license to teach?

[AllOverFarm]

The thread regarding "gymnastics set at awkward distances" had me thinking about how anyone can "hang a shingle" and become a "professional". I realize that a trainer certification is now offered, however- it's very controversial. Some like the idea, some don't.
Why doesn't the USEF require some sort of license? It seems that if you need one to cut hair- it would only seem reasonable to require one if someone is teaching riding. (Much more dangerous than a haircut.)
It seems that if a person had to take a simple written test, pay a small fee and obtain a license, it might also be easier to have the pro/ammy rule a little easier to follow. Not to mention-make things a little more safer for people getting lessons.
If inspectors did random/surprise "barn checks" and found someone out in a ring giving lessons without a license-there could be a big fee, show suspension or loss of ammy status.
What are your thoughts? I understand this could never work in some one's back yard-but at a barn run as a business, it seems that it could work. Anyone teaching would have to have a visible license posted in the barn-with picture ID.

[joiedevie99]

Because the USEF is not the government. They can't make a law and require everyone to abide by it. The USEF could say that if you want to coach at a USEF rated show, you must have a license- but they can't regulate what goes on outside of their competitions.

[Einstein]

I don't think having a license will make a bit of difference.
I know a lot of licensed individuals, who suck at what they do...... just look at some drivers.:D

[shawneeAcres]

i dont understand the statement "lose their ammy status" If you are teaching then you arent an ammy. I would love to go thru the USEF process to become licensed, however, it is far too costly and time consuming for me to be able to do so. Until it is made a bit more accessible I don't think it will fly.

[Rikerkv6]

In MA you are required to be licensed to teach. It's kind of a joke though, since it's a written test. Mostly just collecting fees for licensing and renewal and such.

There is ARIA I believe is the acronym for licensing and USDF has a licensing program as well

[Fluffie]

I don't think having a license will make a bit of difference.
I know a lot of licensed individuals, who suck at what they do...... just look at some drivers.:D

Yup, a license is only going to weed out those who are too cheap to pay whatever the application fee would be ;). Just because a person can memorize some random facts doesn't mean he/she can apply them; in addition, how many issues dealing with horses go by the book anyway? :lol:

[NEHunter]

I taught many years ago and knew my limits. I sent many a student to someone that would better suit my students, I was not ego driven. Many trainers do not know their limits or have good basic fundamentals, I agree that certification is not necessarily the answer. Once a individual gets to a certain level they need to research for themselves.
Remember just because a person can ride does not mean that they can teach, I personally have run into this.

[klmck63]

Does the USEF have no instructor certification system?

Equine Canada has a certification system where coaches are thoroughly tested before they can receive a license. There are also levels of certification. It doesn't mean that you can't coach without being certified by any means, but pretty much every coach you will see at a rated show will have at least a level one certification.

You can be certified for instruction of beginners, level one, two and three. And, if you plan on getting the instruction of beginners license I believe you also have to have completed the levels 1-6 in the testing program for students.

For example, to get a level two license you have to be showing successfully at at least 3'6", have to be able to prove competence in a number of different subject areas (do a dressage test etc.), there is a written test, a practical test (in barn maintenance), a written test and have several students showing or riding successfully at the 3' level.

Even though it isn't mandatory and perhaps doesn't effect the beginner levels I think is successfully enforces a sort of general standard and most people (even those who don't know a lot about riding) will look for a certified instructor. AND I think that it is becoming more and more common to be certified as opposed to not.

The system isn't perfect, but I think that it helps.

[Vandy]

For example, to get a level two license you have to be showing successfully at at least 3'6", have to be able to prove competence in a number of different subject areas (do a dressage test etc.), there is a written test, a practical test (in barn maintenance), a written test and have several students showing or riding successfully at the 3' level.
The only issue I have with this is trainers who *used to* ride/show successfully but are no longer able to due to age or injury. Linda Allen is a perfect example - she would not be able to get certified under these circumstances. I am a less perfect example ;), certainly not an international competitor and household name like Linda Allen, but definitely had my share of experience/success at 3'6"+ before any certification program was developed. How is that addressed in Canada?

I do like the idea of beginner level instructors not having the same requirements - best beginner trainer I have ever known had never shown herself, but boy could she give students a great basic foundation.

[klmck63]

The only issue I have with this is trainers who *used to* ride/show successfully but are no longer able to due to age or injury. Linda Allen is a perfect example - she would not be able to get certified under these circumstances. I am a less perfect example ;), certainly not an international competitor and household name like Linda Allen, but definitely had my share of experience/success at 3'6"+ before any certification program was developed. How is that addressed in Canada?

I do like the idea of beginner level instructors not having the same requirements - best beginner trainer I have ever known had never shown herself, but boy could she give students a great basic foundation.

I don't know for sure, but I imagine that a successful show record (past or present) might count for something. Or even videos perhaps? A household name who was obviously sufficient in all the other areas (coaching, stable management etc.) would likely be considered certified.

Of course, this is all conjecture. I don't really know.

Here is the website with all of the rules:
http://www.equinecanada.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=159&Itemid=254

It only lists the rules for level 1&2, level 3 I think is a lot harder to get and consists of coaches who are level three are generally olympians, internationally successful GP riders etc. ;) It is, however mentioned in the mentorship program "Coach 2 Mentors:

Current Equine Canada NCCP English Coach 3 or higher
Must have completed Mentor/Examiner workshop or equivalent"

The EC website can be just a bit confusing :)