Nationally recognised Diploma

The Diploma of Equine Allied Health was created to provide a clear, safety-focused, and nationally consistent training pathway for people who want to work in specialist equine allied health roles, particularly equine dentistry and equine massage.

There was a real gap between how common equine dentistry and massage are, and how consistent the training and standards were across Australia.

Industry feedback showed that horse owners use these services frequently, but they also wanted more confidence that the people doing the work have solid training. It also highlighted that in rural and regional areas, it can be harder to access qualified providers, so some people end up relying on whoever is available, even if their training is mixed.

This Diploma was created to close that gap. It gives you a clear, nationally recognised pathway with strong safety and horse welfare foundations, hands-on skills that match real industry work, and the professional standards you need to step confidently into equine dentistry or equine massage as a career.

Choose your pathway

Equine dentistry
If you want a practical trade and a high demand pathway, equine dentistry is for you. You will build the safety first skills, anatomy knowledge, and real world treatment approach needed to work confidently in the field. Training covers how to assess the mouth, recognise common problems, and deliver professional dental care within scope using modern equipment.

This pathway is best suited to people who:

• have a passion for horses and have confident horse handling skills

• are capable of performing physical but precise work

• enjoy working in a changing environment

• can use a computer comfortably and know how to

  access and learn new software

Explore the dentistry pathway

Equine Massage Therapy
If you are drawn to horse wellbeing, movement, and performance, equine massage therapy is a strong pathway. You will learn anatomy, observation, hands-on techniques, and how to work professionally with clients as part of an equine care team. Training focuses on practical skills you can use straight away, with clear boundaries and awareness of referrals.

Best suited to

This pathway is best suited to students who are:

• patient, detail-oriented, and confident handling horses calmly and safely

• comfortable using a computer and learning new software
  for online learning and assessment submission, including video uploads

Explore the massage pathway

How training works

Year 1: online learning at home

This program suits rural and regional students. In your first year, you complete structured online learning from home. You will learn about:

• horse behaviour and welfare

• safe and professional practice as a contractor

• working within an equine allied health framework

• applying anatomy and physiology to real care decisions

• client communication and providing specialist advice

• equine first aid and emergency care

• evaluating equine services and therapies

• building a professional portfolio of business documents tailored to your future business

Our units are structured with clear learning content, guided instruction, and assessments aligned to industry expectations.

Years 2 and 3: practical training blocks in Tamworth (AELEC)

After Year 1, you attend practical training blocks in Tamworth at the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre (AELEC). Tamworth is an ideal training location in a major horse region, with a strong local equine community, plenty of opportunities for real-world experience, and a wide range of accommodation options for travelling students. AELEC is a high-quality facility with classrooms, excellent stable blocks, and ample space for the horses treated during practical training.

Training block schedule

• equine massage therapy: 3 x 10 day blocks across 1 year

• equine dentistry: 6 x 10-day blocks across 2 years
  The two streams train simultaneously, with hands-on lessons and supporting theory sessions.

You will train on real horses in real client scenarios under qualified trainers with extensive industry experience. After each block, you can go home and practise your skills on your own horses and, with permission, friends’ and family horses.

Professional outcomes

Many graduates aim to run their own service as a sole trader or join an existing equine business. Throughout the course, you will build a portfolio of practical tools you can use from day one, including hygiene and safety protocols, client documentation templates, and a horse treatment charting system. If you are in the dentistry pathway, you will also start purchasing and building your instrument kit across Years 2 and 3.

Where you end up depends on your current skills, the mentoring you access, and how you build your client base. Based on outcomes from the previous Cert IV Equine Dentistry, graduates commonly moved into industry work after completing their training.

You will graduate with practical, work ready habits, including:

• confident client communication and professional conduct

• strong record keeping and documentation

• consistent safety and hygiene standards

• clear boundaries and referral awareness, including when to involve vets and other professionals

Common questions

Do I need my own horse?
You will need regular access to suitable horses for practise outside training blocks, and you will work on horses during practical training blocks at AELEC.

Is this course online?
Year 1 is structured online learning from home. Practical training happens in Tamworth in intensive blocks.

What do I need to be ready?
Confident horse handling skills and strong computer skills for online study and assessment uploads.

What is the next step?
Apply for the information pack and follow the application process.

Can I apply for HECS-HELP to study this Diploma?
Not currently, but ETA is working hard behind the scenes to make this available.