Jessica Jahiel's HORSE-SENSE Newsletter Archives

Instructor certification

From: Pat

I've always wondered and have never thoroughly checked into this, my question is: How does a person become a certified instructor? Are there certifications for Gymkhana instructors also? I'm very interested in becoming certified but for only Barrel/Pole Bending classes. Where/when/hows of this topic would be helpful. Thank you..

Have a nice day! Patricia S. Beck

Hi Patricia! There are several organizations in the USA that offer instructor certification programs and/or testing; the Camp Horsemanship Safety Association is one, and the one with which I'm most familiar is the American Riding Instructor Certification Program (ARICP).

This program is excellent! It's professionally run, and exists to certify those riding instructors who are also true professionals: ethical teachers with a solid knowledge base, a committment to safety, and proven teaching skills.

The ARICP certifies instructors by evaluating them through written examinations and an oral interview. Teaching skills are evaluated by a panel that watches a videotape of the instructor in action. If you become a certified instructor, you must recertify every five years.

The ARICP offers certification at three different levels and in twelve different specialties. Yours would be the STOCK SEAT specialty -- at advanced level. At this level, you would be tested on Western performance classes and gymkhana classes (reining, Western riding, trail, barrel racing, pole bending).

FYI, the complete list of specialties:

Combined Training
Distance Riding: Endurance and Competitive Dressage
Driving
Hunt Seat
Mounted Patrol Training Officer
Open Jumpers
Recreational Riding
Saddle Seat
Side-Saddle
Stock Seat
Vaulting

I strongly suggest that you get in touch with the ARICP and find out when there will be a testing in your area -- or you might prefer to attend the annual four-day seminar that's held, in conjuction with testing, each November. It's an investment you won't regret, if you want to be a riding instructor in ANY specialty!

American Riding Instructors Association (ARIA)
28801 Trenton Court
Bonita Springs, FL 34134-3337
Tel: 239 948-3232
Fax: 239 948-5053

On the Web: http://www.riding-instructor.com/
E-Mail: aria@riding-instructor.com

This is a very, very good program, and an incredible asset to students looking for competent instructors, and to barn owners who want to hire reliable, ethical teachers. I would love to see ALL instructors in the USA become ARICP-certified -- it would provide a support system and a network of colleagues for those who achieved certification, and a clear, achieveable goal for those who might not achieve it on their first try. I would like to think that recognized and proven competence would be just as important for riding instructors, who are in charge of the safety AND welfare AND education of humans and animals during riding lessons, as it is for lifeguards, who are in charge of human safety at swimming pools and beaches... that day isn't here yet, but perhaps it will arrive!

Please get in touch -- and let me know what you think!

Jessica

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