The Instructor Training Program

The Pony Farm Instructor Training Program is centered around a power-packed curriculum created by a collaboration of top horse professionals in the teaching, showing, training, judging and horsemanship industries from across the country.  It is based on the requirements of CHA, Level 1 to 4.  The curriculum also incorporates valuable teaching information from Centered Riding® and experience working with riders or drivers who have special emotional, physical or learning disabilities.  Teaching is firmly rooted in best practice standards as outlined by ARICP, CHA, Pony Club, Centered Riding, NARHA, EFMHA Equine Facilitated Mental Health Association) and the American Camping Association.  The curriculum also includes a great deal of the business aspects of starting and staying in the horse industry.  Pony Farm's foundation is strong based in accreditation and certification.  With many years of success operating a large summer camp and year round riding program, the solid business component of this training program is a key asset.

Learning in the classroom, the barn and the riding arenas involves a planned process of presentations, practical applications and discussions -- experiential learning at it's best.  Riding lessons, training sessions, clinics, ground work and horse care all culminate in producing well rounded horse people who truly understand horses from the inside out.

The very heart of the learning and teaching experience is the relationship between the human and the horse.  Participants learn how to promote this affirming, healthy partnership while gaining an understanding of how to foster the well being of our equine partners. In sort, everyone "wins" ... Teacher, Student and Horse all learn  how to build skills with safety and success, one student at a time.

   Student Teaching

ITCs participate in a great deal of student teaching in classes of different sizes and types.  Each candidate will be actively involved with the Pony Farm Teaching Staff in teaching up to eight lessons a week.  These classes will range from "Peanuts on Ponies", a pony experience for those who are 4 to 6 years old, to those who are learning to show at the local level.  ITCs will experience teaching riders of all ages in both private and small group classes.  The classes in which each ITC will participate vary depending on each individual's preference but may include lessons in dressage, pleasure riding, hunters, equitation, lower level jumpers, gymkhana games and trail riding.  ITCs may also work with students who are learning to drive both for pleasure and lower level competition.  Depending on individual interest, ITCs may also experience teaching a therapeutic riding or horsemanship class for those with mental, physical or cognitive challenges.

ITCs work as Assistant Instructors under the supervision and direction of certified Head Instructors.  They are actively involved in all aspects of lesson planning and implementation.  Head Instructors offer feedback and suggestions to facilitate learning and success for everyone involved.  Over the course of the lesson series, each ITC takes over more of the teaching, always under the watchful, helpful eye of the Head Instructor to insure safety for all.  Upon completion of the course, ITCs should have the experience necessary to teach with confidence and competence!