Three Benefits of Certification

No matter how you partner with horses, dedicating yourself to a professional path can provide a road map to success, greater credibility, and opportunities for ongoing education.

Certification is the process of aligning yourself to the best practices of therapeutic riding/hippotherapy, para-equestrian, and equine-assisted activities programs. This process empowers you to deliver maximum benefits to your clients and riders while building a strong foundation of learning for yourself. Having the stamp of approval from a certification body can also increase your profile as you move forward in your career.

Here are three of the many benefits certifications can bring:

1. Access to the best practices and standards

Instructors, coaches, and practitioners are always looking for ways to enhance their skills. Certification bodies (see the links below) have developed educational programs, and training materials, and hold events to help guide there are members through a well-defined set of standards. They help individuals and businesses develop goals, policies, and practices that maintain the health and safety of riders and participants.

2. Build strong mentorship relationships

As a part of the accreditation process applicants are expected to form strong relationships with mentors as proof of working through the programs offered. Many organizations allow this to happen through virtual means, such as zoom meetings or video assessments as well as in-person events. Developing a relationship with a mentor is critical to supporting your progress as they can advise and guide you on specific areas that both interest you and troubleshoot areas of concern.

3. Build on your skills and education

Once you have achieved a level of certification maintaining that certification or advancing to higher levels, requires ongoing education. Many associations offer CEUs (Continuous Education Units) to help you gain the credit you need as well as partnering with other organizations to create programs that you can apply for credits. Having access to supervised instruction so you can maintain your credentials is a powerful tool to advance in your chosen industry.

This is a brief overview of what you can expect from the certification process. To find out more click on the links below:

Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association

Certified Horsemanship Association

Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association

Equestrian Canada Certification Programs

Professional Association for Equine Facilitated Wellness

Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International