HELP NOT HIDE
I am working on therapy classes with horses for anyone in need or would love to know more about these wonderful animals, who to me are like people who have learned how to respect each other. I know that I am not the only one but if you are interested here are some of the things you can do to get ready for this summer depending were you live and or plan for fall and next year. Your model for your programs will come to you and I encourage all horse lovers to look at this new way to help people and start another business.
While certification is a requirement for many European countries, it is not required for riding instructors in the United States or in Canada.
Certified riding instructors teach students about horse behavior, how to get results from horses with different personalities, and they know how to evaluate rider positions and techniques when they're saddled up. More importantly, they can make riding fun for the student and match up a rider with the right horse.
If these factors are important to you, then you may want to consider becoming certified. There are quite a few options for anyone who wants to enhance their credentials. While this isn't a complete list, here are some of the best-known certification programs for riding instructors.
American Riding Instructors Association
The American Riding Instructors Association (ARIA) certifies riding instructors in 15 different disciplines including distance riding, dressage, driving, eventing, hunt seat, hunt seat on the flat, mounted patrol training officer, recreational riding, reining, foxhunting, saddle seat, show jumping, side saddle, stable management and western (pleasure & equitation).
The initial certification in a discipline costs $595 and consists of oral, written, and practical tests. This portion involves the candidate’s submission of a skills video on DVD.
Re-certification is required twice more in the discipline at 5-year intervals, and this renewal course is offered at a cost of $350 each time.
Being an ARIA-certified instructor gives you nationally-recognized credentials and puts you in the Directory of ARIA Certified Instructors on the organization's website. Certified Horsemanship Association
The Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) was established in 1967 and has certified more than 30,000 riding instructors, barn managers, and trail guides.
The organization offers a 3-year certification after completion of a week-long clinic. During the clinic, the candidate must pass written tests, riding evaluations, practice lessons and attend seminars. Instructor certification is available in a variety of specialties including English riding instructor, Western riding instructor, trail guide instructor, equine facility management, vaulting instructor, driving instructor, and instructor for disabled riders.
A certified instructor must also complete at least 25 hours of continuing education credit every three years to keep their certification current. Initial certification through the CHA costs around $200 and re-certification is $75. Yearly memberships are $60 and lifetime memberships cost $750. Centered Riding
Centered Riding, a program founded by Sally Swift, offers 4 levels of certification for its member instructors.
Level 1 and 2 instructors are qualified to apply the principles of centered riding within their discipline. Level 3 instructors are qualified to teach open clinics. Level 4 instructors can teach open clinics, instructor courses, and instructor update clinics.
To begin the certification path an instructor must have at least 1 year of teaching experience, meet riding skill requirements, participate in at least one open clinic and complete a 7-day certification course. Costs may vary based on level and where the course is taking place.
More information tomorrow. But this is a new era full of possibilities and the chance to help the homeless too.
Happy Trails,
Patti
Patti HELP