National Certification

Throughout the entire course of study, ITCs work toward national certification.  Depending on prior experience and interests, each candidate may achieve one or more of the following which are offered at Pony Farm and Horse Power.

CHA (Certified Horsemanship Association) Level 1 to 4 is the primary certification goal of the Pony Farm Instructor Training School.  A CHA clinic is offered at Pony Farm at the end of the instructor training course.  ITCs will participate in this clinic under the observation of two CHA Clinicians.  Successful participants may achieve Level 1, 2, 3 or 4 in English or Western or both, depending on the recommendation of the CHA Clinicians.

NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) Registered Instructor Certification is also possible to achieve during the Pony Farm Instructor Training School with additional study and student teaching in the Horse Power program.  This certification may be recommended by Isabella (Boo) McDaniel, M.Ed., CHA and NARHA Master Instructor and does not require participation in a NARHA On-Site Workshop or Certification Clinic.

CENTERED RIDING INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION Level 1 is also possible to achieve as an additional option in the Pony Farm Instructor Training School.  A great deal of riding instruction is given using Centered Riding Techniques throughout the three month course.  In addition, an Open Centered Riding Clinic and two Instructor Certification Clinics are offered on site before, during or after the actual three month PF Instructor Training Course.  These clinics are at an additional fee.

The Pony Farm staff is all certified and stand ready to assist each candidate to successfully take and pass these national certifications.  The Core Faculty meets with ITCs on a weekly basis to teach essential topics.  Visiting clinicians and Guest Speakers round out the teaching and mentoring components.  All staff and faculty actively mentor students in an encouraging and supportive atmosphere of learning, practical experience and personal growth.