Horsemanship Instructor Training
Horsemanship instructors are responsible for teaching children and adults not only how to ride, but also how to take care of horses properly. Horsemanship instructors also need to know how to run a business, as instructors often own or manage stables.
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College Courses
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Completing an equine-related degree at college is a good way to get a well-rounded education in the horse industry. Besides taking courses on horsemanship, you will also have to take courses relating to the barn-management part of the business. Some schools have courses that teach you how to teach so that you will be able to help your students. A good college program will also encourage you to participate in internships.
Pony Club
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Working through the Pony Club ratings will give you the training and credentials to become a horsemanship instructor. The “A” rating is the highest you can attain in Pony Club, but “B” and “H-A” are also advanced ratings. Intermediate and advanced Pony Club members are expected to teach less- experienced members, as well as working on improving riding and management skills. The tests for earning your ratings look for expertise in horse care as well as riding ability. Pony Club is available to those under the age of 21.
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Apprenticeships/Working Student Positions
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If you know of an instructor whose techniques you admire, you can ask to become an apprentice or working student at the stable. Such positions are paid very little if at all, but working students can usually receive riding lessons while they learn about running a horsemanship-instructor business. Some apprentices and working students are able to live on the farm property and board a horse at the stable.
Instructor Certification
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For those who already have a good basis in horsemanship, but want to learn about teaching or want feedback on current methodologies, certifying organizations usually offer, or even require, workshops that cover riding, teaching and management theories. Some certifying organizations allow people who are not interested in taking the actual certifying examinations to listen in on the workshops.
Assistant Positions
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Another way to gain knowledge if you already have some expertise in horsemanship is to take a position as an assistant instructor before starting your own barn or taking over as head of someone else’s facility. As an assistant, you will be guided by the head instructor. You may at first observe other instructors teach and help out in lessons, then progress to teaching beginning students or substituting when the head instructor isn’t available.
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References
- Photo Credit Horse Riding Girl - Horse stopped in front of obstacle image by Kradsmit from Fotolia.com
