Australian Agricultural College Corporation
Toomba Horse Sale at Charters Towers, was a bonanza for the Australian Agricultural College Corporation, with the entire offering selling under the hammer, many for record prices.
Word spread quickly that AACC senior skills instructor John Arnold and a group of students were coming to town with 14 horses for sale.
In what Mr Arnold described as “successful”, the trucks travelled back to Longreach Campus empty after the offering realised $86,500.
These sale results include an AACC record with the four-year-old mare, El Pascol Jasmine, realising $14,500 at the fall of the hammer. El Pascol Canasta, a four-year-old gelding by Genuine Roy, was the highest priced gelding for the offering, making $8500.
Diploma and Certificate in Agriculture (specialising in horse breeding) students prepared the horses for sale and were thrilled with the result of 10 ridden horses selling for a total of $79,500 – a new sale average record for the Longreach Campus horse section.
Also going to new homes after selling are two yearlings which sold for a total of $4500 and two, aged broodmares (ex Dacol) that went for a total of $2500.
“This was a great result for us and we had a lot of interest in our horses prior to the sale with repeat buyers purchasing horses from us, which helped realise this good return,” Mr Arnold said.
“Every horse taken to the sale was the result of the college’s horse breeding program and each was broken-in, shod, trained, used for basic health instruction and prepared for sale by the students.
“It proves the high regard our breeding, preparing and finishing program is held in industry and the fact our students are part of that is excellent grounding for their future careers.
“This experience improves the students’ confidence as they ride in front of large crowds and it shows they are doing a job that equals a lot of the other sellers at the sale.”
Students and staff also competed on horses from the college show team in the Horse of the North Stockman’s Challenge with excellent results.
Clear winners in the Open Horse of the North category was senior skills instructor John Arnold on Genuine Roy, who won all four sections in both dry work and cattle work, preliminary and final rounds.
“This win ensured Genuine Roy’s progeny sold quite well at sale the next day,” Mr Arnold said.
Certificate III student, Kelly Carn placed seventh in the Horse of the North open and instructor Tony Mawhinney, sixth - both on college horses.
And in a clear example of the talent AACC graduates, the Under-25 Challenge was won by former Longreach Campus student Georgina O’Neil, from Charters Towers; and last year’s Dux Jess Glenwright, also from Charters Towers, won the Alan Glenwright Memorial Under 5 Horse of the North Challenge and sold her competition mare for top price of the sale, at $19,500.
For more information on how to undertake a course in agriculture and move into the equine industry, contact AACC on Tel 1800 888 710 or visit www.aacc.edu.au

ACS Distance Education
ACS Distance Education offers 400+ courses including: Horse Care I, II and III, Equine Behaviour, Animal Health Care, Animal Behaviour, Animal Anatomy & Physiology, and much more! PLUS: new course now available - Natural Health Care for Animals!
Also of interest to those who love everything equine: Pasture Management, Sustainable Agriculture, Irrigation - just to name a few.
Study online, by CD, or by traditional correspondence (paper notes). Our tutors are highly qualified and experienced, and among our tutors we boast a vet, a former Quarter horse breeder, a founder of a wildlife sanctuary and former manager of the wildlife park at DreamWorld, psychologists, and Environmental Scientists – plus many more. Check out our staff page on our website!
Study at your own pace, at your own place. We offer courses that range from 100 hour short courses, to advanced diplomas.
ACS has been established 27 years - and there’s nothing like experience.
Let us help you to realise your potential - or build on your knowledge -  today.
Discounts available.
Visit: www.acs.edu.au

 
Sturt University - Bachelor of Equine Science
Equine Science provides opportunity to those with ambitions to work in any of the many sectors of the horse industry, including young people beginning careers and to those with experience of the workplace who are looking to expand their future career options. The course is offered from the Wagga Wagga campus using facilities developed by Charles Sturt University in conjunction with the NSW Institute of Sport and the Sydney Olympic Games Organising Committee. The outstanding training and breeding facilities, including a 3000 sq m indoor arena and cross-country course, are further enhanced by a Veterinary Pre-clinical Centre developed for the presentation of anatomy and physiology courses and the construction of an Equine Clinical Centre to service both Equine and Veterinary Science undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The School campus now hums with the lively interaction of like-minded students preparing for careers in the related industries of Agricultural,
Animal, Veterinary and Equine Sciences, enjoying the benefits of a diverse university culture and the relaxed affordable lifestyle which comes with a thriving regional city of 60,000 people.
Equine Science students at CSU develop transferable life and learning skills, an understanding of the science underpinning the modern management of horses and technical skills in reproduction, rehabilitation and training. The program explores the themes of nutrition, reproduction, health and performance on a foundation of anatomy, physiology, chemistry and biology with the flexibility of electives to accommodate specific interests.
Opportunities exist for students to study full time on campus or by distance education providing course flexibility to both Australian and international students. Graduates may choose to pursue postgraduate study through honours, masters and doctoral programs at CSU or other institutions.
The School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at Charles Sturt University provides undergraduate courses in Animal Science, Equine Science and Veterinary Science, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Captive Vertebrate Management, from its excellent and new facilities on the Wagga Wagga campus of the University. The School also teaches into the Agriculture degree, managed by the School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences, for those students selecting the Livestock Production stream of that degree. You can find information about all of these courses in the website pages.
If you are interested in participating and contributing to the success of the CSU Equine Science program please look through our website - which will provide more detail of the wonderful benefits of being a CSU Equine Science student.
Visit: www.csu.edu.au/faculty/science/savs/

Franziska Isabella Pilger talks about studying Equine Science at CSU.
I was in Australia last year to improve my English and I fell in love with the country. So I definitely had to come back and start University here. I always wanted to make a living out of my hobby, horse riding, that is why I chose to study Equine Science and CSU is the best place in Australia to do that.
I live in a shared Unit in Central Wagga Wagga. It is very convenient, because I live close to the main street and everything is in walking distance. I focus totally on studying. Studying is my life at the moment, but I go horse riding once or twice a week.
One advantage of being an international student is the fact that you have to learn another language, which prepares you for the workforce. You meet a lot of different people and their cultures, which is very interesting for me. Another advantage is that you really have to grow up and you can’t rely on your parents anymore concerning things like insurance, rent etc..
The course is definitely preparing me for the workforce due to the wide range of subjects this course offers, you find new ideas of what you could do every day.
One of my highlights of studying at CSU so far has been a prac session where we had to freeze brand horses. This was extremely exciting for me. Now there is a horse out there with a 4 on its shoulder and I made this number!

Equestrian Centre Gippsland
Hands on Horse Care at ECGs Gippsland Harness Training Centre, located in the beautiful West Gippsland town of Warragul.
In a technology-driven world, it makes a refreshing change to train in the outdoors hands-on with horses!
Education Centre Gippsland (ECG) operates the Gippsland Harness Training Centre at Warragul which operates as fully operational racing and training stable providing Nationally Recognised Accredited training for those wishing to gain practical skills in the general equine and racing industry. Some of the courses can be tailored to both Harness and Thoroughbred industries. No previous experience necessary.
Certificate II to Diploma level courses are offered at the Centre covering Stablehand courses, Harness Training and Driving and the new Racing Services Administration industry.
Courses can also be designed and tailored to suit your workplace needs where our trainers can come to you.
The centre has its own racing team providing opportunities for students to gain real experience on the professional racing circuit
The Hands-on Horse Care program is tailored to meet the needs of all horse owners giving them access to industry professionals including veterinarians, farriers, equine dentists, trainers and equine nutritionists. Ideal for beginners and less experienced people who simply want to learn about horses and horse husbandry with safe school horses to suit all levels.
Full time/Part time/ Flexible learning opportunities available. We will try to tailor a course to suit your needs. Call for the full range of equine training courses available.
For more information on ECG’s Gippsland Harness Training Centre equine courses phone Des Hughes on 0419 588 528 or desh@ecg.vic.edu.au or visit: www:ecg.vic.edu.au

The Hamilton and Alexandra College
The Hamilton and Alexandra College is a horse lover’s dream.
In Victoria’s Western District, the College is a co-educational day and boarding school with its own equestrian centre on site and within walking distance from the boarding houses.
The College horsemanship program is an integral part of the school’s curriculum, providing the opportunity for students to bring their horses to school and make use of the outstanding facilities. The College has its own all-weather arena, extensive undercover stabling, a sand manège and cross country course.
The College is a Registered Training Organization for the Equine Industry, and many students complete this course as part of the VCE. The Director of Horsemanship lives on site and provides assistance and lessons to students of all ages. A number of Junior School children undertake horsemanship and the school has a number of its own horses for student use.
Visiting EFA instructors regularly take the students for lessons, adding to their breadth of knowledge and experience.
The College’s equestrian team is renowned for its success in interschool and individual competitions. The College horsemanship programme is exciting and challenging and enables horses lovers to bring their horse to school and benefit daily from the excellent facilities and instruction.
Contact The Hamilton and Alexandra College on (03) 5572 1355 or visit: www.hamiltoncollege.vic.edu.au

Hidden Valley – A European Facility in Australia
Grand Prix dressage rider, Maree Tomkinson recently returned to Australia after an extended training stay in Germany, during which time she represented Australia with success at the World Young Dressage Horse Championships and the Olympic Qualifier in Cannes.
While she was there, Maree trained with one of Germany’s most respected trainers, Jürgen Koschel (trainer to the Swiss and Dutch teams) and his son, Christoph, at their state of the art centre in Hagen. Back in Australia, Maree has set about taking the best of the European training system and adding it to a beautiful Australian bushland setting in the idyllic Hidden Valley… just an hour from Melbourne.
The centre now has a re-surfaced International sized indoor dressage arena, as well as the re-surfaced outdoor arena, and grass arena.
Hidden Valley is home to regular clinics and offers a full range of training for horse and rider – from Young Horse classes to Grand Prix.
“I wanted a facility that was as professional as the ones in Germany, but we are Australians, and it is supposed to be fun as well,” says Maree.

Marcus Oldham - EQUINE BUSINESS A GREAT CAREER
Career opportunities in the equine industry are many, and to get the best career for you, it is important to have the best qualification. The Diploma of Horse Business Management offered at Marcus Oldham College at Geelong, Victoria attracts students from all around Australia and overseas, because they know the excellent qualification is widely recognised within the equine industry. The intensive eleven-month course appeals to students, as they gain their business skills, equine science, horse husbandry and practical skills within the year and then start out on their exciting career path.
The $11,500 Australian Equestrian Scholarship to Marcus Oldham College is on offer to someone passionate about a career in the horse industry and planning to study the Diploma of Horse Business Management. In awarding scholarships a number of factors are taken into consideration at the interview: a commitment to the horse industry, horse management skills and knowledge, personal presentation, the ability to communicate, and academic performance.
Applications close on Friday 21 August 2009 for entry into the course in February 2010.
Lisa Burr from Nairne in South Australia, 2009 winner of the Scholarship, grew up loving horses enough to seek a career with the magnificent animal. Enjoying her year at Marcus, Lisa said, “It’s so good to have lecturers that know the industry and I can’t believe how many contacts I have made already. I know a tertiary education will make me more employable at a higher level. I hope to work overseas to investigate different techniques, before starting my own business.”
Marcus Oldham graduates work in several countries and 2007 graduate, Alice Spry from Tasmania, landed a great job in England working with Andrew Hoy, Australia’s famous Olympian who lives in Gloucester. Two graduates have represented at the Olympics: Imtiaz Anees for India at Sydney in 2000 and Tim Amitrano at Athens in 2004, while Australian, James Paterson-Robinson, is making a name on the European circuit.
Fact sheet: Marcus Oldham College offers a one year Diploma of Horse Business Management. This is a Higher Education Course so successful completion of Year 12 is essential, and students must be 18 years of age by commencement of study.
Accommodation: On campus individual bed/study room with internet access. Three meals, seven days a week in term time.
Own Horse/Horse Provided Students must bring own horse and gear. College horses are available for international students and distant interstate students
Website: www.marcusoldham.vic.edu.au

New England Girls School
New England Girls’ School is a day and boarding school located in the city of Armidale, situated midway between Sydney and Brisbane on the picturesque New England Tablelands of NSW. Armidale is a cosmopolitan city of 22,000 that boasts an attractive CBD featuring historic buildings, cathedrals, and vibrant cafe scene.
Since 1895, NEGS has been a leader in the education of girls from rural and regional areas across the country, girls come from almost every state and territory in Australia as well as overseas, giving the school a dynamic and varied personality. NEGS aims to develop the full potential of each student in a balanced environment where students love to learn, enjoy challenges and to contribute to the wider community.
The NEGS Equestrian Centre is on site and boasts an Indoor Arena, outdoor arenas and a cross country course. We are currently upgrading to a new stable block including 20 stables, hot/cold wash bays, vet/ farrier bays and tack rooms with private lockable tack boxes. The development includes a seminar room and an additional indoor arena. We have group and private paddocks to suit all horses. The NEGS Equestrian school horses cater for a range of riders. We have beginner ponies, medium/advanced dressage horses and horses jumping up to 1.10m. These horses and ponies can be hired for competitions.
Our chief instructors, Sarah Venamore and Gina Haddad are NSW State Pony Club coaches, and NCAS EA Level 2 Coach Educators. We offer courses for NEGS students in addition to training and accreditation for NCAS EA coaches. Our Equestrian centre is open to the community and offer a range of services including children’s camps during the holidays, ladies club, private and group lessons in dressage, showjumping, eventing and vaulting. From 2010 we will also offer TAFE courses.
Equestrian lessons are offered throughout school life. From kindergarten to Year 6 students can choose to ride and are able to have group lessons during the school week. From year 7 to 12 riders can have private or group lessons before or after school and during weekends (or at other times to be organised by parent and principal).
As part of Physical Education, year 7 has the opportunity to ride, or learn to ride, or trial vaulting to ensure they experience what NEGS Equestrian has to offer.
The course offered in Years 11 and 12 is a comprehensive package where the students aim to gain their Primary Industries – Agriculture Certificate II, and their Equestrian Australia Introductory and Level 1 Horse Management and Riding Certificates. This Board developed course counts towards their ATAR (UAI). The course includes 7 lessons a fortnight, 4 of which are generally riding lessons.
NEGS Equestrian centre hosts a friendly atmosphere, where all take pleasure and benefit from learning. So come along, bring your own horse, or enjoy using ours. Please call on (02) 67748717 or visit our website www.negs.nsw.edu.au

North Coast TAFE
Want to get professional qualifications to work in the horse world? Coaching (Equestrian Australia Horse Management Certificate), Equine Vet Nursing & Certificates in Performance Horse studies are all available through the Trenayr Campus of TAFE. Our courses are flexible, distance delivered & self paced. You study at home using the material we send to you and attend workshop blocks for your practical training & assessment. Trenayr’s courses are offered to adult learners and to TVET’s (school students) & enable students to apply for government study assistance.
It seems that once again the Trenayr Campus of TAFE students are shining bright in the equine world. Alexandra (Lec) Bruggisser, has recently been named on the NSW Youth Development Squad for Dressage. Quoting directly from Lec: “I completed my TVET certificate while I was still at school and I now realise how essential the course has been for me! Not only were the vital components of the horse industry discussed by practising and experienced lecturers, but the information complemented the well-developed skills I already had. The practical nature of the course meant I was confident in my own abilities when I moved into professional situations and further study of Level 1 coach accreditation. An added bonus of my connection with TAFE has been the early notice of the specialist clinics they run and in which I am able to enroll. The unwavering, ongoing support from staff has been invaluable!!”
Other Trenayr students have worked successfully in the racing, breeding, performance, cutting, campdrafting & polo industries.
These students have had in common the enthusiastic support, tutoring, mentoring & professional development available from Trenayr TAFE. The facilities at Trenayr are 2nd to none, with a 30m X 70m indoor riding arena, stables, handling yards and access to EA Level 1, 2 and 3 coaches. The facility also hosts riding clinics with leading coaches such as George Sanna, Vicki Roycroft, Kate Taylor-Wheat, Sally Evans, Carlos De Cleermaeker, Sandra Pearson-Adams and soon, Brett Parbery.
The recently developed link between Trenayr and Equestrian Australia (EA) is an exciting opportunity for our students - by completing their Certificate II and Certificate III in Performance Horse Studies at Trenayr, students are eligible to receive their EA Level 1 Horse Management Certificate, a significant step towards their EA Level 1.
For more information contact us directly on 1800 677 331 or email nci.equinestudies@tafensw.edu.au

Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE
NMIT (Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE) is a leading provider of education and training to the equine industry, with courses ranging from Certificate level to its Bachelor of Equine Studies.
Courses are delivered at NMIT’s Epping Campus, on Melbourne’s northern fringe and at Northern Lodge Stud, the Institute’s 300 hectare stud farm located at Eden Park, about 20 minutes from Epping.
Northern Lodge Stud has a full complement of facilities designed specifically to aid equine education, including classrooms, mechanical horses, all-weather manège, stripping stalls, covering barn, and foaling and stallion yards.
Students undertaking NMIT’s Racing courses are able to utilise the stud farm’s 1000 metre track complete with the latest starting gates and markers around the track, which enable students to learn to ride to time.
Bachelor of Equine Studies
A specialised 3-year full time equine science and business management degree. Graduates acquire the skills required to gain employment within the multi-faceted Australian and international equine industries.
Part-time study is also available.
Diploma of Equine Stud Management
A 2-year full time diploma with study and hands-on training at Northern Lodge Stud.
Graduates are equipped for a range of career pathways in the horse breeding industry and associated equine enterprises.
Diploma of Racing (Thoroughbred Trainer)
A nationally accredited course that provides students with a comprehensive range of topics and the knowledge necessary to become a Thoroughbred racehorse trainer.
Students will utilise facilities at Northern Lodge Stud.
Certificate IV in Racing (Thoroughbred Owner-Trainer)
A course designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary for them to apply for an Owner/Trainer licence in the thoroughbred racing industry.
Students will utilise facilities at Northern Lodge Stud and selected outside stables and trainers.
www.nmit.vic.edu.au/equine (Certificate to Advanced Diploma)
www.nmit.vic.edu.au/equinedegree (Bachelor of Equine Studies)

St Paul’s (Warragul & Traralgon) - Join the Winning Team
What does it take to be part of the winning team at St Paul’s? One of our Equestrian Captains put it into her own words: “Imagine giving up your free time on the holidays and weekends in order to represent your school at an interschool competition. Well that’s the dedication that every member of the Equestrian Team displays, whenever the need arises. Our season never ends and is never cancelled due to bad weather. Weekends involve very early starts and huge trips across Victoria and we rely on our horses to be on their best behaviour when we get there, although sometimes that’s not always the case!”
St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School with campuses at Warragul and Traralgon has a record of equestrian performance to be proud of, having experienced enormous success in all disciplines. With our dedicated and committed group of riders and parents we have been fortunate enough to claim almost all major Interschool Championship Titles, including winning the elusive Tintern Horse Trials this year.
The Equestrian Program has produced some very successful EFA State Squad members and riders who have represented Australia internationally. The rapidly growing Equestrian Team at St Pauls is very active with a strong emphasis on participation. We warmly welcome new members from all disciplines and ability levels. If you wish any further information on being a part of the winning team - please call Mrs Sue Mc Mahon, Equestrian Coordinator at the Warragul campus on tel: (03)5623 5833
Visit: www.stpaulswgl.vic.edu.au

St Paul’s College (Walla Walla) Fun, friends and learning
St. Paul’s College is a co-educational day and boarding College located in Southern New South Wales. Its vision is that of a “Christ-centred community valuing people and learning.” This vision is enacted through the College’s four pillars; namely, Christian Education, A Safe and Caring Community, Quality Education and Country Goodness.
St Paul’s has a long history of providing practically-based options for students. Equine and Agricultural studies are well-established within the College and they are complemented by a strong programme of academic subjects. The College’s location in a small rural community and its relatively small size are key elements underpinning its vision.
The Equine Studies programme was established over thirty years ago and it is available to students from Years 7 to 12. Unlike many other schools and colleges, the focus at St Paul’s is on equine pleasure sports rather than the racing or breeding industries, and Equine Studies is included as part of the formal curriculum.
Nearly forty students are involved in Equine and the majority of these students agist their horses at St Paul’s. Half of these students board at St Paul’s, which allows them to follow their equine interests with each other after school. The seven hectare Equine Centre is conveniently located alongside the campus and it includes stables, yards and paddocks, tack rooms, dressage and jumping arenas, a round yard and a cross country training area. Supervised riding is provided each weekday after school and visiting instructors are available for additional tuition. Opportunities exist on weekends for full-boarding schools to take part in pony club rallies and competitions. Recently, a group of 13 Equine students and 20 supporters travelled to Coonabarabran to compete in the North West Equestrian Expo, with our students achieving considerable success.
Many students select Equine Studies at St Paul’s as a way of following their interests and to further develop their equestrian skills. Some parents recognise their own limitations and look to St Paul’s as the way in which their son or daughter may follow their interests in a horse and pony. College horses, complete with saddlery are available to beginning students seeking an equine experience.
For enrolment enquiries or for information about our open days, contact the College Office on 02 6029 2200 or visit www.stpaulscollege.nsw.edu.au