As part of a Racing NSW Thoroughbred Retraining Program and joint initiative with Nowra Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC), Shoalhaven locals will be working with the horses and completing a Cert Three in Animal Management/Horses.

The course is set to begin mid-August and hopes to accommodate approximately 15 people.

It will run for three days a week and participants will help re-educate the horses to integrate them into the general equestrian community.

Greg Peterson, CEO Nowra LALC, said it will also give participants the chance to gain qualifications for a whole range of careers.

"There's a whole pile of jobs with Racing NSW, whether it's in admin, gambling, breeding, take care of horses, and veterinary work - it's just endless," he said.

"We've got a young 30-year-old man out there who has the statue to be a jockey and that would be perfect for him.

"It's a great chance to get new skills and a new career so it's good for the self-esteem."

An introductory day was held on Tuesday for some of the participants. Scott Brodie, manager of the Racing NSW Thoroughbred Retraining Program spent the day guiding students through general horsemanship and care.

Mr Brodie is contract horse trainer and instructor with the NSW Mounted police and has overseen the retraining and rehoming of hundreds of ex-racehorses.

The program is already running in a New South Wales prison, with Mr Brodie involved in training the corrective serves staff and inmates involved.

All the feed, tack and portable round yards will be supplied by Racing NSW and the horses will be agisted locally.

The program needs a minimum of eight people to run, with a maximum of 15. An information and sign-up day will be held in August. Details are not yet finalised but will be soon. For more information contact Nowra LALC on 4423 0083.