How to Become NARHA Certified

NARHA provides horseback riding therapy to over 42,000 people with special needs.

The North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) was founded in 1969 to offer therapeutic horseback riding classes for children and adults with physical, emotional and mental challenges. Therapeutic horseback riding has proven beneficial for special-needs individuals. NARHA operates riding centers throughout the United States and certifies the instructors who teach horseback riding to special needs individuals. There are different levels of certifications and specialty disciplines available for individuals seeking to become therapeutic riding instructors.

Instructions

1. Acquire experience working with people with special needs. For example, work as a volunteer at a NARHA center as a side-walker or leader. Volunteering will help you determine whether pursuing NARHA certification is the right choice for you.

2. Acquire adult and child CPR and first aid certification. Your local chapter of the American Red Cross offers CPR and first aid certification classes. You may obtain this certification before or immediately after completing your NARHA certification.

3. Download a membership application from the NARHA website (narha.org). Fill out the membership application, including the membership fee. Mail the application to the address listed on the application. Benefits of joining NARHA include a subscription to NARHA Strides magazine, merchandise discounts and a membership pin.

4. Fill out the "NARHA Registered Instructor Certification Application." Mail the application to the NARHA office listed on the application. Make sure you include your NARHA membership number, a copy of your current first aid and adult and child CPR card, if available, and the application fee.

5. Complete certification training by attending a NARHA-approved training course. The course provides classroom instruction as well as hands-on training with horses and riders. NARHA has a directory of training providers on its website. Contact the training provider directly for course schedule, fees and admissions requirements.

Tips & Warnings

• Read the "Registered Instructors Booklet."

• You must be at least 18 years old, possess strong verbal and written communication skills, know how to ride horses at walk, trot and canter and possess a working knowledge of horsemanship and horse management.

• Online first aid and adult and child CPR courses are not acceptable.

References

• NARHA: About NARHA
• NARHA: Certifications
• NARHA: Riding Instructor Certification Program

Resources

• NARHA: NARHA Individual Membership Application
• NARHA: Find a Center