Riding instructor

A riding instructor is a person whose job it is to teach methods of horse riding (and also horse care) to beginners and improve the intermediate and advanced rider's style and technique.

With appropriate academic credentials, some may teach in a college or university equestrian studies program.

The International Group for Equestrian Qualifications provides membership for many awarding bodies and federations from around the world.

Instructors from those member countries may hold an International Trainers Passports - awarded by the IGEQ - enabling them to show that equivalent instructional qualifications have been gained.

In Great Britain, the British Horse Society (BHS), and the Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) certify instructors or riders can gain a UK Coaching Certificate which recognises instructors who specialise in competing.

In the United States, there are no official criteria or licensing required for an individual to become a riding instructor.

However, private organizations such as the American Riding Instructors Association (ARIA) offer testing and certification that may help a riding instructor gain credibility in the equestrian community and often helps reduce liability insurance costs.

Groups such as North American Riding for the Handicapped Association also provide specialized training that allows instructors who teach therapeutic horseback riding to obtain reimbursement from health insurance and other programs.

Some competitive organizations such as the United States Dressage Federation also have instructor training and certification programs.

However Direct Entry can be offered if a candidate has previous equine qualifications or substantial industry experience.

Cave, M. (1996) The Course Companion For BHS Stages III & IV.