Your First Job in Australia: A Premier Thoroughbred Stud Placement
Start your working holiday with a guaranteed job at one of Australia's most respected pre-training thoroughbred farms, nestled in peaceful countryside just outside Sydney. This position is the perfect launchpad for adventurers with horse experience, looking to immerse themselves in the equine industry, earn money, and enjoy a supportive work environment.
About the Stud
You'll be placed on a prestigious, 120-acre horse property known for its work in:
Thoroughbred spelling
Pre-training and fitness conditioning
Rehabilitation of injured racehorses
Breaking in young stock
This farm has earned a reputation for professionalism, care, and excellent training. The team is experienced, friendly, and passionate about horses. You'll learn fast, work hard — and be supported every step of the way.
Location
Located approximately one hour from Sydney, this farm offers the best of both worlds: wide open spaces and easy access to city life on your days off. You'll live with other international participants in a shared house either onsite of a short distance from the property, with a shared car available for commuting and exploring the area.
What You'll Be Doing
This is a hands-on role for people with previous horse experience, but not super advanced experienced. Depending on your skills and the needs of the stud, you may be involved in:
Feeding and watering
Mucking out stables and paddocks
Grooming, rugging, and hosing down horses
Administering basic care and reporting health updates
Leading fit or high-spirited thoroughbreds
Taking temperatures, weighing, and general observations
Couples are welcome — one of you can work in a non-horse-related role if you're good with general maintenance or equipment.
Working Hours & Pay
Workdays: 5 days per week
Hours: 6:30am–12:30pm & 2:00pm–4:30pm (shorter Sundays)
Roster: Set two weeks in advance
Pay Structure:
Get in touch for full breakdown of pay which is $800 -$1000 per week
Weekly average: 40–44 hrs
Full-time benefits including annual leave, sick leave, and superannuation
Weekly wages paid every Thursday
After three months, you'll be eligible for a wage increase — a great incentive to stay and grow your skills!
Accommodation
You’ll stay in a spacious, fully-furnished shared home nearby:
Private room, shared common areas
Rent deducted from pay
Includes utilities, Wi-Fi, bedding, and a fortnightly cleaning service
Shared vehicle provided for work and day trips
What We’re Looking For
Horse handling experience
Good spoken English
Willingness to learn and work hard
Positive attitude and ability to take direction
Physically fit and observant
Enthusiasm to learn more as there is a lot of opportunity to progress into other equine areas
This is a drug-free workplace. A two-week trial applies, and we ask for a minimum 3-month commitment.
A Typical Day
6:10 AM Depart staff house
6:30 AM Feed, muck out, and groom horses
10:30 AM General tasks and property maintenance
12:30 PM Lunch break
2:00 PM Afternoon feed & paddock duties
4:30 PM Sign out for the day
Why This Job?
This is more than just a job — it's your gateway into Australia’s thriving horse industry. You’ll:
Settle into the country and earn money before exploring further
Amazing opportunity for working with rehab vets
Connections to polo and show jumping opportunities if you prove yourself
Higher than the average pay
Highly sort after location
Gain real-world equine skills
Make lifelong friends from around the globe as very sociable setting
Work with horses in a professional, ethical setting
Enjoy life in a rural Australian community
“Arrive with a positive attitude about hard work, and you'll have an unforgettable experience.”
2. Your First Job in Australia: Join a Leading Racehorse Farm in the Snowy Mountains Region
About the Property
180-acre property near Wagga Wagga, NSW
Focuses on racehorses:
Breaking in
Pre-training
Spelling
Over 100 horses on the farm, with around 40 in work
Breeds a small number of performance horses
Also involved in eventing
Location
Situated between Sydney and Melbourne
Nearest town: Wagga Wagga, a large regional centre
Located at the base of the Snowy Mountains, offering beautiful scenery and many activities
Approximately 4.5 hours from Sydney or Melbourne
Accessible by plane, train, or bus to Wagga Wagga (pick-up provided)
Available Roles
There are several roles available, depending on your skills and experience:
Groom – General horse care and stable work
Groom / Rider – Grooming duties plus riding for capable riders
Groom / Nanny – Combination of horse care and some childcare duties
What You’ll Be Doing
A typical day includes:
6:30 AM start with feed run and mucking out stables and yards
Bringing in horses for:
Grooming
Exercise in the arena, around the track, on the treadmill, over jumps, or lunging
Washing down horses and returning them to paddocks, yards, or stables
Cleaning and tidying all areas after work is completed
Feed runs in the afternoon and weekends, scheduled on a roster
Requirements
Must have some horse experience
Must be confident around horses
Good attitude and willingness to learn
Comfortable boots required, as there is a lot of walking
Riding Opportunities
If hired as a rider, there will be significant riding opportunities with racehorses and possibly eventing horses
If not hired as a rider, there are two quiet farm horses available for riding during free time
Accommodation
Onsite modern accommodation included:
Two-storey house
Four large bedrooms upstairs (each with queen bed and air-conditioning)
Shared kitchen, living room, bathroom, and laundry downstairs
Internet access available
Food not included
Working Hours & Pay
Workdays: 5–6 days per week
Start time: 6:30am
Afternoon feed runs rostered
Average weekly hours vary depending on farm needs
Minimum commitment: 3 months (longer preferred, with pay increase after 3 months)
Paid above Australian Award Wages with accommodation
Includes superannuation and entitlements
Weekly pay schedule
Other Details
Eligible for second working holiday visa sign-off
Approximately 5–6 employees work on the property:
Two come in each day
Typically 3–4 live on-site in staff accommodation
Compliant with Australian award wage requirements
Registered to employ working holiday makers at correct tax rates
WorkCover insurance in place for working holiday makers
“Come ready to learn and work hard — and you’ll make the most of this unique Aussie adventure.”