HARRIE PHILLIPS

Harrie Phillips is the Founder and Managing Director of the Australian College of Animal Care (ACAC) and the Australian College of Veterinary Nursing (ACVN) which she established in 2010. Harrie leads the development of ACAC’s qualifications, learning resources and student experience, drawing on a long career in vocational education and a deep personal passion for horses, equitation science and evidence-based animal husbandry.

Although Harrie came to horse ownership and riding later in life, horses have been a lifelong love and passion. She breeds Norwegian Fjord horses and is a founding member of the Australian Fjord Horse Association, a Pony Club coach, and a member of the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES). Harrie competes in working equitation, horseback archery and dressage, and brings that hands-on experience directly into ACAC’s horse care qualifications — translating contemporary equitation science research and modern husbandry practice into practical, accessible training for students working with horses across Australia.

Areas of Expertise

Harrie’s work spans animal care education, equine training design and evidence-based horse husbandry. Her primary areas of expertise include:

Horse care and equine husbandry education

Harrie specialises in the design and delivery of training for people working with horses, from pony club volunteers and weekend riders through to professional grooms, stable hands and equestrian centre staff. Her work focuses on translating sound horsemanship and modern husbandry research into structured learning that builds practical competence, confident decision-making and high welfare standards on the ground.

Equitation science and evidence-based horsemanship

Harrie has a strong interest in equitation science and the application of learning theory to horse training, handling and care. She is currently working towards her Diploma of Equitation Science to deepen this expertise and to ensure ACAC’s horse care qualifications reflect contemporary, welfare-focused training principles.

Animal care, welfare and husbandry

Drawing on broad experience across the animal care sector, Harrie develops curriculum that supports companion animal, exotic and shelter care pathways. Her commitment to animal welfare underpins ACAC’s qualifications in animal care services, shelter care and exotics.

Digital and distance learning design

As an instructional designer, Harrie develops online and blended learning programs that allow students in regional and remote areas to study horse care, animal care and animal behaviour without leaving their property or workplace. Her expertise includes curriculum design, simulation-based learning, digital assessment strategies and the development of interactive learning resources for vocational education.

Workforce development for the equine and animal care industries

Through ACAC, Harrie supports stables, studs, equestrian centres, shelters and animal facilities in developing training programs, internships, induction processes and continuing professional development for their teams.

Professional Leadership & Industry Contributions

Harrie Phillips contributes to the advancement of animal care and equine education through course design, professional speaking and industry collaboration.

Her contributions include:

• Designing and authoring nationally recognised qualifications in horse care and animal care delivered through ACAC, including the ACM20221 Certificate II in Horse Care and ACM30821 Certificate III in Horse Care.
• Conference presentations on vocational education and practical skills training, including the VETNNET Conference (ACOVENE), Bruges, Belgium – 2019, presenting on the teaching and assessment of practical skills through distance education, and the 25th VNCA Conference, Brisbane – 2019, presenting on clinical mentoring.
• Validation and review of nationally recognised animal care and horse care training and assessment materials for organisations delivering qualifications in the animal care sector.
• Participation in the development and review of nationally recognised training packages, contributing to the drafting and refinement of units of competency used in animal care and horse care qualifications.
• Ongoing professional development in equitation science, equine welfare and animal husbandry to ensure ACAC’s training remains current and evidence-based.

QUALIFICATIONS & CREDENTIALS

Harrie holds formal qualifications in clinical education, vocational education and training, veterinary nursing, business, and equine care.

Higher Education

• Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Education – University of Auckland, New Zealand (2018). Included courses in e-learning, clinical education theory, and simulation-based clinical skills teaching, with a First in Course Award for CLINED 711 (E-learning and Clinical Education).
• Bachelor of Adult and Vocational Education (Vocational Education and Training) – Charles Sturt University, Australia (2016).

Veterinary Nursing & Animal Care

• ACM50212 Diploma of Veterinary Nursing (Surgical) (2014)
• ACM50412 Diploma of Veterinary Nursing (Emergency and Critical Care) (2014)
• ACM40412 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (upgraded 2012).
• ACM30821 Certificate III in Horse Care (2025)
• Diploma of Equitation Science (underway 2026-2027)

Education and Training

• TAE50211 Diploma of Training Design and Development (2013).
• TAE40110 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (2010).

Business and Management

• BSB50207 Diploma of Business (2014).
• BSB40407 Certificate IV in Small Business Management (2014).
• BSB41007 Certificate IV in Human Resources (2010).