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Teaching beginner lessons.

6K views 63 replies 10 participants last post by  EventersBabe 
#1 ·
Okay so heres my plan were moving in the fall or later on in the year after our house sells.
Were building a barn i am gonna get some horses plus my horse is complete beginner rider :)
And so yea I was gonna teach beginner lessons.
I am working on getting my cerfitication. But this place is a little exspensive.

My coach told me that Pony club is a way?

What are some other ways? I have been riding since I was 7 I have ridden young green broke horses.
I read so much and study and research stuff.

Anywere beside Pony club.?

Thanks guy!

Oh no need for any rude comments etc.

I am gonna get everything prepared there gonna sign release forms I am gonna make sure I have insurance. My parents will be there to help me. My dad whos pretty much one of my trainer is also gona help me.


I am very responsible for teaching lessons. I have taught a few times I have helped at horse-riding camps. Will continue to help out to get a ton more exsperience.
 
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#2 ·
I personally wouldn't do anything until I was certified. I have passed the PC level which corresponds to my english instructor certification in Canada, but have never filled out the paperwork to have my actual certification so I help some kids out for free because its something I enjoy.
I would go outside of horse riding camps and into an actual operating lesson barn. If you're going to be teaching beginners its important that you are able to communicate the fundamentals - these kids can develop bad habits that are hard to break if you're not 100% correct in what you're teaching. Personally, I would audit lessons for at least five or six months before branching out on my own, I'd want to make SURE that I knew exactly what I was doing.
Also, insurance is liable to cost you an arm and a leg.
Teaching lessons may look easy, but in reality, it's not. You have about seven things going on at once and you need to be able to be in complete control of the situation and be able to communicate effectively with young riders.
Also, if you have a child get hurt, expect your business to drop especially in a small town, as often parents will say "oh, little Jimmy got hurt at so-and-so's barn, don't take your kid there!" especially at a beginner barn where people have no horse sense.
 
#3 ·
Thats what I do I am actual lesson barns. My old coach would have me help her at beginner camps.
I know all the basics of riding. Im very good with kids.

and I do not plan on starting lessons until Im certified I was just asking of what ways can I get certified.

I am paying for me to take these courses aand I have to actually do stuff thats with horses etc.
 
#4 ·
I'm not sure if it's the same in the states, but have you considered what being a certified riding instructor means for competing in the future? There's a new system out in Canada, where finally you can get certified to teach at the lower levels and not have to compete in Open Class - prior to that however, if you were a certified instructor, as soon as you had your certification it was mandatory to compete Open.

Not sure if you care, or even compete. Have you trained with a certified instructor? And had them mentor you to see if you're at a level where it makes sense to coach?
 
#6 ·
I'm not sure if it's the same in the states, but have you considered what being a certified riding instructor means for competing in the future? There's a new system out in Canada, where finally you can get certified to teach at the lower levels and not have to compete in Open Class - prior to that however, if you were a certified instructor, as soon as you had your certification it was mandatory to compete Open.

Not sure if you care, or even compete. Have you trained with a certified instructor? And had them mentor you to see if you're at a level where it makes sense to coach?
I have been training with certified instructors ever since I was 12:D I may teach at lower levels until I am more older and capable to teach higher levels.
You aren't required to have a certification but I choose to have one for safety reasons.
 
#5 ·
I live in a small town and being a "ceritified" instructor isn't necessary. I have about 6 students from an even smaller, farming/hippy town (lol) and not one of them has asked if I'm certified. If the kids stay safe, learn everything there is to know about horses and managing them, but most importantly have fun the parents are more than satisfied. Of course, I have to get insurance which is like 700$/year. I suppose it's different for others towns, obviously, but maybe you aren't required to have one? Some places that's all they care about. Who's certified in what and what accomplishments they've made. I guess I have it easy..if I were moving I think it'd be smart on my part to get some sort of certification but I'm good to go for awhile. :)
 
#7 ·
I am very patient with children.
And its been my dream to become a riding instructor thats why I am going to school to get an education degree but I am also with my instructor and she said, eventually she said, I could teach lessons. I know all the basics. I compete but I don't do anything higher then 2'3 at the moment. So as soon as my instructor allows me I will do higher then 2'3 I have jumped 2'6. I haven't jumped higher.
kinda nervous to.
 
#8 ·
You completely missed my point.

Do you compete/show? In Canada, up until that new certification process was put into place, if you taught with a certification, you had to SHOW at the OPEN level. Which in part makes sense - frankly, if you're able to be competitive at that level, then you have what you need to teach.

All I was saying, is that if you compete, get certified, and then are disqualified from schooling shows because you need to compete on the Open circuit...that is something to consider.
 
#9 · (Edited)
You completely missed my point.

Do you compete/show? In Canada, up until that new certification process was put into place, if you taught with a certification, you had to SHOW at the OPEN level. Which in part makes sense - frankly, if you're able to be competitive at that level, then you have what you need to teach.

All I was saying, is that if you compete, get certified, and then are disqualified from schooling shows because you need to compete on the Open circuit...that is something to consider.
No actually I didn't miss your point at all.
I compete/show I just said, I did. I am very very competitive as well. I don't get anything above a 4th place in shows either. I have never been disqualified either.

And I have taught many times before. I taught my friend how to ride.

Also this wasnt really the point of my post.
 
#10 ·
Ok. Are you an FEI rider? I don't think you are. So what I'm saying is, MAKE SURE that getting your certification (instructor cert) doesn't disqualify you from schooling shows all together because you're considered a coach and expected to perform at an open class level.

It would be sad if you couldn't compete at the level you wanted to just because you got your cert.

Make sense?
 
#11 ·
Ok. Are you an FEI rider? I don't think you are. So what I'm saying is, MAKE SURE that getting your certification (instructor cert) doesn't disqualify you from schooling shows all together because you're considered a coach and expected to perform at an open class level. Make sense?

It would be sad if you couldn't compete at the level you wanted to just because you got your cert.

Make sense?
Uhm.
no actually that doesn't make sense.


I don't think if I get certified I will get disqualified from shows. Because all I'd be doing is teaching basics of beginner riding. I can still have a riding instructor and everything for myself as well. Plus I don't show that much. so it wouldn't matter.
 
#12 ·
I give up.

Best of luck though - just read read read before hand so you don't get yourself into something you're not ready for. The fact that you're not quite sure what I mean is of concern - but hey, if you know the basics and are confident you can teach that, then pitter patter get atter.
 
#13 ·
I have been reading and reading. I am even taking courses to do so :) its really helping.
I have a instructor to help get to were I can even teach beginner lessons. but this is beyond the point of what I was asking.
 
#14 ·
Here is the Canadian version of what I think you're looking for. I'm looking for the American equivalent now.

Instructor of Beginners (IB): This program is already up and running throughout all provinces. It applies to individuals who teach beginner riders whether in their own backyard, riding schools or at day camps.
English Instructor Requirements

Prerequisites
Candidates for English Instructor must:​

  • Be at least 16 years of age as of January 1st of the current year​
  • Hold an Equine Canada Silver sport license including EC Coach levy and Provincial membership in good standing​
  • Have successfully completed the English Rider Level 1 and 2 of the old EC Learn to Ride English program or the equivalent in the new 2007 Equine Canada English Rider 1-10 program which is English Rider 1-6.​
Old Rider Level 1 New Rider Level 2 Old Rider Level 2 New Rider Level 6 Old Rider Level 3 New Rider Level 8
In addition, the candidate must:​

  • Be familiar with stable management, which include feeding, bandaging, first aid for the horse, tack, stable construction, safety and unsoundness. These areas will be covered in the oral and written tests.​
Program Materials
English Instructor candidates are responsible for the materials in the following manuals:​

These manuals can be purchased through the Equine Canada office or your Provincial office.​
Requirements
Once the above prerequisites have been met, the candidate must complete the following requirements in order to become certified:​

Certification
Once the above requirements have been met, the candidate should apply to their PSO with proof that they have met the requirements. In order to be certified as an English Instructor, the candidate must:​

  • Attend and successfully complete the Equine Canada Instruction of Beginners Evaluation​
Note: Applicants for the Instruction of Beginners program who are under 18 years of age must have their application signed by a parent or legal guardian.​
Note: Candidates can be mentored for the Evaluation by one or more certified Coach/Instructor(s).​
 
#15 ·
  • Minimum age: 18 years; no minimum teaching experience required.
  • Must pass all 4 general written tests with an averaged score of 80 or above. Specialty test scores must be 80 or above.
  • No video of instruction is required.
This instructor has a good foundation as a horseman, but because of age or limited teaching experience does not qualify for Level II. The ARICP is recognizing a foundation and a desire to become a certified instructor. Upon reaching 21 years of age, and with 3 years of teaching experience, this instructor may challenge the Level II certification. At that time, the candidate must provide a video (VHS or DVD) and must re-take the written exams. The candidate with a Level I certification receives a substantial discount (50%) when returning to take the program for full certification.


Level II - Instructor of Beginner through Intermediate

  • Minimum age: 21 years; minimum of 3 years of teaching experience.
  • Must pass all general exams with an averaged overall score of 85 or above, and all specialty exams with a score of 85 or above.
  • Must pass video evaluation for Level II.
  • Has his/her own personal philosophy of riding instruction.
  • Clearly knows personal strengths and weaknesses.
  • Has thorough knowledge of specialty taught.
  • Has understanding of safety procedures, and uses them.
  • Has basic knowledge of horses and their care. Has awareness of styles of riding other than own specialty.
  • Rides/has ridden at intermediate level or better.
  • Can teach beginner through intermediate students in a competent manner.
  • Has general knowledge of how horse and rider interact.
  • Understands psychology of the rider.
This instructor enjoys teaching beginners and has the patience for the repetition necessary to develop new skills. The instructor does not rush his students or push them ahead of their physical ability, but allows time to form a solid riding foundation. A certified instructor is training a student to be a horseman, not just a rider. He is concerned with training his students to use proper safety practices and to continue using them as they develop in riding proficiency.

Level III - Instructor of Beginner through Advanced

  • Minimum age: 25 years; minimum of 6 years teaching experience.
  • Must pass all exams with scores of 90 or above on each.
  • Must pass video evaluation for Level III.
  • Is an excellent communicator.
  • Has an outstanding personal philosophy of instruction.
  • Clearly knows his own personal strengths and weaknesses.
  • Has a thorough knowledge of specialty taught.
  • Has an understanding of safety procedures, and uses them.
  • Has a thorough knowledge of horses and their care.
  • Rides (or has ridden) at an advanced level.
  • Has advanced knowledge of training horses.
  • Knows the elements of styles of riding other than his own specialty.
  • Understands the psychology of the horse.
  • Has participated in competition, if competition is an integral part of the style taught.
  • Has knowledge of the practical application of stable management and horse care.
The Level III instructor is able to teach the more advanced rider as well as the beginner and intermediate rider. The instructor has ridden at an advanced level and understands the problems of advanced riders. This instructor is concerned with solving problems, not just dealing with symptoms. The instructor can also help with the training of horses, and can deal with specific training problems of his/her students'; horses. This instructor not only knows how horse and rider interact, but the whys behind it.
 
#16 ·
Thats one way here in the U.S. at least thats what my instructor said,
the other way is through the PONY club :)

She is gonna tell me some other ways as well :)
 
#19 ·
I havent been at this place for very long. But at my old barn I would help out with teaching the beginners at summer camps.
by showing them an helping them tack up. and posting on the horse and the correct ways of riding.
I will be helping this new coach out a lot this summer.
 
#20 ·
Yeah it is. But on the side note you don't have to be certified. My friend is a riding instructor.
I would help her out as well. I taught my best-friend how to ride. I am gonna teach my boyfriend how to ride western.

Im over the age of 18
 
#22 ·
I haven't had to deal with that yet. I won't be dealing with that until after I move to the country.
And when I am on my own teaching. I have a friend whos gonna help me as well. and then a few friends who will help me when she cant
 
#23 ·
I find that interesting. And I'm really not trying to pick at this...

Jessica Jahiel (published author) responds to questions from the public all the time on her site and I love her advice. If you've never heard of her/read any of her stuff, you can find her at Jessica Jahiel's HORSE-SENSE: The Newsletter of Holistic Horsemanship(R).

That being said, there is a response on her site about this topic exactly. Here are a few excerpts from the one I found most pertinent.

"Don't think for a minute that you don't need coverage (insurance) if you're just teaching a few local lessons to a few local kids, no matter how close a friendship you have with their parents. In the legal sense, you are either teaching or you are not teaching. There's no such thing as "just teaching a few lessons to a neighbor's kid" -- it's like boarding horses; in terms of legality and liability, you are either boarding or you are not boarding; there's no such thing as "just keeping the neighbor's pony for $50 a month". And if you're teaching, or boarding, at ANY level, you need to be covered."

"
If I were just starting out today, I would get insurance before I taught ANY lessons on my own, and I would get certification. EVERY instructor should have both. I hope this isn't too discouraging -- I hate to rain on anyone's parade, but you need to go into this, if you DO go into this, with your eyes wide open. It just isn't simple anymore."

Are you not worried about a potential liability issue if you teach and aren't insured?
 
#24 ·
I find that interesting. And I'm really not trying to pick at this...

Jessica Jahiel (published author) responds to questions from the public all the time on her site and I love her advice. If you've never heard of her/read any of her stuff, you can find her at Jessica Jahiel's HORSE-SENSE: The Newsletter of Holistic Horsemanship(R).

That being said, there is a response on her site about this topic exactly. Here are a few excerpts from the one I found most pertinent.
"Don't think for a minute that you don't need coverage (insurance) if you're just teaching a few local lessons to a few local kids, no matter how close a friendship you have with their parents. In the legal sense, you are either teaching or you are not teaching. There's no such thing as "just teaching a few lessons to a neighbor's kid" -- it's like boarding horses; in terms of legality and liability, you are either boarding or you are not boarding; there's no such thing as "just keeping the neighbor's pony for $50 a month". And if you're teaching, or boarding, at ANY level, you need to be covered."

"If I were just starting out today, I would get insurance before I taught ANY lessons on my own, and I would get certification. EVERY instructor should have both. I hope this isn't too discouraging -- I hate to rain on anyone's parade, but you need to go into this, if you DO go into this, with your eyes wide open. It just isn't simple anymore."

Are you not worried about a potential liability issue if you teach and aren't insured?

Ok! I never said, I wasn't going to get insured. I would have my instructor the whole time if I did help her this summer.
I never said, that I shouldnt or anything to be insured. I am gonna make sure that is done before I even start. I haven't moved yet so thats why I am getting my instructors certification before I move and I will get insured before I do anything.

I have been riding for a very very long time. I have taught before at riding camps summer camps I have been a helper at camps at many places I will make sure that I am covered before anything happends.
 
#25 ·
Basically, in simpler terms, if you get paid to ride or teach you cannot enter in Amateur divisions. If y ou get paid, you are considered professional. Therefor you can enter in any open classes which doesn't mean the jumps are big. Many open classes are of all heights. :)
It's a wonderful opportunity you have and I think you should embrace it. Teaching others teaches you a whole heck of a lot. :D
 
#27 ·
Right now I dont get paid because all I am doing is helping at voluntering but once I am certified and I am insured and have everything I need then I will start charging money.

Its just a dream of mine that I have had since I was little. I have many family members who have been horse trainers its apart of me and my blood lol. :)
 
#26 ·
Anyways, my seriousness and concern has obviously killed your enthusiasm and for that, I truly apologize. These are just things one thinks about when they've been around the sport for a while. I do wish you the best of luck and hope that however you go about it, you are successful!
 
#28 · (Edited)
And I have been around the sport since I was 7 years old. :)

I do not know what your concerned about when I have said, I would know what to do teaching wise and I know I have to be certified I wouldn't do anything without being certified all I was doing is voluntering so I can alot of exsperience.

I don't really see the big deal of it.

What is your concern? When everything you said, I am very aware of? right now the course I am taking is talking about Liability etc and money fiancing etc.
 
#30 ·
It depends what you're competing in and whether or not the shows are rated, actually. I'm an eventer & a jumper, and in high school I found myself riding in the same class as my former trainer several times.

When you can afford it, which may be after you've already initially certified yourself, I'd strongly recommend looking into getting a British Horse Society certification (yes, you can get that in the States). It's spendy, but very well-respected.
 
#32 ·
Have you considered working for an already established barn for a bit before you open up your own barn first? If you work under a good head trainer he/she can really help you develop in both your riding and teaching skills. That's a good thing for ANYONE regardless of how long you've been teaching. Also, you can see what works and what doesn't so you can decide how to operate your own place one day. Plus, it will give you a chance to get your name out there so you aren't starting from scratch as a trainer.

I work for a very established lesson/show barn. It costs my BO $600 A DAY just to keep the doors open! (I definitely don't have that!) They advertise for me, they take care of insurance/liability papers, answer the phones when people call, take care of the school horses, work the arenas, replace the jumps, etc. When we get people in to teach clinics they pay for me to ride with them. When we have horses for sale they pay for me to show them. I've never advertised a day in my life and everyone who shows in the surrounding states know me. And I'm usually on a waiting list for students. There's no way I'd be where I am now if I tried to do things on my own! Just a thought.
 
#33 ·
And FYI, if you get ANY kind of payment (even a gift certificate, board, or a hotel room at a show) you have lost your amateur status. (teaching summer camp is the only exception) This goes for even the most local level schooling shows. I hate having to compete against that trainer down the street who's been doing grand prix longer then I've been alive (literally) but that's the way the rules read.
 
#34 ·
Thank-you all for the advice and everything I appreciate it. I will take it in consideration of being at another barn first but once I move which is soon I will be having my own barn.

I understand what everyone is trying to say.


Thanks again.
 
#35 ·
Things to consider:
1) If you are teaching beginners, you are going to be the one person to introduce them to the horse world; you have to make a good impression. Word of mouth is HUGE in this industry, so getting a good rap is extremely important.
2) Liability is HUGE. You must cover your butt for EVERYTHING, no matter who says what. Even if a person says "I would never sue!" you cannot believe them. You must be covered, and for a hefty amount as well.
3) Ammy status. The instant you get one cent paid to you for a service, you are no longer an amateur. That means that if you show, you must show with the pros.
4) Do you have enough background? People are going to ask you what you've done, where you've shown, and who you've been coached under. If I were looking for a coach for my child, I would probably be liable to grill them pretty good haha. Again, word of mouth... if you are sure you can handle the responsibility, then absolutely go for it, but it is a TOUGH business. You must know your stuff backwards and forwards, or you will get "outed" darn quick.
5) Upkeep of your certification - in Canada, at least, you must do X things in a year to keep your coaching certification valid. You must attend X number of clinics per year ($$), you must attend X number of lectures, etc etc.
6) Coaching is fun, but it is also very hard on you. You will get kids that cry at the slightest shake. You will get kids that fall off. It can be tough at times. I miss teaching dearly most of the time, but I also recall being at my wits' end a number of times. You will have to deal with a lot of chiding. You will have to deal with criticism. You will have to deal with parents wondering why little Suzie isn't doing as well as the other kids.

It's a tough business, very rewarding, but very tough.
 
#36 · (Edited)
Yeah.
I am very good at making good impressions I am very good with children as well. so taking care of children who cry or who fall off I will make sure of. I know I am making suree I am liable and everything there is no doubt about that I will never teach until I am liable. I am sure I can handle the responsibilty to do this.

ITS BEEN MY DREAM EVER SINCE I WAS 7 YEARS OLD. I know I can do it.

I have pretty good background. Both Coaches I have been coached under has competed and rode with sevrel riders from the Olympic team. We have people who come to do clinics at our barn. If we ever have any kind of clinic i am doing it.

I haven't competed very much but I plan to start competing a lot more now because once I get a horse I will be competing a lot.


Thanks for the advice JustDressageit.

I do appreciate the advice.
 
#38 ·
Thanks :)

Its soo much fun being with kids thats all I want to do is ride teach others how to ride.

I was offered to teach someones daughteer to ride
 
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