Dates and Locations Announced for 2023 USHJA Instructor Credential Live Sessions

Lexington, Ky.—July 12, 2023—The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is pleased to announce the dates and locations for the 2023 USHJA Instructor Credential Live Workshop and Examinations. Two sessions will be held this year:

  • Elvenstar Farm in Moorpark, California, on August 28-29
  • Aurum Equestrian in Parker, Colorado, on September 18-19

Each in-person session includes a Workshop and a Live Examination. The Workshop is a one-day clinic where candidates practice their teaching skills in a group setting encouraging peer review and collaboration. Candidates are not required to ride but will teach both unmounted and mounted lessons to volunteer riders. Examiners will oversee the lessons and provide guidance throughout the day. Workshop activities are not scored, but areas such as safety, horsemanship and professionalism are considered when scoring the exam.

The Examination is held on day two, where each candidate is assigned one or two riders and required to develop an appropriate lesson plan and execute two lessons: one beginner flat and one novice over fences. Examiners score the candidate using a standardized rubric, provide thoughtful and beneficial feedback to the lesson's strengths and weaknesses, and share recommendations for improvement and growth as an instructor. Candidates must earn an average score of 75% on their examination to be eligible for the credential.

To participate in the Live Workshop and Examination, candidates must be registered for the Instructor Credential and have completed all online coursework within the Instructor Credential Library, submitted the Candidate Experience Form and submitted a background check within six months. Those that meet the requirements can enroll in an upcoming session and submit the session fee in their USHJA member account.

To support members in their pursuit of personal and professional goals, each Zone is offering grants to two eligible USHJA Instructor Credential participants who complete the online coursework and attend a Live Workshop and Examination. Those interested can learn more and apply here. The Naomi Blumenthal Memorial Training Grant, which supports the furtherance of equestrian education in select areas of the industry, may also be put toward attending an Instructor Credential live session. Applications open soon.

Upon successful completion of all prerequisite online courses, the workshop and passing scores from two examiners during the live examination, candidates will be awarded the status of USHJA Credentialed Instructor.

The Instructor Credential has been designed to offer education for riding instructors in a manner that is more comprehensive and well-rounded than ever before with an extensive online education and a hands-on practicum. Registration is now open for USHJA members above the Outreach level who are 18 years of age or older. Candidates will need to show proof of experience teaching at least 40 hours of mounted and unmounted lessons.

Individuals can register in their USHJA member account by signing in at my.ushja.org/login, selecting "My Programs" and clicking on the "Enroll" button next to "Instructor Credential." Those who meet the prerequisites will need to submit the registration form and corresponding fee before being granted access to the Instructor Credential Library of online courses.

To learn more about the USHJA Instructor Credential, visit ushja.org/instructorcredential.

Photos: RandolphPR