180 Ranch is hosting a Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) English/Western Instructor (EWI) certification Saturday, August 2 through Wednesday, August 6. This 5-day certification is for horseback riding instructors who would like a professional credential. Participants may come away with a level 1, 2, 3, 4, or assistant certification in English, Western, or both.
PLEASE NOTE: Certification is not guaranteed. It is contingent upon participants’ ability to demonstrate safe, professional group horsemanship instruction as measured by CHA’s standards. This is not an event to teach participants how to ride or how to teach lessons. Certifying instructors evaluate participants at their current level of knowledge and certify accordingly.
Register on CHA’s website:
When is the certification?
Saturday August 2 to Wednesday August 6
Where is it?
180 Ranch
15626 Twelve Corners Road
Garfield, AR 72732
How does it work?
Six to eight participants will demonstrate their abilities to teach specific riding and horsemanship skills while being evaluated by two CHA certifiers. Participants typically teach three mounted lessons and one unmounted lesson while their peers role play as students. Participants will also enjoy lectures on safety, liability, facility management, and more.
Why should I get CHA certified?
The benefits of certification are outlined on CHA’s website, but we’ve listed a few of the top benefits below:
Credibility
CHA certification assures your students and their parents that you are a competent teacher at your level of certification. According to CHA’s website, “Certification is a validation of the individual’s knowledge and ability and demonstrates to employers and customers that the certified individual has been proven against a respected standard, under independent evaluation.” They can have confidence in your teaching because other industry professionals have observed you in action and can attest to your abilities.
Discounts
CHA certified instructors enjoy discounted rates on liability insurance. Contact your insurance representative for details.
Opportunities
Becoming CHA certified opens the door to a myriad of professional opportunities. A year-long CHA membership is included with certification. As CHA members, participants will gain access to professional development in the form of regional and international conferences, educational materials, and more. CHA membership also comes with a valuable network of industry professionals that can lead to career advancement or even lifelong friendships.
How much does it cost?
This certification costs $850 and includes breakfast and lunch, three manuals (CHA Composite Horsemanship Manual, CHA Standards for Equestrian Programs, and The Equine Professional Manual – The Art of Teaching Riding) and a complimentary CHA membership until the end of the year.
About the certifying instructors
Cheryl West is the certification director with Marilyn Coffey as second certifying instructor. Marilyn certified Christy and Sallie in 2023, and Cheryl certified Trent in 2024. Cheryl and Marilyn are both highly educated and accomplished horsewomen. Learn more about them at the links below.
Register
Certifications fill up fast! Sign up for this certification on CHA’s website:
Questions? Email info@180ranchnwa.com or office@cha.horse