Now is the best time of year for aspiring riding instructors, equestrian program staff, camp staff, vaulting and driving instructors, and other professionals to get an official certification through the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA). CHA has been certifying riding instructors for more than 45 years and is the largest certifying organization in North America. For more information on attending a CHA Certification Clinic, please visit THIS PAGE >
For questions, please call CHA in Lexington, KY, at 859-259-3399 or email [email protected].
ACTHA Monthly |August 2015 | 60
Now is the best time of year for aspiring riding instructors, equestrian program staff, camp staff, vaulting and driving instructors, and other professionals to get an official certification through the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA). In addition, it is a great way for summer riding programs to enhance their programs by having their staff gain a professional certification before programs begin for the summer. CHA has been certifying riding instructors for more than 45 years and is the largest certifying organization in North America. Those seeking certification will go through a multi-day intensive certification clinic where they must pass written tests, be evaluated by two CHA Clinic Instructors (and other clinic attendees), and participate in in-depth workshops.
CHA offers the following certifications: Standard Instructor Certification in English and Western disciplines, Trail Guide Certification, Day Ride Trail Guide Certification, Combined Instructor/Trail Guide Certification, Instructors of Riders with Disabilities Certification, Seasonal Equestrian Staff Certification, Equine Facility Manager Certification, Vaulting Coach Certification, Driving Instructor Certification, and Driver Certification.
Certification clinics are currently scheduled in 20 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces (Manitoba and Ontario). New clinics are scheduled throughout the year. Those states set to host include: Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington, with some offering
Got Gait?
Go FOSH!
Friends of Sound Horses, Inc.
My Equestrian Journey
by Emree Thompson
ACTHA member & FOSH Gaited Journey Junior Rider
About five years ago, I realized that my equine education needed improvement. Three other girls and I joined a non¬profit organization called the Stotsenberg Project, a program designed to help young women increase their knowledge of horses and horsemanship. We worked with mentors that led us down a path of truly understanding what is required to be a good horseperson, ensuring that the horse is always protected emotionally, physically and mentally. The Project taught us everything from proper nutrition, daily maintenance, hoof care, medical care, bodywork and everything anyone would want to know about tack and how to use it properly. We learned how to teach a mini to cart, show at horse
shows, work at expos, trailer safely, trail ride and some of us even visited Veterinary schools and assisted in presentations to the Vet students. The program started off with basics, brushing the body from head to hoof and grew increasingly technical from there. Our progression added tack, body movement and the mind, all working in unison wit hthe goal of
telling the body what to do. The four of us learned quickly what not to do, which reinforced what was the correct thing to do.
My passion for horses grew stronger when I met Lou (a horse, of course). Though we bonded instantly, his rhythm and head shake was so complicated it took me a while to learn to ride him confidently. He taught me how to subtly help him become rounded using my legs and seat to accomplish a willing forward movement without the use of my hands to steer him. Most of all, he taught me how to love a horse. In time Lou moved back with his owner. His absence opened the door for me to experience more horses.
I know every horse is different and Cashmere taught me that. She was an older frightened mare who was so skittish you had to take care not to make any sudden movements or be rough with her. Cashmere taught me patience and how to care for a horse that came with “baggage”. I learned how to handle scary situations when a horse spooks and how to handle a horse from the ground. For me, I learn something new every day around horses, and that is why I love them!