Equine Business Management

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Important Announcement – Course Closure

The Advanced Diploma of Equine Business Management will not be offered beyond the 2025 intake. For more information on this decision, please click here.

Overview

Equine related industries provide some of the world’s most exciting and fulfilling experiences and whether in breeding, racing, equestrian or interrelated activities, the opportunities are boundless. High quality skills, experience and a well-rounded education will open doors for graduates of Marcus Oldham’s Advanced Diploma of Equine Business Management.

Internationally recognised by major sectors of the horse industry, the Advanced Diploma of Equine Business Management aims to equip students with the practical husbandry and business skills necessary for a successful career in their chosen field. The intensive one-year Advanced Diploma of Equine Business Management is structured equally into three broad areas: practical and horse management skills, equine science and business management.

Developed in close consultation with industry, students are exposed to a diverse range of prominent leaders specialising in riding, training and management techniques, business philosophies, industry views, marketing strategies and administrative practices. To ensure students have obtained essential horse management skills, all students participate in horse handling and have the option to elect the riding stream.

Marcus Oldham lecturers are supported by a range of specialist guest lecturers throughout the course. Equally important is the further opportunity and insight students obtain from outside the College grounds. An exciting international study tour and a four-week industry training program are both a feature of the course and allow students to visit and work with prominent industry leaders and enterprises in both Australia and New Zealand.

Graduate Story – Kate Austin Agribusiness and Equine Business Management Graduate – Ciaron Maher Racing

Student Stories

Explore our student stories and find out what they have been up to since graduating from Marcus Oldham.

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Here's some frequently asked questions

No, the decision to discontinue the Equine program is isolated to this specific course. Our focus remains on strengthening our core programs in Agriculture and Agribusiness, and this adjustment allows us to dedicate more resources to these growing areas.

While the Equine program will no longer be offered, students interested in the equine industry may find opportunities within our Agribusiness and Agriculture courses. These programs focus on essential business and management skills that can be applied across diverse sectors.

The Equine Business Management program will close with the 2025 cohort, and we will not be accepting future enrolments. Prospective students interested in equine-related studies are encouraged to explore our Bachelor of Business (Agriculture) or Bachelor of Business (Agribusiness) programs, which offer foundational business skills applicable across many industries.

The College will conduct a teach-out of the Equine program in 2025, ensuring a seamless experience for the final cohort. We are committed to maintaining the high standards of teaching and learning that Marcus Oldham is known for. Students in the final cohort will continue to enjoy all the unique learning opportunities associated with the program, including study tours, placements, and other experiences.

The College Council has decided to discontinue the Equine course at Marcus Oldham due to a long-term decline in interest and enrolments, which has made it unsustainable to continue running the program. Before reaching this decision, the College Council engaged an independent consultant to thoroughly review the program and present several options. After careful consideration of the report and its recommendations, the College Council determined that discontinuing the Equine program at the end of the 2025 academic year was the best course forward.

Practical/industry placements that range between two weeks and ten weeks for the various programs are usually without payment although some employers will make a nominal payment. Quite often these placements provide an opportunity for future employment.

Marcus Oldham College is spread across 500 acres on the outskirts of Geelong, near the Great Ocean Road and just one-hour from Melbourne.

For the Advanced Diploma of Equine Business Management course there are extensive facilities that include but are not limited to:

  • Private indoor arena with 24 hour access for students
  • Outdoor sand arena
  • Undercover round yard
  • Two stables
  • Hot and cold wash-bays
  • College float
  • Horse crushes
  • Large paddocks

You can view some of the facilities on our virtual tour by clicking here.

All available Scholarships for the last year of the course have now been awarded. Bursaries are available for students with a genuine need.

Yes, however applicants that have not completed Year 12 or equivalent qualification will have to demonstrate significant post-secondary school experience during their application and interview.

We encourage you to speak with the course director by submitting an enquiry here.

The College has made the decision to not offer the Equine program after 2025. If you are currently at school or don’t meet the eligibility requirements to study in 2025, you will not be able to enrol in the course. We encourage you to explore our Bachelor of Business courses in Agribusiness or Agriculture instead or to reach out to student services officer on 03 5247 2911 or courses@marcusoldham.vic.edu.au

 

You can apply for entry into the 2025 Advanced Diploma of Equine Business Management now. This will be the final year the course being offered.

Places are in the course are limited and those who apply after all the spots have been filled will be put on a wait list in the event a place opens up.

We encourage students to apply as soon as possible if they intend to study so they do not miss out on a place in the course or the on-campus accommodation.

You can apply online here.

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