daily Routine Requirements of Horses in Training
  • Respond Appropriately to Emergencies
  • Apply Trackwork Skills When Riding Thoroughbred Racehorses for the Thoroughbred Racing Track Rider strand
  • Apply Raceday Strapper Skills for the Thoroughbred Raceday Strapper strand

On completion of the programme graduates will be able to:
  • Communicate effectively with team members and clients.
  • Attend to the routine day-to-day requirements of horses in training.
  • Identify, report and treat problems for horses in training and respond appropriately to emergencies.
  • Apply the additional skills required for their selected strand.

Graduates of the Thoroughbred Raceday Strapper strand will be able to apply correct procedures in the routine preparation of horses in work and racing and attend to horses’ requirements before and after work and racing.

Graduates of the Thoroughbred Racing Track Rider strand will be able to apply trackwork skills and correct procedures when riding thoroughbred racehorses as instructed on training tracks; attend to horses’ routine requirements before and after trackwork; and apply skills and correct procedures when riding thoroughbred racehorses for barrier practice and jumpouts.

Entry requirements
Applicants must:
  • Be aged 16 years or over.
  • Be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
  • Have an interest in the equine industry and be physically capable of meeting the practical demands of the programme.
  • Hold the New Zealand Certificate of Equine Skills (Level 2) or be assessed by Equine Programme staff as having equivalent experience.
  • Attend an interview.