Become a Certified Horseback Riding Instructor

It has been a long time coming, but now horseback riding instructors can become certified in their sport and become nationally accredited to teach horseback riding lessons. The ARIA (American Riding Instructors’ Association) is now sponsoring ARICP (American Riding Instructors' Certification Program) certification, which gives you elevated status in the equestrian community and allows you to better market your skills as a teacher.

For many years, it was difficult for riders to find good teachers because there was no way to tell if a particular instructor was qualified. Though it is by no means required for an instructor to be certified, many teachers are taking this route to add credibility to their business and to attract new students. ARICP certification is a little expensive, but well-worth it to career instructors who will build more business and advertise themselves as certified.

The cost of ARICP certification is currently $595, and includes your membership to the ARIA, a certification card, a bumper sticker, and free advertising on the website. It basically guarantees free promotion for your services. There are three levels of certification – 1, 11, & 111 – and several different types of specialization, including the following:

-Distance Riding
-Dressage
-Driving
-Eventing
-Hunt Seat
-Mounted Patrol Training Officer
-Recreational Riding
-Reining
-Saddleseat
-Show Jumping
-Stable Management
-Western: Pleasure & Equitation

Instructors can be certified in any of the three levels for each of these specialities, and are welcome to move up in levels when they are ready to advance.

LEVEL I (Training)

Level I instructors must be at least 18 years of age, and must pass four separate written tests with an average of 80% on each one. The Level I certification is meant as an introduction into instruction, and does not require any prior teaching experience. The applicant should, however, be comfortable with horsemanship and with his specialization of choice. Later, the applicant can take the Level II test at a 50% discount.