USHJA Instructor Credential - Worth it?

[Kirikou]

Hello everyone, I run a small lesson program (about 70 riders/week) in the rural Midwest and have been asked to coach the local college IHSA team. I’ve been running a non-affiliated version of pony club and am credentialed in Europe for eventing and endurance, but I’m not as familiar with “Hunterland” here in the US since I did not grow up here.
I’ve subscribed to Equestrian Coach and watched many IHSA competition videos, but I’m now wondering if the USHJA Instructor Credential would be helpful for me in coaching IHSA, and whether it would be beneficial for the growth of my lesson program in general.

I’m curious to hear from others who might have pursued the credential and whether it made a significant impact on their teaching and/or business. Is it worth it for instructors who are already well-established in other disciplines but newer to the hunter/jumper scene? Would it help with attracting more students or expanding program offerings?

Looking forward to your thoughts and advice! Thanks!

[OverandOnward]

Adding to this question – What is the general opinion of different certifications for riding instructor, for ‘English’ / hunt seat? Hunter, jumper, equitation, dressage, eventing.

If someone applies to a program to be an instructor, I’m wondering which certifications are seen as legit bona fides, and which are thought to be just window dressing that is easily available from – wherever.

[Tackpud]

I am a credentialed instructor and an examiner for the program. I’ve been a professional for almost 40 years, so not a newbie by any means. I’ve trained horses and riders to the top levels and still found the course interesting and informative. The in person portion is excellent - two days of intensive learning and testing and sharing ideas with others in the industry. I’ve tested new instructors and very senior professionals and they’ve all walked away with a great appreciation for the program.

As for IHSA coaching, ore knowledge about the forward system used in equitation judging can never hurt!

[x]

I have been an instructor/trainer for many, many years. I got in on the ground floor of the USHJA program, and went through the first trainer certification program, and have kept it up and this year is up for renewal and they have switched to the credentialed instructor program, so that is what I am going through. I find that how worth it is to have the certification depends on the area of the country–where I last lived, it really didn’t mean much in terms of getting new clients; where I am now it seems to be more useful. I had been training and instructing for close to 20 years before this program came out, though, so there is that. If, however, you are using the program to improve your knowledge, that is very useful for that if you haven’t been that exposed to the american forward seat riding. It sounds like it would be useful for education for you.

[Kirikou]

Thank you for your responses! It does sound helpful from a content perspective for sure (I am a big devotee of Vladimir Littauer and would enjoy learning more I am sure) + more education is never a bad thing in my book!

I did check the website, but I couldn’t find clear details on the location or frequency of the in-person training and examination. Would any of you happen to know more about these?
The online portion of the training seems very doable but the in-person takes a little more “organizing”…

[Tackpud]

At this point they are trying to identify host sites for in-person training. It’s difficult to find the right facility with the right combination of horses and riders who are willing to be guinea pigs for a couple of days. They also try to find different locations across the country so no one has to travel too far if they don’t want to. I’m sure the website will be updated when arrangements are made.

[Kirikou]

This is super helpful. Thank you @Tackpud!