Why certify?

 CHA offers certification as an instructor of riding theory and application for group riding instructors dealing with progressive skill building in all levels of riders, primarily in the arena. Certification may be earned in English and/or Western disciplines by successfully completing a five-day certification which includes teaching at least four practice lessons, a riding evaluation and a written test. The level of certification attained, if any, is at the sole discretion of the CHA Certifiers and is determined by skills and knowledge demonstrated during the certification. Participants are evaluated on their ability to teach group riding lessons. Categories of evaluation are safety, horsemanship, teaching techniques, group control and professionalism. Different levels may be achieved in each seat with and without jumping. 

The Equine Facility Manager Certification program is 3 days and is designed to evaluate participants on their skills and knowledge of equine facility management. Certifications are held at commercial equine operations that offer a diversity of functions to enable testing the program content through all four levels. There is a written test at each level with a minimum passing score of 80% that is a prerequisite to moving on to the next level. Skills demonstrations are required at each level. Areas of evaluation are safety, horse handling, horse husbandry, facility management, and professionalism. The level of certification attained, if any, is at the sole discretion of the CHA Certifiers and is determined by skills and knowledge demonstrated during the certification. 

coming soon! 

 For instructors working in programs that provide recreational, instructional, or mainstream riding for persons with disabilities. The materials and curriculum of these certification clinics are specific to the various considerations, adaptations, applications, contraindications, adaptive equipment, and horses used in riding programs that serve persons with physical and/or cognitive disabilities 

 Seasonal Equestrian Staff Certification is designed to meet the needs of seasonal riding program operators, such as youth organizations, summer camps, guest ranches and trail program operators. The purpose of this program is to provide training and certification for “entry level” riding staff that work under the supervision of a CHA certified instructor or riding director. This program is an affordable alternative to CHA instructor certification for programs that are operating with temporary and lower‐level staff. This certification is mainly for arena-based for a lower-level program. 

For driving instructors who teach group lessons in the camp or commercial driving school setting, and for recreational or commercial drivers. Certification includes single and team driving with multiple vehicle types. Both breast collar and collar harness are addresse This five‐day certification program is for driving instructors who teach group lessons in the camp or commercial driving school setting, and for recreational or commercial drivers. Certification includes single and team driving with multiple vehicle types. Both breast collar and collar harness are addressed. Certification involves teaching multiple lessons or doing skills demonstrations and a written test. There are presentations by the Certifiers in this clinic including Teaching Techniques for Driving, Risk Reduction, Passenger Safety in Loading and Unloading, Harness Fit and Adjustment, Road Driving, Emergency Procedures and Professionalism.  d. 

 Vaulting is the art of gymnastics on the back of a moving horse. It is one of seven equestrian disciplines recognized by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) for international competition and its history dates back to Roman times. It has been an important part of equestrian training, especially cavalry training, for generations. As a competitive sport it is stylized and disciplined. As a recreational activity and teaching aid it is enormously adaptable in scope and application. 

 Day Ride Trail Guide Certification is designed for trail guides dealing with rides from very short up to one day long. The purpose of this program is to provide training and certification for “entry level” trail guide staff that work under the supervision of a CHA certified instructor trail guide or riding director. Certification has an emphasis on trail guiding skills demonstrations rather than teaching lessons. The Day Ride Trail Guide certification is three days and is conducted by one CHA Certifier. The level of certification attained, if any, is at the sole discretion of the CHA Certifier and is determined by skills and knowledge demonstrated during the certification. 

 This Combined Certification is designed to meet the needs of programs that offer basic levels of arena instruction and trail riding including overnight rides. Participants may earn both English/Western Instructor Certification in either or both seats and a Trail Guide Certification, but only up to Level 2 in each certification program. This five‐day Combined Certification is similar in format to the English/Western Instructor Certification, with one night spent on an overnight trail ride. The level of certification attained, if any, is at the sole discretion of the CHA Certifiers and is determined by skills and knowledge demonstrated during the certification clinic. See the English/Western Instructor Certification and Trail Guide Certification descriptions for a review of the levels available. 

 Trail Guide Certification is offered for guides working in programs that range from short trail rides up to extended wilderness packing trips. The five‐day certification includes two nights at the base camp and three nights on the trail. Participants are responsible for bringing their personal items for camping and on the trail, including rain gear and sleeping bag/bed roll. Camping equipment like tents, kitchen supplies and pack gear is provided by the host site.