Trade Perks
Achieving CHA certification brings instructors some neat perks. For example, some insurance companies offer a discount on premiums. Most important though, Polly says having a CHA certification raises the level of professionalism in your horse community. "When a parent opens the phone book looking for riding instructors, if your ad says 'certified,' you're who they're going to call first. In addition, a lot of facilities looking to hire new riding instructors now require certification."
The benefits of CHA membership are abundant. They include a subscription to two magazines: The Instructor, published by CHA, and Perfect Horse. You also get a detailed biography and photo listing on the CHA online database at www.CHAinstructors.com to help market yourself and your program, use of the CHA logo on your business cards, and professional insurance and sponsor discounts. You'll also have an opportunity to attend an annual educational conference, plus regional conferences.
Diane also felt there were many benefits from a business standpoint. "Not only did I get great new teaching tips, but CHA also offers information on everything from dealing with people to marketing yourself, dressing for success, and business-planning strategies. It really promotes the whole package of the professional riding instructor," she says.
Renowned clinician and trainer Julie Goodnight is a CHA certified Master Instructor who received her certification in 1995. "Through this organization, I have learned so much about safety, professionalism, and industry standards," she says. "CHA has just completed a new edition of their excellent manual, The Composite Manual of Horsemanship, which I edited. It was released in the spring of 2008 and it's a must-have for all riders and instructors."
Diane found the CHA manuals to be great resources. Not only did she receive the horsemanship manual, but CHA also supplied some student manuals that Diane continues to glean valuable exercises and teaching tips from.
In fact-falling under the "it's a small world" category-Julie Goodnight and Christy Landwehr were the CHA clinicians who tested Diane in 2001. Diane recalls being impressed by both of these women and, by extension, being impressed by the organization.
Most impressive, though, is CHA's longevity and the number of riding instructors currently certified. This number sits at 3,500 current members and almost 13,000 who've been certified since the early 1990s, which is an accomplishment.
So if you have a knack for teaching riding and envision working in this area in the future, or if you're already teaching quite a bit, think about taking that next step toward professionalism for yourself. Become CHA certified and ready to educate the public about safe, responsible, and fun horsemanship!
For more information on CHA, call (800) 399-0138, or visit www.CHA-ahse.org. Or write to CHA at The Kentucky Horse Park, 4037 Iron Works Parkway, Suite 180, Lexington, KY 40511. To find a riding instructor or accredited stable near you, visit www.CHAinstructors.com.
