Going For It
I had said I wanted to start towards becoming a certified riding instructor. I'm going to do it this year.
ARIA (American Riding Instructor Association) has a test going on June 5th this year in Phoenix. I'm trying for the Level II certification. I'd try Level III, but you have to be at least 25. That and I don't really have any advanced students whatsoever.
There are two tests that they mail and you do at home, then additional one-hour tests (the number you do depends on your level and number of certifications you're going for), a presentation, and you have to submit a video. You can do two specialties for the fee and I'm going to try for Dressage and Recreational Riding.
I'm nervous and excited. I hate doing presentations, but I think I'll manage. I'm unsure about the video portion either. Each one has to be 20 minutes, so it isn't even a full lesson, but I need to decide which student(s) to use and ask their permission. The written tests shouldn't be too bad. I'm pretty descent at taking tests and, not to sound too high on myself, I have a small encyclopedia of horse-related knowledge stashed away in my head thanks to both my AAS and my rabid reading on the subject.
I'll keep you all posted on how it goes. Sending off the application today. The fee is close to $600 for the first time, but subsequent certifications are only $200. That and when I'm certified I will get discounts on my equine insurance and also be listed in ARIA's Riding Instructor directory. It's a fair sum of money, but I think it'll be worth it. Wish me luck!
ARIA (American Riding Instructor Association) has a test going on June 5th this year in Phoenix. I'm trying for the Level II certification. I'd try Level III, but you have to be at least 25. That and I don't really have any advanced students whatsoever.
There are two tests that they mail and you do at home, then additional one-hour tests (the number you do depends on your level and number of certifications you're going for), a presentation, and you have to submit a video. You can do two specialties for the fee and I'm going to try for Dressage and Recreational Riding.
I'm nervous and excited. I hate doing presentations, but I think I'll manage. I'm unsure about the video portion either. Each one has to be 20 minutes, so it isn't even a full lesson, but I need to decide which student(s) to use and ask their permission. The written tests shouldn't be too bad. I'm pretty descent at taking tests and, not to sound too high on myself, I have a small encyclopedia of horse-related knowledge stashed away in my head thanks to both my AAS and my rabid reading on the subject.
I'll keep you all posted on how it goes. Sending off the application today. The fee is close to $600 for the first time, but subsequent certifications are only $200. That and when I'm certified I will get discounts on my equine insurance and also be listed in ARIA's Riding Instructor directory. It's a fair sum of money, but I think it'll be worth it. Wish me luck!