USHJA Trainer Certification Program
The USHJA Trainer Certification Program was developed to preserve the American Hunter/Jumper Forward Riding System by offering a comprehensive educational program for professional horse trainers. Being a Certified Trainer confirmed a commitment to continuing professional development, which leads to an ever-increasing group of well-rounded and knowledgeable horsemen.
In 2019, the USHJA Board of Directors determined there was a need to evolve the program to further focus on developing skills in sports psychology, learning styles, and teaching methodologies and require a demonstration of a trainer’s ability to effectively coach riders. For this reason, the Trainer Certification Program was reimagined into one that builds on the current education model while further molding and defining the abilities of professionals.
The USHJA Trainer Certification Program will be sunset at the end of 2025. Currently Certified Trainers will maintain their certification status through November 30, 2025 as long as the annual requirements for Safe Sport and USHJA membership are maintained. All TCP Certifications will expire on December 1, 2025. TCP Trainers are encouraged to enroll in and complete the Instructor Credential in order to maintain USHJA recognition. For more information about the Credential, click here or email the program coordinator.
Annual Responsibilities of TCP Trainers
Through November 30, 2025, all Certified Trainers are responsible for the following:
- Maintaining current contact information with USHJA. To update contact information, please click here.
- Maintaining USHJA membership above the Outreach level annually.
- In compliance with USEF membership and USHJA Trainer Certification Program requirements, TCP Trainers are required to complete Safe Sport training annually in order to maintain certification. To access the online Safe Sport training, please click here. To review information regarding the Safe Sport Initiative and USEF Safe Sport Policy, please visit USEF.org
- Adhering to all USEF rules. If an individual is suspended by the USEF, that individual's USHJA Trainer Certification status will be suspended for the same time period. Upon completion of the USEF suspension period, the individual's USHJA Trainer Certification will be reinstated, absent good cause to the contrary. Reinstatement of the individual's USHJA Trainer Certification remains at the sole discretion of the USHJA.
Should Certified Trainers neglect these responsibilities, certification will be at risk.
Trainer Certification Renewal
The TCP renewal process is officially closed and no renewal submissions are being accepted. Currently Certified Trainers must maintain annual requirements for Safe Sport and USHJA membership (above the Outreach level) to maintain certification. TCP Trainers in good standing will remain certified through November 30, 2025 and may be eligible for a 50% discount toward the new Instructor Credential. All TCP Trainers are encouraged to participate in the Instructor Credential once available.
Certified Trainers will remain listed on the TCP Directory until certification expiration. Though USHJA recommends maintaining industry standards for insurance, annual insurance submissions are no longer required.
If Trainers choose not to participate the Instructor Credential in its entirety by November 30, 2025, TCP certification will expire and any discounts or credits may be forfeited.
Trainer Certification Program Statement
The USHJA Trainer Certification Program is a voluntary education and certification program developed by USHJA for the benefit of its professional trainers, its members and the general public. The program is the sole and exclusive property of USHJA. USHJA reserves all rights to determine the program’s specifications, requirements and procedures and to review and amend those specifications, requirements and procedures as deemed necessary in its sole discretion.
USHJA reserves all rights to require periodic updating of its Certified Trainers’ biographical and demographic information, qualifications, continuing education, insurance and other requirements, and it further reserves all rights to suspend or revoke certification upon failure of the Certified Trainer to provide the above information.
USHJA, as the nationally recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation for the hunter and jumper disciplines and in accordance with USHJA By-Laws, agrees to reciprocity with USEF, and any suspensions of USHJA Certified Trainers by USEF will be honored by USHJA. Therefore, an individual’s USHJA Trainer Certification will be suspended by USHJA for the same time period imposed by USEF.
USHJA reserves all rights to review any claims, statements, allegations or other information submitted to it in writing by any USHJA member or member of the general public regarding any act, conduct or behavior by a USHJA Certified Trainer which may be considered prejudicial to the best interests of the USHJA or the sport of equestrian and, if it deems necessary or appropriate in its sole discretion, to forward the same to USEF for further administrative determination and action pursuant to USEF General Rules.
