How to Host a Clinic
About CHA Certification Clinics
CHA certifies riding instructors, vaulting, driving, equine facility managers and trail guides, accredits riding facilities and provides resources to programs and instructors in the form of published industry standards for equestian programs, student horsemanship manuals and instructor manuals. Additionally, program materials are offered by CHA including student awards and certificates, posters and other educational resources.
The Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit membership association, founded in 1967. CHA promotes excellence in horsemanship safety and education to the entire horse industry.
Certification Clinics
English/Western Instructor Certification
Offers certification for both English (with and without jumping) and Western instructors at four horsemanship levels; also addresses short trail rides.
Trail Guide Certification
Offers certification for trail guides at four levels from hourly guide to wilderness packer.
Day Ride Trail Guide Certification
Offers a 3--day certification for those that operate trail rides by the hour.
Combined Certification
Offers both trail guide and instructor certification at the first two levels of both the Standard and Trail program.
Vaulting Coach Certification
For vaulting coaches from recreational to competitive.
Instructors of Riders with Disabilities
Offers certification for instructors who deal with riders with disabilities; levels of certification available for both Physical and Cognitive from Side Walker to Level 3 Instructor in each.
Seasonal Equestrian Staff Certification
A non-renewable seasonal certification available only to equestrian staff of CHA Program Member facilities that work under a CHA Level 1 or higher certified instructor or guide.
Equine Facility Management Certification
For barn management from Stable Worker, Stable Manager, Herd Manager to Equine Facility Manager.
Driving Instructor & Driver Certification
For drivers as well as driving instructors.
College Certification
For students enrolled in the college to be attained normally upon graduation.
CHA Certification Clinics
CHA Certification Clinics are offered at approved host sites. Clinics are organized by the hosting facility and conducted by two CHA Certifiers (Seasonal and Day Ride Trail Guide certification clinics only have one CHA Certifier).
Host Sites are responsible for:
- picking the dates of the Certification,
- hiring the CHA Certifer(s),
- marketing the event to prospective participants,
- having quality arenas, trails, arena equipment, horses, and tack,
- meeting space for at least 12 people,
- continental breakfast and full lunch for the attendees,
- paying applicable certification fees to CHA
Host sites may conduct private certification clinics for the sole benefit of their own riding staff, or may open clinics to outside participants to offset the cost of the clinic. CHA suggests a minimum fee of $650 charged to participants, to help ensure the financial success of the clinic and to prevent unfair competition. Seasonal Equestrian Staff and Day Ride Trail Guide certification has certain limitations and minimum fee does not apply.
Educational Scholarships
CHA Educational Scholarship
For students currently in or accepted for an equine studies program at an accredited college or university.
DUE: September 1 (annually)
Certification Scholarships
CHA Certification Scholarship
For individuals in critical financial need seeking to develop career opportunities or program credibility through CHA certification.
DUE: February 28 (annually)
EQUUS Foundation Scholarship
The EQUUS Foundation Scholarship for Certified Horsemanship Association Champion of Equine Service Certification Scholarship to financially assist prospective instructors who achieve CHAMPION status with obtaining a CHA English/Western Instructor Certification. The EQUUS Foundation will award one scholarship to cover the registration fee up to $1,000 for the recipient to attend any CHA English/Western Instructor Certification. CHAMPIONS is the EQUUS Foundation’s incentive-based equine service volunteer program sponsored by Ariat International to recognize and reward individuals and organizations on the Foundation’s Equine Welfare Network. You can become a CHAMPION by volunteering a minimum of 24 hours for an organization or organizations on the Equine Welfare Network between January 1 and December 31. Prospective instructors who achieve CHAMPION status by December 31, of this year will be eligible for the scholarship to be awarded next year.
Certified Horsemanship Association
1795 Alysheba Way, Suite 7102
Lexington, KY 40509