For those dreaming of becoming a professional within the horse industry as a horseback riding instructor, an equine facility manager, trail guide, or a driving or vaulting instructor, the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) is a great partner to help you make that dream come true. CHA is the largest certifying body of riding instructors and barn managers in North America. As it celebrates its 50Anniversary, CHA has certified more than 30,000 individuals who are dedicated to providing safe, effective, and fun experiences with horses.
The Standard Instructor Certification certifies instructors at Levels 1 to 4, or as a Master Instructor. Instructors of Riders with Disabilities (IRD) can be Certified IRD Levels 1-3, or as an IRD Assistant Clinic Instructor or an IRD Clinic Instructor.
The Trail Guide Certification certifies participants as an Assistant Guide, Day Ride Trail Guide, Overnight Guide, Packing Guide or Wilderness Guide. There are also Combined Arena Instructor/Trail Guide Certification levels.
Vaulting Coach Certification can aid equine programs in offering a complete vaulting lesson program in addition to their riding lesson program, camp program, therapeutic program, or for youth associations or clubs. Vaulting coaches can be CHA Certified as an Assistant Vaulting Coach or as a Level 1-3 Vaulting Coach. CHA also offers Driver Instructor and Driver Certification (DIDC) as an Assistant Driver/Instructor, Level 1 or Level 2 Driver or Driving Instructor.
CHA’s Equine Facility Management program is a 20-hour certification clinic that evaluates participants on their skills and knowledge of equine facility management and then certifies them as a Stable Worker (Level 1), Stable Manager (Level 2), Herd Manager (Level 3), or Equine Facility Manager (Level 4). Seasonal Equestrian Staff can also become certified, which gives the facility that hosts these clinics an edge for having educated equestrian staff. In addition, CHA offers a College/University Certification to accredited schools, colleges, or universities offering CHA certification as part of their existing equine studies curriculum.
A CHA Certification tells potential clients that the certified individual has had to attend an intensive and professional certification clinic and meet a set of standards created by a third party well-established professional organization within the horse industry that tests individuals on the most important aspects needed to become an instructor or facility manager. CHA instructors are only certified to the level that they are able to teach. It also shows clients that the individual is a dedicated professional willing to invest their time and money into becoming a certified professional. CHA instructors are also up-to-date on the latest techniques, news, and knowledge within their industry and many have learned much more by attending hands-on clinics and workshops put on by CHA and other equine organizations.
To read more about the benefits of CHA Certification, what certification has done for various professionals, or about CHA’s other educational opportunities and programs, visit CHA’s blog at http://www.CHA.horse/store/blog. In addition, CHA offers additional educational materials and opportunities, including live events. To learn more, please visit www.CHA.horse.
CHA Instructors Change Lives Through Safe Experiences with Horses. The purpose of CHA is to promote excellence in safety and education for the benefit of the horse industry. CHA certifies instructors and trail guides, accredits equestrian facilities, publishes educational manuals, produces educational horsemanship DVDs and YouTube Safety shorts, and hosts regional and international conferences. For more information on the largest certifying body of riding instructors and barn managers in North America, Certified Horsemanship Association, please visit www.CHA-ahse.org or call 859-259-3399. To find a certified horseback riding instructor or accredited equine facility near you, visit www.CHAinstructors.com.
