Horseback Riding Instructor Certification

To learn how to ride a horse safely and proficiently, equestrians must take riding lessons from instructors qualified to teach them in the fine points of horsemanship and safety. It is not enough that trainers are good riders; they must also be able to communicate effectively with their students, teach their riders measurable skills, determine when their students are ready for advancement, and evaluate, select and train lesson horses. Finding the best equestrian instructor for yourself or your child may mean asking for credentials and proof of certification before signing up for lessons.

ARIA

The American Riding Instructors Association evaluates a trainer's teaching ability beginning in the first of three levels with a series of written and oral tests that the trainer must pass with a score of 80 percent. By the time an uncertified instructor has taught for three or more years, she must submit a video or DVD of herself riding and teaching to the evaluation committee and pass all tests with an average score of 85 or above to be certified for Level 2; Level 3 certification requires six years of teaching, a video or DVD, and testing scores of 90 or above. At each level, candidates must be able to show that they know how to ride at either an intermediate or advanced level and that they are able to teach students of all abilities a solid foundation for riding and safe horsemanship.

AAHS

Maintained in conjunction with the University of Vermont, the American Association for Horsemanship Safety certifies those equestrians interested in working as English and Western riding instructors, trail guides and head wranglers. Non-riding camp directors and facility owners can also receive certification through this program. The AAHS regularly holds five-day, 40-hour clinics where equestrians are taught a standardized curriculum based on how to teach, not how to ride. The clinics provide the candidates with information on efficient methods of instruction, horse management and safety, and equine law in an effort to avoid accidents and law suits.

NARHA

The North American Riding for the Handicapped Association certifies instructors in the riding, interactive vaulting and driving equestrian sports and teaches them how to work with emotionally, physically and mentally handicapped children and adults. NARHA offers three levels of certification and requires that its instructors volunteer at local therapeutic centers. They must also practice with an instructor/mentor before being allowed to work for payment.

USDF

Instructors in the sport of dressage -- the art of classical riding -- receive certification from the U.S. Dressage Federation, the sport's governing body in this country. Trainers must be able to compete at USDF endorsed horse shows and receive scores over 60 percent to be certified to teach in Training through Fourth Levels. They must attend workshops on riding and teaching, lungeing, pre-certification and testing. In addition, those seeking certification must study prescribed reading materials to prepare for a written examination.

Other Associations

Other equestrian associations that certify riding instructors include the Certified Horsemanship Association, Christian Camping Horsemanship International, the newly implemented Dude Rancher's Association, Horsemanship Safety Association Inc. and the British Horse Society. The BHS certifies trainers and grooms in England and Scotland with the same types of training levels incorporated into the ARIA in the United States.