Instructor Training

Each year NCTRC offers a two-day NARHA workshop for anyone wishing to gain knowledge and skills in preparation for becoming a NARHA instructor. You must join NARHA before attending these workshops. You can attend the workshop as a learning opportunity into the field of therapeutic riding, as an instructor-in-training to meet the pre-requisite for the Phase Two NARHA registered instructor application, or as a current instructor looking to gain continuing education hours.

This comprehensive workshop focuses on topics such as:

disabilities
teaching theories & methodology & techniques
rider posture
tack fitting;
adaptive equipment
horse analysis
mounting and dismounting techniques
volunteer management
skills progression; and
lesson plan development.

The NARHA registered instructor certification exam can be taken in conjunction with the NARHA on-site workshop. You will need to take the exam in order to become a registered instructor. Or the workshop can be taken first and candidates can then take their certification exam up to one year following the workshop.

TO REGISTER: To register for the certification portion of the OSWC, please submit a registration form along with a copy of your instructor-in-training status letter from NARHA. Once registered, the Phase Two packet will be sent to you. In order to attend the certification you must complete and return the Phase Two Packet which includes requests for your resume, personal references and professional references as well as an essay question for you to complete and a form documenting the hours you have taught.

Certification candidates complete their riding test on following the workshop. Teaching assignments are also handed out, so candidates can review files and develop lesson plans for the teaching portion of the certification. Candidates will be required to teach a class of two disabled riders who have mild physical and/or cognitive disabilities for 20 minutes. Please download the 2009 OSWC Flyer which includes the registration form and further details as they relate to costs and requirements.