Courses

Trainer A Certification Program - Riding

The Trainer A program is the last step for the Instructor's development through the German Sport Federation's licensing training program for Equestrian Instructors and Trainers. The Trainer A program is only offered to teachers and trainers working in the area of competitive sport. Candidates are qualified to apply and complete this program after their 22nd birthday, with proof of three (3) years experience in the field as a Trainer C Certified Instructor, and one (1) year experience in the field as a certified Trainer B Instructor.

Trainer A Certification Program - Riding

COMPETITIVE:
Requirements of applicant for testing:

1. Membership in your National Equestrian Association (i.e., USEF, USDF, USCTA)
2. A minimum of 22 years old
3. Proof of sound character - criminal background check
4. Successful completion of the Trainer B Exam - Recreational or Competitive
5. Proof of employment for three (3) years as Trainer/Instructor after successful completion of the Trainer C Program and one (1) year after the completion of the Trainer B exam
6. Have the DRA II performance medal in Jumping & Dressage or an equivalent qualification from the applicant's National Equestrian Association, subject to approval
7. Completion of a Trainer A 3 week course

Note:

The Director of the school has the final decision on an applicant's participation in one of the Trainer Programs as well as the examination.

Examination:
For the Trainer A program and examination the applicant can select the discipline on which he/she would like to focus. The applicant will then be tested in this discipline at the medium level (4th level Dressage or Jumping 4 feet) and the other disciplines will be tested at a lower level.

Contents of the Course:

1. Practical riding dressage/Jumping:
   1. Dressage (second level)
   2. Jumping (3'6")
   3. Cross country (novice)
2. Practical riding concentrating on dressage:
   1. Dressage (forth level)
   2. Jumping (3 feet)
   3. Cross country (novice)
3. Practical riding concentrating on jumping:
   1. Dressage (first level)
   2. Jumping (4 feet)
   3. Cross country (novice-training)
4. Teaching:
   1. Dressage (level will depend on chosen discipline)
   2. Jumping (level will depend on chosen discipline)
   3. Cross country (level will depend on chosen discipline)
5. Sport Education/Physiological Training of the Athlete Theory:
   1. More in-depth knowledge of developing athletic movement
   2. Planning and Strategy for students
   3. Cross Training for the Rider
6. Riding Theory:
   1. In accordance with the FN's Principles of Riding (book 1), Advance Techniques (book 2) and Lungeing (book 6)
7. General knowledge in the Equestrian Sport:
   1. Basic knowledge in
      • Personal and Social Communication
      • Professional competence
      • Methods of teaching
   2. Stable management and veterinary care
      • Feeding and Stable management
      • Emergency First Aid and Infectious Diseases
      • Conformation
      • All information is in accordance with the FN's Horse Management (book 4)
   3. Business Management Issues
      • Responsibilities and Insurance
      • Animal Rights
      • Laws of Riding Associations
   4. Basics to Organization
      • Planning
      • Club Structure
      • Organization of Clinics and Workshops
   5. Ethics and animal rights in Equestrian Sport (based on FN's pamphlet part 1 and 2)

Requirements of the test
Participants will be examined in the following areas:

1. Practical Riding (3 grades):
   1. Dressage riding - presenting horse in a snaffle bridle at second level - presenting horse in full bridle at second level (1st grade)
   2. Jumping - riding the horse in the basic jump seat and showing the ability to jump a 3'6" course (2nd grade)
   3. Riding in the jump seat and demonstrating the basic training for cross country and basic knowledge for riding horses in the country (3rd grade)
2. Practical Riding Focus on Dressage (3 grades):
   1. Dressage riding - presenting horse in a snaffle bridle at fourth level - presenting horse in full bridle at fourth level (1st grade)
   2. Jumping - riding the horse in a balanced jumping seat and demonstrate the ability to jump 3' course (2nd grade)
   3. Riding in a balanced jumping seat and demonstrating the basic training for cross country and basic knowledge for riding horses in the open country side (3rd grade)
3. Practical Riding Focus on Jumping (3 grades):
   1. Jumping - riding the horse in balanced jumping seat and demonstrate the ability to jump 4 foot course (1st grade)
   2. Dressage riding - presenting the horse in a snaffle bridle at first level - (2nd grade)
   3. Riding in a balanced jumping seat and demonstrating the basic training for riding cross country and basic knowledge for riding horses in the open country side (3rd grade)
4. Teaching (3 grades):
   1. Designing training plans, lesson plans, and lesson concepts
   2. Practical teaching of two (2) lessons along with written lesson plan
   3. Theory in education, how one learns and how one instructs
5. Riding Theory (1 grade - oral):
   The participant will be tested on his/her knowledge of the German Principles of Riding (book 1), Advanced Techniques (book 2), and Lungeing (book 6) focusing on training of the horse and rider in chosen discipline.
6. Veterinary and Stable Management (2 grades)
   1. Management: feeding, horse keeping, first-aid, infectious disease (1 grade oral/practical)
   2. Judging conformation (1 grade oral/practical)