BZHorseMomE
Hunter/Eq. Trainer :-)
Who is more qualified and why??
saddlesore said:It depends, HorseMomE. ARIA and CHA both are very stingent, so if an instructor is rated Level III or IV in one of those organisations, then I'd say they're more qualified. But if if the instructor is rated only Level I or II, I'd go with the PCer any day. Pony Club is great - very thorough!
Thing is, there are lots of different types of certifications and many different organisations that offer it. I think the best is BHSI (British Horse Society Instructor) or even BSHAI (1 level below master instructor). The BHS is what the American Pony Club is based on. Of course, growing up in Canada, I may be a tad prejudiced ;-P
Also it depends on what level the student is,too and what his/her goals are. But here's how I'd rank them, from best to last. BHSI, CHA or ARIA Levels III & IV, Advanced level Pony Clubbers, then everybody else. The PCers really do get a thorough education in not only riding, but also stable mgmt, nutrition, and horse health.
Of course, this is my opinion only. I am not a certified trainer, nor do I play one on TV. YMMV, natch ;-)
BZHorseMomE said:First welcome to the states.
After looking at the CHA and ARIA website it seems that they are very similar in the horsemanship and safety training that they teach in pony club. Even though pony club is for the youth and geared towards Eventing and Dressage the testing done seems to be just as rigorous. The riding part seems to be even more difficult. The cross country fence heights for the higher levels are C-3 3'3", B 3'7", A 4'3". For Stadium Jumping C-3 3'6", B 3'9", A 4'3". Guess my point is training someone gets as a youth rider can be as tough and what they might test you in during some of these Associations Clinics.
Gone are the days when people assumed the risk when riding and law suits are common place.
BZHorseMomE said:You need to do your research and not just take someones word or a Certificate as gospel. Don't you think respect in the horse show world has something to do with it too????
saddlesore said:Absolutely. I guess I've leaned more towards the certification because I've seen some trainers who teach bad habits, and just aren't very good! But riders who aren't all that educated (in riding) don't know they are being taught some things that are just plain wrong.
But you're right about educating yourself and doing your research. There are some very good trainers out there who aren't certified, or who don't carry insurance, either. Like anything else, we must do our homework ;-P
Not4you said:There are other people around so md who have certifications. To find them ask aournd, or the lady who runs the tack store in CAllaway. Why is everybody still speculating, just ask somebody.
I wouldn't take anybody's word for anything if Ididn't know them. All I can say if find someone who is certified and ask them how they got it, or just keep looking for a good teacher, cert or not. Good luck.fredsaid2 said:When you search the websites you come up w/ very few and most of those at a low level. If they're not listed on their program's website are you supposed to just take their word for it?
Pasofever said:MY point is I have seen trainers that really know their stuff...but they can not teach..cant get their point accross but great trainers (on the horse) I feel people need that touch on how to get their point accross.
changeling said:I agree completely. I myself am a CHA level 4 instructor and have been to 2 certification clinics. At each of these there have been some great riders/trainers who were winning around the state but due to their inability to teach what they knew they were either not certified at all or only obtained level 1. No one is saying they aren't great riders, they are. Unfortunately, they weren't able to share what they knew in a lesson environment.
Winn Dixie said:Wow, apparently the truth leaves you all speechless. Well done Paso and Changeling.
Sadielady said::shrug: