Categories of Certification
The USHJA Trainer Certification Program is divided into three distinct Categories.
Please click below for more information about each category:
Category I: Certified Trainer
Category II: Certified Advanced Trainer
Category III: Certified Expert Trainer
Each Category adds knowledge and competency as a building block to the previous Category.
Upon enrolling in the program and testing proficiently in each Category, Certified Trainers become
eligible to apply to the next Category. This creates a ladder system for certification. If you would
like to just purchase a copy of the manual click here.
The content in each Category serves a dual purpose:
- To outline the information which a Certified Trainer for that Category has been tested on.
- To present the information which an instructor within that Category should have a working knowledge
of before advancing to a higher Category.
Regardless of Category, show record, geographic location, or perceived prestige, certain assets are critical
to every USHJA Certified Trainer. These assets include:
- Sound horsemanship skills.
- Competent equine management practices.
- Dedication to horse and student safety.
- Active involvement in the hunter / jumper sports.
- Commitment to excellence.
- Ethical business practices.
- Good sportsmanship.
- Continuing professional development and education.
- A basic knowledge of the history of the American Hunter/Jumper
Forward System of riding and training horses.
Category Level I: Certified Trainer
Category I Certification will host the bulk of working trainers in the USHJA.
These are professionals training at all levels including International, National, Regional,
Zone, and Local.
Category I Certified Trainers emphasize basic skills, horsemanship, position, safety,
equipment, and movements.
Category I - Trainer Responsibilities
Category I Certified Trainers have several responsibilities to their riding students.
These responsibilities include:
- Providing their students with the skills and knowledge to build a solid foundation for a lifetime of riding enjoyment.
- Instructing their students in the basic theory of the American Hunter / Jumper Forward System of riding.
- Educating their students in the proper application of aids and riding techniques.
- Preparing their students for success in the saddle both in and out of the show ring.
- Demonstrating a personal core competence in the areas of instruction.
- Conducting themselves with a high degree of sportsmanship and ethical behavior in all aspects of their profession, and wherever students and horses are concerned.
- Unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the horses and students entrusted to their care.
Category I Certified Trainers are equipped to teach a wide range of riding students.
with regards to "classifying" riders, there is no merit in rushing a student into a higher category.
Doing so will bring no benefit or glory to either student or trainer -- and can be extremely detrimental
to both.
Category Level II: Certified Advanced Trainer
Application and exam will be available Fall 2009
Category II Certification will apply to those individuals who are currently Category I
Certified Trainers and wish to expand their knowledge.
Category II Certification emphasizes continuing education and applications of more advanced theory
of flatwork and jumping. It also emphasizes producing results at recognized shows through the national level.
Category II: Certified Advanced Trainer Responsibilities
Category II Certified Advanced Trainers have several responsibilities to their riding students.
These responsibilities include:
- Providing their students with the skills and knowledge to significantly advance their riding proficiency.
- Instructing their students in the practical application of the basic American Hunter / Jumper Forward System.
- Educating their students in properly applying and finessing aids and riding techniques.
- Challenging their students to hone their talents and abilities.
- Providing carefully orchestrated opportunities for their students growth as knowledgeable horse enthusiasts.
- Exposing their students to a variety of horses and riding experiences.
- Demonstrating a personal core competence in the areas of instruction.
- Conducting themselves with a high degree of sportsmanship and ethical behavior in all aspects of their profession, and wherever students and horses are concerned.
- Unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the horses and students entrusted to their care.
As a student progresses and perfects his or her skills, special care must be taken not to
overface the student. Trainers must keep the rider's long-term goals in mind, and
avoid the temptation of sacrificing those goals for a short-term prize.
Category Level III: Certified Expert Trainer
Application and exam will be available in 2010
Application for Category III Certification will apply to those individuals who currently have Category II
Certification and who train elite riders in the top ranks of the sport.
Category III Certified Experts emphasize producing results at National Championship, High Performance,
and international levels. Criteria for certification will be posted online.
- The Category III Trainer is a specialized expert within a specific field or discipline.
- A Trainer may be a Certified Expert in any or all of the following Specializations: Hunter, Jumper, or
Equitation.
- Trainers will be evaluated in any and all areas of specialization in order to demonstrate
expert proficiency and competency training at the elite level.
Category III: Trainer Responsibilities
Category III Trainers have several responsibilities to their riding students.
These responsibilities include:
- Providing access to expert-level skills and experience to bring students to the pinnacle of their riding proficiency.
- Challenging students to perfect their riding skills.
- Creating qualified, competent, skilled, and passionate equine enthusiasts who are well-equipped to become equine professionals themselves.
- Educating their students in the nuances of upper-level aids and riding techniques.
- Providing a wealth of opportunities for their students' growth as knowledgeable horse experts.
- Exposing their students to a variety of advanced-level horses and riding experiences.
- Guiding students to create their own niches and areas of expertise in the equine industry.
- Personally demonstrating excellence and expertise in the specialized areas of instruction.
- Conducting themselves with a high degree of sportsmanship and ethical behavior in all aspects of their profession, and wherever students and horses are concerned.
- Unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the horses and students entrusted to their care.
Category III Expert Trainers are equipped to teach a narrow range of highly skilled riding
students within a specific discipline or specialty.
The term "expert" applies to those trainers who have demonstrated the ability, skill,
knowledge, and aptitude to train students to rise above the vast majority of riders. This elite level rider
is almost always capable of competing at the National Championship, High Performance, or international level.
- Elite level riders may be professional riders OR may retain their Amateur status.