Certified Instructor Process

[Rosewatt]

Hello everyone,

I’m looking for advice from people on the possibility of completing my certification process, which I began in 2015. I don’t want to get crucified as I know this is a highly debated topic, but I’d love to hear different perspectives and feel it is very important in making an educated decision.

I’m an adult returning rider (3 year hiatus) with 19 years experience, 12 owning. I have background in groundwork and dressage. Experience bringing along green horses and competing up to second level, schooling some 3rd.

I began training for my instructors certification by Equine Canada in 2015. I completed all of the prerequisites, but did not follow through with the evaluation due to a lack of confidence at the time.

I’d like to complete my certification and am looking for advice on how to go about it. I feel I would have to redo my shadowing hours as I’m rusty at teaching groups and I may have to redo one or two courses. Everything else is up to date.

[Scribbler]

@Rosewatt

Hello everyone,

I’m looking for advice from people on the possibility of completing my certification process, which I began in 2015. I don’t want to get crucified as I know this is a highly debated topic, but I’d love to hear different perspectives and feel it is very important in making an educated decision. I feel it is necessary to share my story to explain why I am reconsidering this option, so bare with me. If you want to skip the whole backstory though, feel free to skip to the last 3 paragraphs.

I have been riding for about 19 years and have owned for 12 of those years. I began at a western barn and ended up training with the head trainer on my 3 year old. There were a number of things I did not personally agree with, but looking back, I learned a ton about training philosophy from this trainer, who specialized in working with “problem horses”. Later on, I got into dressage with my horse. I trained with a number of dressage trainers over the years that rode Grand prix level. I was also riding simultaneously at a lesson stable and was in Pony club up until I was 19. I went to Dressage Nationals twice at first and second level in Pony Club and placed in the top 3 both times. I trained with a number of dressage instructors over those years and learned various methods. I also rode various horses and was known for hopping on a new horse right before a dressage show (was part of my own training for nationals). I was asked to put some training on horses and I did so for free, as I am not a professional and simply find joy in working and problem solving with horses. An older lady was also working one horse and getting paid for it at the same time. Looking back, I do feel she kind of used me, as I put training on the horse and then she would take credit for it. When I left the barn due to other reasons, I was told by a few people, including ones I wasn’t close with (the notoriously aloof Barn manager) that I was the only one that should have been working with the horse, as they noticed the horse was heaps better after I came. I’ve ridden lots of green horses, trained out and improved horses with various connection issues (Behind the bit, gaping, head nodding) and also trained a BO’s horse that couldn’t even be ridden with a bit (would buck, tranter and head nod) to riding with a bit at solid first level and being able to do so with an 11 year old rider.

I did well on my own horse as well, schooled up to second level and scored marks into high 70’s in shows. In 2018 we were schooling some third level movements and there is no doubt in my mind we would have done very well had I continued. During the later years, I loved sharing and having others hop on. I received a lot of complements on my horses, training as he moved forward automatically to the bit, whether collecting or on the buckle. He was completely trained off of seat, which is something I’ve taken from different instructors but largely trained myself. Unfortunately, my horse became on and off lame and in 2019, my horse received a DSLD diagnosis and was promptly retired by myself. I could not afford another horse and was not open to rehoming my own. Due to the situation, I went into a state of depression and withdrew from riding for 3 years. I also had an old injury rear up it’s ugly head, probably due to loss of muscle, but that’s another issue altogether.

I started getting back into riding last fall very gradually via a therapeutic riding center I have helped with for years. I had worked with a number of their horses for the program and wanted to just dip my foot back. I received an email from a friend of someone I used to board with, who was looking for a rider with more experience to help with their newly broken 3 year old. I was hesitate at first and very honest about my hiatus, but ended up coming out just to see if we clicked. It worked out and though I’ve had limited time, we have taken the horse from barely turning at the walk with rein to wtc in connection with the bit, steering/transitions completely with seat and beginner leg- yields, shoulder-in (with seat aids and no rein), turns on the forehand/hindend in about 15-20 rides.

Now in regards to the certification process, I had started training for it with the instructor who also had a Pony Club in 2015. I completed all the criteria, shadowing hours and riding evaluations to qualify for the instructor’s test; however, If I go back to complete things, I would expect myself to be redoing a lot of this as a refresher and to make sure I remained up to date. There was a good amount of drama at this barn though, which made me extremely uncomfortable at the time. Other girls trained for their instructors after me and the instructor focused on favorites that basically were tall and confident like her. I began to think I wasn’t good enough and didn’t have the same confidence that the other girls had. Truthfully, I was never a confident person in my abilities and had boats of social anxiety, at the time. I am a perfectionist and always want to better myself or prove myself. So even if the other shadowing instructors rode under my level, I’d still think I was below them. Teaching students was also a learning curve to me and I had to learn not to focus so much on the “technical stuff”, but I really enjoyed it. I can’t remember the specifics on how it happened, but I gradually removed myself from the barn due to the drama at the end of the last National competition and ended up working with other instructors on my own horse.

So, here’s where I am at… I am older now and have figured out my social anxiety. I would really like to complete my certification, as I see how many instructors are out there teaching riders to ride front to back and improper biomechanics. I know at least, I am good at working on those 2 things and will continue to educate myself. However, if I do pursue completion, the only instructor I know who is certified to follow through with that is my old one with the Pony Club. There is one more who is away in Florida for the winter and rides higher level, but I don’t know her well and am unsure about asking if she would mentor me. I am in contact with her though and plan to take lessons with her when she is back, as I’ve taken clinics with her and she is fantastic! I’m also anxious about re-entering the horse community after being away, particularly the drama. I do feel I’m much better at dealing with the drama, staying away from it, and articulating myself, but I just hate that part of the horse community.

I’m still not wholly confident in myself and I’m very honest about where my abilities lie. If I get my instructors, I’d be instructing low level dressage and referring people on if they wish to pursue beyond first level or jumping (which I I do not have experience training horses in). I would only be instructor on the side, as I will have a regular job and personally, just don’t want to be a full-time instructor.

So I don’t really think the novel is that relevant to your current dilemma. Adult returning rider wants to get certified as a coach. My questions are:

Who grants this certification?
What do you need to do to pass it?
How much does it cost?
What can you do with certification that you can’t do without?

In Canada and the US, you don’t need any certification of any kind to teach riding lessons. Many BNT and riders move into teaching on the strength of their accomplishments.

I know that Equine Canada has a certification program. You need to pass a riding test that shows competence in low level dressage and jumping. You need to pass a written test and do a test lesson. There is however no EC training program per se, you need to learn on your own. Once you are accredited you get a much better insurance rate through your provincial horse council.

I don’t know what USEF offers, I feel like they don’t have anything as coherent as EC.

So is your program run by a different association or entity? If so, how widely recognized are they?

I would not suggest enrolling in an accreditation program to build global riding skills. I would work on those skills through intense riding lessons and practice and off horse fitness, and pursue the accreditation specific activities when your global skills are already at a level to pass the standards.

[anon68314200]

Well I just completed an instructor certification program and my main question after reading your story is why exactly you want the certification.

You don’t need one to teach. Not in the United States anyway.

If you’re outside United States, then Realize that having the piece of paper isn’t going to change your ability to market yourself or deal with horse industry drama. If anything the people who’ve been through a certification process are going to battle harder to defend their turf, stab their enemies in the back, etc. they’ve got more invested and they’re going to fight harder to defend that investment.

So what is the certification going to do for you? My question is somewhat informed by my recent process where in I did not get nearly out of it what I thought I would be getting. Training Knowledge yes, but ability to sell myself or start a business, not so much. ( which was supposed to be a significant part of the course.).

In other words, I know more about training horses now, but the rest of the world hasn’t changed.

[Rosewatt]

Yeah, sorry. I figured people may ask based on what my experience was, so hence the essay. I was also a bit apprehensive posting this, knowing that the topic can be one of strong opinion at times. I edited my post to make it more relevant. Thank you for the advice!

I’m in Canada, so like you’ve mentioned:

• Equine Canada grants the instructor’s certification, based on provincial equestrian association.
• So right now, all I need is to apply to do the evaluation and perhaps redo some shadowing hours under a certified coach since my teaching is rusty. I already have done the required shadowing hours, rider evaluations etc in 2015.
• I’m actually unsure of the cost, as some things have changed since I have trained for it and the website gives no indication of the cost.
• It’s not necessary, but it will show people that I’ve gone through a regulated process to teach others. The other benefit that you already mentioned is that it will lower the insurance needed to teach and will advertise the certification on the registered coaches page in my province.

[Rosewatt]

Great question and points! I like the idea of a regulated instructor certification and as a rider myself, I think it is important that instructors go through a regulated process. The other benefit, as mentioned above, is that it would lower my insurance. I realize it won’t equipped me with the tools to market myself, but I am okay with that, as my plan would only be to teach on the side anyways.

[Scribbler]

Ok, the EC certification is definitely worth doing in Canada. It is recognized and gets you a big break on insurance.

I’ve watched several people engage with it. Different people have different skill sets. Some people are excellent riders but struggle with written tests. Some people ace written tests but don’t quite have the riding skills yet. You need to show both dressage and jump skills.

For cost and details including the riding levels you can go to the EC website and email them if necessary. They have a basic beginner coach now as well as the Level One coach that used to be the entry level certification.

Did you already pass the riders test in 2015? That’s great. Is it still valid? I feel like the riders test is the biggest hurdle. You can study for a written test and learn how to structure a lesson, but if your global riding skills aren’t there yet that’s a longer learning curve.

As far as drama, every profession can have drama. You can create the world you want for yourself by being relentlessly cheerful and honest, and not getting sucked into other people’s issues and games.

[Rosewatt]

Awesome! Glad to know that.

I have already completed my rider level 6 flat, jump, lunging and written tests associated with that test and passed in 2015 or 2016. So that is already completed. I’m sure it is still valid, unless they changed things. From my knowledge, you don’t need to redo those? At least I hope not because I don’t have a horse I could redo the jumping portion with now.

I’ll have to send an email with those inquiries to EC. I did hear from someone recently that it is no longer instructor of beginners, but basic beginner coach, so I’ll have to see what changes have accompanied that. Something I’ve always struggled with was writing lesson plans. My mentor didn’t really go over them with me, so I learned most of it via the workshop class. My mind also doesn’t quite work that way as I am very much about the technical stuff and will kind of focus on what I see needs work at the time (not great for the beginner evaluation!). I can be hard for me to dumb things down to a beginner level sometimes, so that is also something I will brush up and refocus on.

You are so right about the drama, as everyone of my workplaces has had it too. I feel I’ve just become much better at navigating it and not being pulled into it. Honestly though, my experienced in the past have not left me with a positive outcome, partially from growing up through it. I did not realize how badly it fed my anxiety back then. The idea of going back to my old mentor’s barn causes me some anxiety, but I do feel like I can keep my head above water this time, as my social anxiety isn’t so much an issue now.

[shortenmyreins]

I got my NCCP Instructor of Beginners in 2018. My rider evaluations were completed close to 20 years earlier (level 3 which is now equivalent to level 8) so yours should definitely still be valid! Thankfully, I had my level 3 certificate as proof as they did not have it in my file.

Have you got a current first aid certificate? That’s something you will need to complete.

Contact the coaching person at your provincial organization regarding what you’ve done that is currently valid. The coaching certification is dealt with by the provincial organizations, not Equestrian Canada. Let them know of your intent to seek certification so that they start a file for you (what I was told when I inquired about mine).

Check the dates as to when testing will be occurring. In my province there is only one shot per year in my area, I would have to make it an away weekend if I missed that chance - although this year they are doing some kind of virtual testing. Can you be ready for that date?

The in-person test comprised of lunging a rider, giving a flat group lesson based on the lesson plan I had submitted, as I did the jump portion there was a group jump lesson, again based on my submitted lesson plan, some stable management for me to complete (bandaging and booting) and to teach, and a written test. The lesson plans had to be submitted prior to the day, with an Emergency Action Plan that you could base on your riding stable.

Throughout all of the testing, safety is paramount. If you make a mistake, fess up to it vocalize what you should have done. Read the directives on what they are looking for - it’s in the paperwork they send you. Due to a health concern that came up about two weeks before my test that was a wee bit stressful and left me unsure if I was going to go through with the testing, I barely looked at the paperwork until I was at the testing facility and it would have helped me not make a few mistakes!

My insurance with certification is about 20-25% of what it would be without certification.

[shortenmyreins]

@Rosewatt

My mind also doesn’t quite work that way as I am very much about the technical stuff and will kind of focus on what I see needs work at the time (not great for the beginner evaluation!).

Also - you don’t know what you will be getting for riders until the day of - it’s volunteers, so you could have almost new beginners to far more advanced riders. You might need to change your lesson plan once you see what you’ve got in front of you - and if you tell your testers why, they will understand! Safety is key!

[Rosewatt]

Thank you for confirming that and it is also nice to see I’m not the only one who wanted to complete it years later. Yes, I work in healthcare, so need to keep up to date on those certifications.

Also, thank you so much for such a detailed response. Very helpful! One additional question, but do you have any tips for the lesson plans? I’ve always struggled with them even after doing the workshop. My mentor also didn’t spend any time on them with me.

[lintesia]

@Rosewatt

Also, thank you so much for such a detailed response. Very helpful! One additional question, but do you have any tips for the lesson plans? I’ve always struggled with them even after doing the workshop. My mentor also didn’t spend any time on them with me.

Maybe check out the British Horse Society literature and requirements for the PTT (Preliminary Teacher Test). I was in the U.K. to do BHS training through Stage 3 and I recall that most of my books for Stage 3 included stuff for the PTT - lots of guidance on lessons and structure and what could be asked in the exam. I rode in some of the PTT exams as a guinea pig rider and attended some of the training sessions just for the knowledge (I’m an amateur and will never teach!). Just a thought…

[Argo]

Do you have the Lesson Plan template? It breaks down your lesson goal, equipment, arena diagram, and lesson segments. You describe each segment with an appx timeline. For example: intro, warm up, explain, demo, main activity (ies), cool down & conclusion. The types of exercises that are appropriate for your rider experience are covered in the coaching seminar. You must stick to your plan within the time allowed during the exam, so I’d recommend adopting the Lesson Plan template for all your teaching so it becomes second nature. I hope this helps.

[Rosewatt]

@lintesia

BHS training through Stage 3 and I recall that most of my books for Stage 3 included stuff for the PTT - l

Thank you so much! That would be so helpful and I’ll look up those resources. I know the UK has a great system when it comes to horses and more regulated than our own, so I’m sure they would have fantastic resources.

[Rosewatt]

I do and have practiced using it, when it was the instructor of beginners (IOB), but I still struggle with it because my mind doesn’t work that way and I want to focus on more advanced details I guess (like seatbone positioning, which I do feel is important for overall correct position but maybe too much for a beginner), so I’ve struggled with sticking to the bare basics, which is something I’ve improved on via practice on my BO’s granddaughter who I asked to both give me feedback, but still don’t exactly know what evaluators want for a basic lesson plan. Maybe someone has some tips on that or an example they can share?

I’m also unsure about details of whether you are required to use equipment for your lesson plan goal or if it’s optional? and I was told progression was supposed to be doing the same thing, but on the other rein at that level, so that makes sense.

For the IOB, I remember some of the topics being: into to trot/canter, using eyes, posting trot… But since that changed, I’m unsure of whether those topics have also changed? I tried looking this up but am still mixed on things and could not find anything explicitly clear.

Very helpful though Argo! thank you

[Scribbler]

strong text[quote=“Rosewatt, post:14, topic:781124, full:true”]
I do and have practiced using it, when it was the instructor of beginners (IOB), but I still struggle with it because my mind doesn’t work that way and I want to focus on more advanced details I guess (like seatbone positioning, which I do feel is important for overall correct position but maybe too much for a beginner), so I’ve struggled with sticking to the bare basics, which is something I’ve improved on via practice on my BO’s granddaughter who I asked to both give me feedback, but still don’t exactly know what evaluators want for a basic lesson plan. Maybe someone has some tips on that or an example they can share?

I’m also unsure about details of whether you are required to use equipment for your lesson plan goal or if it’s optional? and I was told progression was supposed to be doing the same thing, but on the other rein at that level, so that makes sense.

For the IOB, I remember some of the topics being: into to trot/canter, using eyes, posting trot… But since that changed, I’m unsure of whether those topics have also changed? I tried looking this up but am still mixed on things and could not find anything explicitly clear.

Very helpful though Argo! thank you
[/quote]

I feel like once you have a repeat student coming up with a lesson plan in advance is not rocket science if you remember or take notes on the weekly lesson.

A lesson typically includes both teaching the rider to just ride and teaching the rider to train or school the horse. So you need to think about what they both need.

Typically for beginners the coach directs the warmup and uses it for diagnostics for that day. Are the rider and horse both functioning at the expected average or is there an anomaly? Has your rider developed a bad habit or a fear? Is horse sucking back, lame, or unusually hot and spooky? Is there anything in the environment that’s affecting things?

An effective lesson plan needs some possible branching or alternatives. Your warmup can be walk trot canter both directions and 20 meter circles and some leg yield. Then if it’s jumpers start on ground poles, practice two point, work up to cross rails if all goes well. Or dressage, start in on figures etc.

The big thing I expect they will want is first, do you have a plan for the lesson? What do you expect to cover? And second, how can you moderate this if things aren’t working out?

For instance, if during warmup you fund out horse didn’t get out of his stall for 3 days because of snow and now he is spooking and bolting at melting snow sliding off the arena roof, you are going to do a lesson on problem solving. You aren’t going to barrel forward and do a no stirrups no hands gymnastic or even jump unless he settles fast. You should never power through some preconceived plan in a dangerous situation.

You should also pick one main focus for a lesson in terms of rider technique and you should have different ideas of how to get there beyond shouting heels down.

[CHT]

Rather than going through EC, consider looking into getting your coaching certificate through CHA. It is less expensive, and (last I looked anyway) it still gets you certified for EC certification. I think it’s run as a two week “camp”. Certified Horsemanship Association – Find CHA Certified Equine Professionals I few local coaches did it this way to be able to continue coaching at shows.

[Argo]

It’s really more basic than that. Equipment means things like cones, letters, poles. The lesson topics to plan for are things like riding a 20m circle (so use cones for the 4 tangent points, for example), or introducing 3 trot poles (explain 2 point position and a mane release). The topics haven’t changed with time. You’re preparing riders to go safely in a small group lesson environment, mostly walk-trot and a little canter, not tweaking the finer points of dressage. There really is no ‘dressage’ in this program, it’s just English riding. Students need you to teach them a good basic position with their heels down, eyes up and reins held correctly. You should be performing a tack check for each rider before starting. Heels not down? Go down long side in 2 point. Eyes not up? Ask the rider to call out the next letter or number of fingers you’re holding up. Rider can’t turn down centre line? Lay out guide poles. Rider not maintaining 2-point? Slow the gait or put tacks on the saddle, just kidding. This is the mindset, don’t get lost in the weeds of specifics or it will fall apart on test day in front of strangers. I would recommend shadowing a coach who is already part of the certified system to see if you can really adopt it, and then ask them to audit your teaching to get some feedback. Practice putting yourself ‘on stage’ so you are confident on exam day.

[Rosewatt]

Thanks, that is actually what I have normally done and why I have trouble sticking to lessons as well, so framing it the way you did was very helpful and gave me an idea.

[Rosewatt]

Oh interesting. I haven’t heard anything about that program. Is that available in Canada and do you know how it gets you certified for EC certification?

[Rosewatt]

You had me until the tacks HAHA. Sounds like it has stayed the same as IOB, which is good news for me. Do the lessons HAVE to have equipment used in the lessons though? Are you marked down for not using them?

Yes, I have already shadowed over 100 hours with an EC certified coach and tester. We did a lot of which you described, including introductions and tack checks, but we unfortunately didn’t go over creating the actual lesson plans. She had a busy program with 4-5 students in each class that I would teach. One group was beginners, but most were older riders where I had to focus on more dressage for their level. However, “shadowing” became more of a “you go teach while I go talk to people or go up to the house sort of situation” and so when it came to actually learning the EC-specific way, I never really learned. So I’m hoping I may find someone else who can go over it with me and maybe just click better with me. I also love the idea of the auditing, so if they can do that with me it would be lovely. I need the practice in the whole process of making the plan and then adapting to it, so I can pull it together for the 15-20min evaluation exam when it comes time.