To promote excellence in safety and education for the benefit of the entire horse industry. This is accomplished by certifying instructors, accrediting equine facilities, producing educational conferences and publishing educational resources such as horsemanship manuals, DVDs, safety video shorts, webinars, a monthly radio show, blog, posters and much more. Certified Horsemanship Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit association. Your donations are tax deductible.
Region 1 of the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) is a vibrant community of equestrians from the Pacific Northwest, including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, and British Columbia. Our region is made up of passionate and like-minded individuals who are dedicated to introducing others to the world of horses in a way that is safe, enjoyable, and educational.
At CHA Region 1, we believe in fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and shared learning among equestrian professionals, instructors, and enthusiasts. We are committed to creating opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and educational advancement. Whether you are new to horses or have years of experience, our region offers a wealth of resources, workshops, and events designed to support all levels of horsemanship.
Debbie mentors instructors of riders with disabilities nationwide. She has held several roles, including program director and supervising instructor at the Foundation of Southern Oregon, animal care technician at Arizona State University, and program director at RideAble Therapeutic Riding Center. She was also a Special Olympics delegati
Debbie mentors instructors of riders with disabilities nationwide. She has held several roles, including program director and supervising instructor at the Foundation of Southern Oregon, animal care technician at Arizona State University, and program director at RideAble Therapeutic Riding Center. She was also a Special Olympics delegation head coach and coached a Team USA rider at the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles. In 2022, Debbie received CHA's Certifier of the Year Award.
A CHA Master Instructor and Certifier for both the Instructor of Riders with Disabilities and the EWI program, Debbie has served as a Past Assistant Regional Director for Region 10 and as a Triad Director for Region 1. She is also a PATH CTRI, Equine Specialist, and Mentor, and currently serves on the Education Committee, helping shape the future of instructor education across the association.
Debbie shares, “CHA has changed my life, giving me focus, career purpose, invaluable relationships, and endless educational opportunities. As a member of the Region 1 Triad, I’m dedicated to supporting, promoting, and helping others achieve their goals through this incredible organization!
Lorraine has been involved with CHA-certified Christian ranch camp ministry at Timberline Ranch in Maple Ridge, BC, for 52 years. First certified as a CHA instructor in 1985, she is a lifetime member with certifications in Level 3 English, Level 3 Western, and Level 3 Trail Guide. In 2020, she was named Region 1 Volunteer of the Year.
Lor
Lorraine has been involved with CHA-certified Christian ranch camp ministry at Timberline Ranch in Maple Ridge, BC, for 52 years. First certified as a CHA instructor in 1985, she is a lifetime member with certifications in Level 3 English, Level 3 Western, and Level 3 Trail Guide. In 2020, she was named Region 1 Volunteer of the Year.
Lorraine has contributed to various aspects of camp life, including 16 years in barn management and 15 years in program development. Starting in the horse industry at 15, she values the mentors who shaped her journey. Her goal is to help the next generation develop a passion for safe riding and horsemanship. Lorraine graduated from Kwantlen Farrier College in 1991 and has served on the organizing committees for Christian Camping International and Fellowship of Christian Camps. She has also taught therapeutic riding and disabled skiing and is an officer with St. John Ambulance, certified as a Medical First Responder.
Marnie is a seasoned equestrian professional with over two decades of experience in horsemanship instruction, equine training, and small business management. As the founder and owner of Stafford Hills Equitation LLC in West Linn, Oregon, she has built a thriving program that specializes in English and Western riding as well as equestrian
Marnie is a seasoned equestrian professional with over two decades of experience in horsemanship instruction, equine training, and small business management. As the founder and owner of Stafford Hills Equitation LLC in West Linn, Oregon, she has built a thriving program that specializes in English and Western riding as well as equestrian vaulting. Marnie is certified through the Certified Horsemanship Association as a Level 2 English and Western Instructor and a Vaulting Assistant Certifier. Her work emphasizes safety, confidence-building, and skill development for both youth and adult riders, with over 30 students enrolled weekly in her carefully tailored lesson programs.
In addition to her professional pursuits, Marnie has demonstrated deep community and faith-based leadership. She has served in various capacities within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for more than 30 years, including leading a women’s service organization and organizing gospel instruction and equine activities for youth. Her volunteer work extends into the public education system as well, supporting literacy and learning at Stafford Elementary for over a decade. Marnie’s unique combination of equestrian expertise, compassionate teaching, and community service reflects her enduring commitment to nurturing growth, confidence, and connection through horsemanship.
Rebecka is an independent instructor, coach, and trainer at Twin View Farm in Wasilla, Alaska, where she teaches around 30 students weekly and works with a small herd of 6 horses. She specializes in teaching beginning students basic groundwork and horsemanship skills, focusing on developing an independent seat, proper equitation, and cri
Rebecka is an independent instructor, coach, and trainer at Twin View Farm in Wasilla, Alaska, where she teaches around 30 students weekly and works with a small herd of 6 horses. She specializes in teaching beginning students basic groundwork and horsemanship skills, focusing on developing an independent seat, proper equitation, and critical thinking. Her goal is to help students become capable riders who can either become horse owners, pursue employment in the industry, or specialize in a discipline.
Amy has been part of the CHA horsemanship program since 1998, starting as a camp staff member in the CHA rider level program. Her passion led her to become a certified CHA EWI Level 2 instructor. Amy has worked at various horse camps across Western Canada and currently teaches beginner/intermediate lessons at Birch Bay Ranch in Sherwood
Amy has been part of the CHA horsemanship program since 1998, starting as a camp staff member in the CHA rider level program. Her passion led her to become a certified CHA EWI Level 2 instructor. Amy has worked at various horse camps across Western Canada and currently teaches beginner/intermediate lessons at Birch Bay Ranch in Sherwood Park, AB. She is also a certified equine first aid instructor with Equi Health International. A lifelong learner, Amy strives to be the best rider and coach she can be, and enjoys trail riding, English riding, and performing in a Western drill team with her horse, Einstein.
Teresa has been loving and working with horses for more than 40 years. She was thrilled to certify as a CHA instructor in 2014, then provide riding lessons and day camps to local city kids until she joined the barn management team at Timberline Ranch in 2018. Now retired, she continues to serve as a volunteer at Timberline, mostly in dev
Teresa has been loving and working with horses for more than 40 years. She was thrilled to certify as a CHA instructor in 2014, then provide riding lessons and day camps to local city kids until she joined the barn management team at Timberline Ranch in 2018. Now retired, she continues to serve as a volunteer at Timberline, mostly in developing teaching tools and barn classes for camps. She rides her grulla QH mare, Moon, up mountain trails and along rivers in the Fraser Valley, BC as often as possible.
Trisha's love for horses began early and grew into a lifelong passion. She explored many areas of the horse world, from trail riding and ranch work to barrel racing, Eventing, and Dressage, eventually earning her Bachelor of Science in Equine Science from Colorado State University. In 1998, Trisha became a certified CHA instructor and la
Trisha's love for horses began early and grew into a lifelong passion. She explored many areas of the horse world, from trail riding and ranch work to barrel racing, Eventing, and Dressage, eventually earning her Bachelor of Science in Equine Science from Colorado State University. In 1998, Trisha became a certified CHA instructor and later earned her Master Instructor and Certifier titles. Currently, she focuses on learning and competing in Working Equitation. Trisha enjoys helping others stay safe and have fun with horses while promoting the many opportunities CHA offers.
Jennifer started riding as an early teen. She graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelors of Science in Equine Science: Horse Production and Ranch Management. She continued her education at Canyonview Equestrian college where she was certified as a Level 3 English and Western instructor with a Level 2 trail certification.
Jennifer started riding as an early teen. She graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelors of Science in Equine Science: Horse Production and Ranch Management. She continued her education at Canyonview Equestrian college where she was certified as a Level 3 English and Western instructor with a Level 2 trail certification. She has worked at Miracle Ranch and Canyonview camps. She packed mules in Yosemite’s backcountry for 17 seasons before moving to Grants Pass where she was introduced to instructing riders with disabilities. She achieved her Master Certification in Instructing Riders with Disabilities (IRD) and is an Assistant Certifier for IRD. She currently works at Crossing Bridges Therapeutic Riding Center.
To learn more about our history and organization, visit the main CHA website by clicking the link below!
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