ll I can say is, “Better late than never!” The concept of certifying riding instructors is long overdue and should have been addressed 50 years ago.

Every official at a horse show has a license–the judges, stewards and course designers. Why not the teachers and trainers? I can think of very few, if any, other legitimate sports where an instructor can “hang out his shingle” whenever he wants. And many countries in the rest of the world insist on certifying their riding in-structors via their federations.

During the 1980s, mainly due to the patronage of Thomas and Markus Fuchs, I conducted a lot of clinics in Switzerland for the Swiss federation. But, mid-morning at the very first clinic in Berne, someone from the Swiss federation ran rather hysterically into the indoor arena. According to Swiss law, nobody can teach riding in that country without a license. Well, of course, I didn’t have a license and needed a special guest license, which rather miraculously appeared, thank goodness.

By presidential appointment, the U.S. Equestrian Federation put together a com-mittee a year or so ago to get a handle on certifying instructors in the hunter/ jumper discipline. (They’ve been doing it for 15 years in dressage and for three years in eventing.) Shelley Campf from Oregon is the chairman of this important committee, and its members include Claudia Cojocar, Paul Cronin, Karen Healey, Candice King, Chrystine Tauber, Geoff Teall, Julie Winkel, and me. Each of us has a credible past-performance record and can bring something a little different to the table. We’re also geographically diverse, which is so important in this vast country of ours.

So far the committee has met twice in person in Harrisburg, Pa., and once in person in Miami, Fla., and several times by conference call. I’m very much behind this committee, and I believe that we present a very legitimate front in presenting this idea.

The mission statement of the Instructors’ Certification Committee is to preserve the American System of riding and jumping by developing an educational and certification program for all levels of trainers. As you all very well know, I’m a staunch supporter of our American method of stable management, veterinary science, riding and jumping. I have traveled, taught and shown horses all over the world, and I’m convinced of the excellence of our system, provided it’s done right. Our goal is to have the program up and running for the 2009 competition year.

Rather than dreading the prospect, I find it exhilarating to be able to prepare for the tests. I would like to suggest, for those who are interested in the history, philosophy and practice of American riding and jumping, that you pick up American Military Horsemanship by James A. Ottevaere. This is the very, very first book you should read before embarking on other horse-related study projects.

Let me quote David O’Connor, our federation president: “In-structor certification will be a huge part of equestrian business. For our own continuing education and standards, this program is vital to the integrity of the equine industry.” David is a horseman of the highest class, and his vision is telling us this is the right thing to do.

Some of the advantages to the program include: creating a certified educational program based upon our American forward riding system, including recommended teaching and training goals and methods; providing continuing educational opportunities for all trainers; development of teaching skills, including the principles of the hunter, jumper and hunter seat equitation disciplines; teaching knowledge of all aspects of our sport, including stable management and horsemanship practices, safety, professionalism, client/trainer relationships, and the rules and regulations governing our sport; providing opportunity for interaction and exchange of ideas with other certified professionals and mentors from all levels; and increasing instructor credibility, professionalism and visibility to clients.

Being listed as a certified instructor in the U.S. Hunter/Jumper Association’s trainers directory, as well as potential insurance pre-mium discounts, will also amount to substantial benefits.

There are, of course, a few prerequisites for enrollment. To be eligible for the program, you must have a current USHJA membership, have declared professional status, and be at least 18 years of age. All certified instructors must have CPR/first aid certification, which is not all that difficult to learn how to do.

These are the proposed concepts for certification. The Instructors’ Certification Committee is continuing to develop the concepts of the program, which potentially will be divided into a series of categories. Once you’ve passed the test for category 1, you’ll become eligible to test in the next category, creating a ladder system for certification. Each category adds knowledge as a building block to the previous category.

Most of you will be curious about the testing criteria and the qualifications under consideration. There is much that I don’t know and much that I would like to know better. And this is my chance to study, learn and review.

To start the process, you’ll need a resume documenting your teaching, training and/or riding experience; three references from individuals with knowledge of your ability to teach, ride or train; and a score of 85 percent or better on a computerized multiple-choice test.

To maintain your certification at a level, we’re considering that, every three years, individuals will need to meet the following requirements: 1) attend a USHJA trainers symposium; 2) submit an updated resume documenting experience teaching, training and/or riding, and 3) give proof of current CPR/first aid certification.

As I’ve said, I believe this tremendous project is long overdue as not only necessary, but also mandatory. From many, many perspectives, this is a great concept, a direction we have to go for the future of our sport. I’m hoping to see it implemented very, very soon.

Relish your homework, your “brushing-up” activities, your reading, and don’t wrinkle your nose too much. It’s a great moment to learn more and to become a better horseman. Good luck, good riding, good teaching, and good training!

And if you have any questions or comments regarding this certification program, please contact Melanie Fransen at mfransen@ushja.org or (859) 225-6960.

George H. Morris