Has anyone participated or audited a CHA Instructor Certification clinic?

[Morgappy]

It’s something I’ve always been interested in and there’s one about three hours away from me in March.

Ultimately, I’d like to participate but I’m wondering if it would be a wiser idea to audit first so I get a better idea what to expect.

I like the CHA program a lot, but my only experience with it was a few years ago when I lived and took riding lessons in a different state- that barn had CHA ground lessons once a month. At that point I had been riding for nearly 20 years so learning the parts of the saddle, etc., and the other beginner lessons were not as helpful, but I really think it’s great to incorporate that into a lesson program. Obviously you don’t have to be certified to do so, but using CHA does give you a lot of materials and structure…

ANYWAY, I’m rambling now… summary:

Has anyone been? If you were certified, how much experience teaching did you have before you went? Were there any participants who did not have a lot of direct experience teaching, but still were certified?

[Desert_Topaz]

I did one over 15 years ago. I learned so, so much at that clinic and as I’m sitting here thinking about it I think it was one of the best things I’ve done for my own horsemanship. As you probably know, there are different levels of certification that one can attain, for example I was a level 1 Western, level 2 English. I could have certified Level 3 English but you were supposed to be riding a level above your teaching and I wasn’t a level 4 rider at the time. Even if you certify at Assistant Instructor I think the stuff you learn is worth it.

I had taught a little bit before I went, but not a ton. There were definitely people certified who had never formally taught before and some did very well. I was in a group that were all going to be working at summer camps. My teaching really evolved and improved while I was there.

I think participating is a great idea. And now I’m thinking I’d love to get re-certified…

[Morgappy]

Thanks!

The more I think about it, the more it sounds like something I should do. I’d really like to instruct (under someone experienced, at first), so may as well go for it.