Courses

Trainer C Certification Program - Riding

The Trainer C program is the first step in the development of the German Sport Federation's (DSB) licensed training program for Equestrian Instructors and Trainers. The task of the Trainer C Certification Program is to prepare and test that the applicant has a thorough understanding of basic equestrian sport activities as well as knowing the framework that will lead riders and horses to excel in performance sports and competition. This training system enables the candidate to choose his/her area of specialty depending on personal interests. Students have a choice, depending on their interest, of a career in the basic sport of riding (more for enjoyment/noncompetitive) or for riding in competition. Certification in both areas is possible provided that all necessary requirements are met.

Prerequisites for the Trainer Programs
All requirements are based on the rules of the German National Federation (Deutsche Reiterliche Vereinigung e.V. (FN) and their rule book the APO - Ausbildungs- und Prüfungs-Ordnung)

Preparation Seminar
All Trainer C candidates must complete a Preparation Seminar before the start of the program (this may be done via video).

Note:

The Director of the Westfälische Reit und Fahrschule has the final decision with respect to an applicant's participation within one of the Trainer Programs as well as within the examination.

Contents of the Course:

1. Practical riding:
   1. Suppling, gymnastic work in dressage, over fences and small cross country obstacles
2. Teaching:
   1. Obtaining a fundamental understanding of the basic seat for all disciplines (balanced, supple, moving with the movement of the horse)
   2. Obtaining a fundamental understanding of the principal requirements needed for the equestrian sport.
   3. Obtaining a fundamental understanding of the basic principals for riding over fences and cross country
3. Sport Education:
   1. Basics for learning movement
   2. Basic structure of a riding lesson
   3. Recreational sport for riders
   4. Riding Theory:
      In accordance with the FN's Principles of Riding (book 1) and Lungeing (book 6)
   5. General understanding of:
      1. Working with teens and young adults
      2. Personal and social communication skills
      3. Basic responsibilities of instructors
      4. Professional competence
      5. Teaching methods
   6. General knowledge of Equestrian Sport:
      1. Basic knowledge in
         • Organization of the German Equestrian Sport
         • Sport and the Environment
         • General first aid
      2. Stable management and veterinary care
         • Safety and care of horses according to the FN's Horse Management (book 4)
      3. Ethics in Equestrian Sport pamphlet (part 1 and 2)

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

1. Practical Riding (total of 3 grades):
   1. Practical riding, presenting horse in a snaffle, demonstrating the basics of making a horse supple and gymnastic (1st grade)
   2. Presenting the horse in light seat and demonstrating the basics for jumping and gymnastic exercises for making the horse supple (2nd grade)
   3. Riding in light seat and demonstrating the basic training for cross country and basic knowledge for riding horses in the country (3rd grade)
2. Teaching (total of 3 grades):
   1. The basic understanding of sport education and psychology, especially different teaching methods and didactics of the lesson (1st grade/oral exam)
   2. Practical teaching of an assigned topic (1 grade for knowledge of topic and 1 grade for practical application)
3. Riding Theory (2 grades - 1 written and 1 oral):
   The participant will be tested on his/her knowledge of the German Principles of Riding (book 1) and Lungeing (book 6)
   1. Basic training of the horse and rider
   2. The training scale of the horse and of the rider
4. Basic knowledge of equestrian sport:
   1. Organization, sport and environment, safety (1 grade, oral or written)
      • Basic understanding of the riding club structure, the responsibility of membership, and the responsibility of the riding clubs
      • The value of integrating the sport into the environment, general knowledge
      • Ethics in Equestrian Sport (based on FN pamphlet parts 1 and 2)
   2. Stable management and Veterinary care (1 grade, oral exam)
      • Equine safety - in the barn, in the riding hall, and outdoors
      • Knowledge of animal protection laws
      • Basic knowledge of stable management and feeding (FN's book 4)
      • Basic knowledge of the anatomy of the horse, first aid, and specific illnesses and/or lameness
      • Basic knowledge of how to apply equine first aid bandages