Courtney Smith – Certified Horsemanship Association

Certified Horsemanship Association and Interscholastic Equestrian Association are Partnering to Provide Speakers for the CHA International Conference in October in Tennessee

(May 2022) – The Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) and Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) are partnering to provide educational speakers for the CHA International Conference that is scheduled for October 20 – 22 at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro just outside of Nashville. Speakers at this event include riding instructors, horse trainers, barn managers, veterinarians, equine behaviorists, farriers, saddle fit specialists, equine association representatives, business consultants, and other equine professionals. Those wishing to attend the conference should Save the Dates.

“CHA and IEA are multi-breed and multi-discipline organizations,” says CHA Chief Executive Officer Christy Landwehr. “We are thrilled to have IEA join us in helping in the networking and education of our memberships as it relates to horsemanship safety and excellence that we all impart to our students.”

“The IEA Education Committee saw a need to provide IEA coaches with additional tools to assist them in bringing the best to their teams and programs,” says Courtney Smith IEA Education Committee Chair. “Partnering with CHA was a natural fit to promote safe, effective and fun educational resources to our membership. This is an incomparable opportunity to learn from others, network with instructors from all over the country, and take home some new tools to reenergize our programs.”

For the schedule for this event visit here. And to register today please see this link. IEA coaches and members will be able to attend at CHA member rates.

For more information about the CHA International Conference, including hotel registration and flight discounts, visit https://cha.horse/international-conference/. The detailed list of speakers and sessions will be on the CHA website in July. Hope to see you there!

CHA Equine Professionals Change Lives Through Safe Experiences with Horses. The purpose of CHA is to promote excellence in safety and education for the benefit of the horse industry. CHA certifies equine professionals such as riding instructors and equine facility managers, accredits equestrian facilities, publishes educational manuals, produces educational streaming videos and webinars, and hosts regional and international conferences. For more information on the largest certifying body of equine professionals in North America, Certified Horsemanship Association, please visit www.CHA.horse or call 859-259-3399. To find a certified horseback riding instructor or accredited equine facility near you, visit www.CHA.horse

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Certified Horsemanship Association and Interscholastic Equestrian Association are Partnering to Provide Speakers for the CHA International Conference in October in Tennessee Read More »

Courtney Smith: How to Teach the Boring Stuff In A FUN Way!

Courtney Smith, a resident of Tennessee, holds a Masters of Science degree with a concentration in Equine Education and Coaching from Middle Tennessee State University. Courtney is the owner of Need A Hand Horse Training where she has spent her time being actively involved in the equine industry through training horses, competing, teaching clinics, and coaching youth and adults from local to national levels. She is the Head Coach of Team Need A Hand, a member of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association and is involved in multiple organizations holding positions such as the IEA Western Region 4 president, the TN State 4H Horse Show Committee, and as a Board Member for the TN Stock Horse Association. Courtney is a strong advocate for youth involvement in the equine industry which is seen in her passion for teaching and helping others.

“Putting the FUN in FUNdamentals”

“Why aren’t we riding today?” A frequent question asked by many new students at their first lesson, on a rainy day or camp. As riding instructors, we know the importance of teaching our students all aspects of horsemanship from learning the parts of the horse to the basics of nutrition. The reality is most students do not want to learn the “boring” stuff. This is where it can become a challenge to educate our students while keeping them engaged. We want to transition from “boring” to interesting and relevant. This workshop will share strategies to help put the FUN in the FUNdamentals. We will give instructors an overview of available, and often free, resources to use when teaching non-riding activities that make learning interactive and applicable. I hope it will give you inventive ideas and ways to inspire and liven up your teaching routines.