Train with Norwegian Fjord horses and experience what it’s really like to work on a professional breeding stud.

QUICK PROGRAM DETAILS

Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

$1500

Afterpay is available.

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Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

DELIVERY:

Blended Learning.

Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

DURATION:

6 months
Extensions available.

Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

START DATES:

March 30th 2026
(Placement 22 June – 3 July)

May 4th 2026
(Placement 27 July – 7 Aug)

July 6th 2026
(Placement 28 Sept – 9 Oct)

31st August 2026
(Placement 23 Nov- 4 Dec)

 

APPLY NOW FOR FREE

Decide later if it’s right for you.

The ACAC Equine Care Internship combines online study with an immersive two-week practical placement at Tarcombe Fjords in Little River. You will develop real workplace skills, complete three nationally recognised units of competency, and take the next step toward employment or further study in horse care. All while working with the cutest horses in the universe – fjords.

If you are serious about working with horses, there is a big difference between riding for fun and working in the industry. The ACAC Equine Care Internship is designed for people who want to build real, job-ready skills and gain first-hand experience in a working stud environment.

This program combines structured online learning with an immersive two-week placement at Tarcombe Fjords in Little River, where you will work with Norwegian Fjord horses and experience the daily routines and responsibilities involved in professional horse care.

You will complete three nationally recognised units of competency, giving you formal training outcomes that can be credited a full qualification- the ACM20221 Certificate II in Horse Care or the ACM30821 Certificate III in Horse Care.

By the end of the internship, you will have more than just knowledge. You will have practical experience, assessed skills, and a clearer understanding of what working on a breeding stud is really like.

Who This Internship Is For

This internship is ideal for:

  • Aspiring horse industry workers looking for a genuine career pathway

  • Students wanting credit toward Certificate II or III in Horse Care but not yet ready to commit to a full qualification

  • People ready to build confidence handling and working horses in a real workplace

  • Anyone considering long-term work in breeding, stable management, or equine care

You do not need to be an experienced professional, but you do need to be committed, motivated, and ready to learn.

Students enrolled in this program receive high-quality training, assessment, and support from ACAC’s experienced team, through a collaborative partnership with Halo Nation Training Pty Ltd (RTO 32485).

 

Ready to Work With Horses — For Real?

This is your opportunity to move beyond riding lessons and into professional horse care. Apply to secure your place in the ACAC Equine Care Internship and begin building recognised, industry-ready skills.

Limited placements mean early application is strongly recommended.

APPLY FOR THE EQUINE CARE INTERNSHIP

Placement dates are fixed and there are compulsory modules to complete prior to attending.

Nationally Recognised Training

The units of competency included will gain you a nationally recognised statement of attainment delivered by ACAC on behalf of Halo Nation Training Pty Ltd (RTO 32485), the Principal RTO. This program is offered under a formal third-party agreement between ACAC and HaloNT. For more information refer to the FAQ.

What Will I Study in the
Equine Care Internship?

PHASE ONE: THEORY

Before you step onto the property at Tarcombe Fjords, you will complete the theory component of your internship through ACAC’s online learning platform. This ensures you arrive at placement with the knowledge, safety awareness, and technical understanding needed to work confidently around horses in a real stud environment.

You will have up to 12 weeks to complete your online learning, with the option to attend weekly study sessions for support, accountability, and guidance from your trainer.

To attend the placement component, you must successfully complete Handle Horses Safely & Lunging Horses. These subjects form the foundation of your practical work and are essential for safe participation.

It is strongly recommended that you also complete Equine Welfare prior to placement, however this unit may be completed afterwards if required. After your placement concludes, you will have an additional 6 weeks to finalise any outstanding assessments. Extensions are available in line with ACAC’s standard policies.

Handle Horses Safely

This subject provides the essential skills and knowledge required to confidently and safely handle calm, well-educated horses in a range of equine environments. You’ll learn how to safely identify, catch, control, and release horses, with a strong focus on minimising risks and supporting the welfare of both horses and handlers.

Beyond practical handling, the subject also explores the fundamentals of horse behaviour—how horses perceive the world, communicate, and respond to their environment. You’ll gain an understanding of how horses learn, including the principles of pressure and release training, positive reinforcement and effective training methods, helping you to work with horses in a way that is safe, humane, and productive.

By combining safe handling techniques with a deeper awareness of equine behaviour and learning, this subject prepares you to interact with horses responsibly and confidently, whether you’re starting out or looking to build on your existing experience.

This subject is a gateway subject, that is you must complete and pass it before you can undertake any of the other equine units.

This subject credits over to the ACM20221 Certificate II in Horse Care and the ACM30821 Certificate III in Horse Care.

Practical Assessment

This subject requires a practical assessment to occur with three different horses being caught, led, handled, hoof cleaned and returned to the paddock. This is completed on your work placement at Tarcombe Fjords.

Lunging Horses introduces you to the essential techniques and knowledge required for exercising horses safely from the ground. This subject focuses on the correct use and fitting of lungeing equipment, understanding safe lungeing practices, and recognising the signs of fatigue or stress in horses before, during, and after exercise.

You’ll learn how to lunge calm, well-educated horses under supervision in a variety of settings, such as yards, exercise arenas, and event areas. The subject also explores the reasons for lungeing, the basics of horse movement and behaviour during groundwork, and key safety considerations for both handler and horse.

This subject credits over to the ACM20221 Certificate II in Horse Care and the ACM30821 Certificate III in Horse Care.

Practical Assessment

This subject requires a practical assessment to occur with three different educated calm horses, over 10 minutes of lunging each. You will complete this on your placement at Tarcombe Fjords.

Equine Welfare equips you with the skills and knowledge to evaluate the welfare of horses using recognised animal welfare assessment frameworks and tools. In this subject, you’ll learn how to systematically observe and assess the physical and behavioural wellbeing of horses across different environments—such as stables, paddocks, training facilities, and event venues.

You’ll explore industry-accepted models for welfare assessment, understand what good equine welfare looks like, and develop the ability to identify signs of compromised welfare. The subject emphasises the importance of accurate monitoring, record-keeping, and clear reporting to ensure horses receive the care they need.

This subject credits over to the ACM20221 Certificate II in Horse Care and the ACM30821 Certificate III in Horse Care.

Practical Assessment

This subject requires you to have access to, but not necessarily handle, two horses to perform welfare assessments on. This can be completed at Tarcombe Fjords, or with horses you know.

PHASE TWO: WORK PLACEMENT

Once your required theory is complete, you will attend an immersive two-week internship at Tarcombe Fjords in Little River, working with Norwegian Fjord horses in a real breeding stud environment.

This placement is designed to bridge the gap between learning and doing. You will apply your skills in a structured, supervised setting and experience the daily routines, responsibilities, and professional standards expected in the equine industry.

Placement runs across two weeks, attending four days per week (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday). Throughout your internship you will participate in practical handling, horse care tasks, and guided skill development aligned with your units of competency.

Placement dates are set in advance and places are limited, so early application is recommended.

  • With printed learner guides and our online Learning Centre, you’ll have everything you need to succeed.
    Study online at your own pace, with optional weekly support sessions.
  • Then it’s time for your two-week placement at Tarcombe Fjords in Little River.
    Learn hands-on in a real Fjord breeding stud environment through supervised practical training.

Get Started on Your Dream Career!

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Your Pathway Into the Equine Industry Starts Here

Turn Your Passion Into a Profession

$1500

Afterpay available.

APPLY NOW FOR FREE

Important notes:

  1. Prices current from 1st January 2026.
  2. All prices include resource fees, tuition, and administration fees.
  3. Additional fees may apply if you do not pass a subject, you need to re-enrol in a subject for any reason, or you extend your enrolment period. Please refer to the student handbook for details on other fees that may be applicable.

Student Requirements:

  1. You must be physically fit and capable of safely completing manual tasks in an outdoor working environment. This includes activities such as lifting and carrying equipment, handling horses, cleaning yards and stables, and being on your feet for extended periods.
  2. You are required to supply your own horse-safe work boots (sturdy, enclosed, and suitable for working around horses). Suitable clothing for all weather conditions is also essential, as placement activities will take place outdoors.
  3. It is strongly recommended that you supply your own gloves and riding helmet (approved equestrian standard). A limited number of helmets and gloves are available for loan during placement if required, however students are encouraged to bring their own for comfort, fit, and hygiene.
  4. This placement is conducted in a working stud environment. Students are expected to follow all safety instructions, maintain professional behaviour, and work respectfully with staff, horses, and other participants.

Additional Information on the
Equine Care Internship

Have a year 10 pass? Then you can enrol!

To be eligible to enrol in this course, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have successfully completed Year 10, or equivalent (or have been in the workforce for several years)
  • Have the ability to attend Tarcombe Fjords in Little River, VIC.
  • Ability to use and access the internet and a computer – there are online components to complete.

Apply. Decide. Start when you’re ready.

  1. Apply for free
    Apply online. No cost. No obligation.
    As part of your application you will complete a short Digital Literacy and LLN check so we can support you the way you need.

  2. We review and accept your application
    Our team reviews your application and sends you an acceptance email with the enrolment form link.

  3. Complete the enrolment and pay your course fees
    To secure you place, you will need to complete the enrolment form and pay your course fees. Resources are sent out at the beginning of your program.

APPLY NOW FOR FREE

What government funding is available?

Unfortunately at this time there is no government funding available for this course. We do encourage you to contact your local job seeker service or apprenticeship centre for further suggestions. School based students may have access to funding and should discuss this with their school.

You can, however, enrol with one of our instalment plans and spread the cost out.

Equine Care Internship

You will receive a statement of attainment upon successfully completing the program

The units awarded are:

  • ACMEQU212 Handle horses safely (gateway unit)
  • ACMEQU220 Lunge educated horses
  • ACMGEN303 Assess the welfare status of an animal

To complete this course, you are required to complete practical assessments with calm and reliable horses, which will be supplied by Tarcombe Fjords on your placement.

We offer 4 intakes a year.

March 30th 2026
(Placement 22 June – 3 July)

May 4th 2026
(Placement 27 July – 7 Aug)

July 6th 2026
(Placement 28 Sept – 9 Oct)

31st August 2026
(Placement 23 Nov- 4 Dec)

Note: Enrolments close 1 week prior to each intake.

The course is delivered by distance education using our online ‘Learning Centre’ with printed learner’s guides AND practical experience at our breeding stud ‘Tarcombe Fjords’, in Little River Victoria.

This allows you the flexibility to study when it suits your schedule and your location. We’ve designed the program to fit around your work and lifestyle, with just placement date set in stone.

Once the program starts, you’ll receive printed learner’s guides, which will guide you through your studies and prepare you for assessments. You’ll also have access to the extra study resources available via our ‘Learning Centre’ online and weekly study sessions with other students and educators.

Each subject contains various assessment tasks:

  • Expect to complete written assessments for each subject.
  • We include multiple choice learning activities so you can check your own learning throughout the course.
  • Workplace-based assessments for practical skills will be completed on placement.
  • On average, expect to submit at least one short assessment or learning activity task each week to stay on track.

This program is designed to be completed within 6 months. 

Typically, students should plan to dedicate at least 5 hours per week to their studies. This ensures sufficient time for completing required readings and assessment tasks. 

Please note, additional fees will be incurred if you wish to extend your study period beyond the initial 6 months.

Ready to learn more? After you’ve completed this program you can move on to:

Veterinary Nurse Solutions, trading as the Australian College of Animal Care (‘ACAC’), has a third party arrangement with Halo Nation Training Pty Ltd (‘HaloNT’) which is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). In this arrangement, HaloNT is the ‘Principal RTO’, and ACAC are offering the qualification on their behalf.

At all times, the Principal RTO is responsible for the quality of the training and assessment you will receive in compliance with Standards for RTOs, and for the issuance of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) certification documentation. These Standards set out the requirements that an organisation must meet in order to be an RTO and ensure the integrity and quality of nationally recognised training provided by registered training organisations.

What does this mean for students?

Who are students enrolled with?

Students are enrolled with HaloNT as the principal RTO.

Who do students do training and assessment with?

All training is conducted by ACAC on behalf of HaloNT, the principal RTO. All learning and assessment materials are developed by ACAC and approved by HaloNT.

Who do the trainers and assessors work for?

All trainers and assessors are employed by ACAC, but are approved by HaloNT.

What if a student needs to make a complaint?

In the first instance you can provide feedback and make a complaint directly to us, ACAC at [email protected]. You are also able to make a complaint or provide feedback directly to the Principal RTO, HaloNT directly at https://www.halont.edu.au/.

Who issues qualifications and statements of attainment?

On successful completion of all course requirements students are provided with the appropriate qualifications and statements of attainment issued by the Principal RTO, Halo Nation Training Pty Ltd, RTO ID: 32485.

What if a student needs to have a qualifications or statement of attainment reissued?

Students can contact either ACAC and we can assist you to organise this. You are also able to directly contact HaloNT to obtain a new copy of a certificate.