How Do I Become Certified?

Step 1 – Complete the following:

The following is REQUIRED

  • Current First Aid Certificate
  • OEF Membership
  • Completed Making Ethical Decisions Online Evaluation
  • Signed copy of the following documents:
  • Have met Riding/Coaching Requirements
    • Instructor of Beginner
      • English (one of the following)
        • EC Learn To Ride Level 6 (flat only) or with jumping
        • Old Rider II
        • Pony Club “C2″ Standard Certificate
      • Western
        • EC Western Learn to Ride Level IV
    • Competition Coach
      • English (one of the following)
        • EC Learn to Ride Level 8 (complete level with jumping)
        • Old Rider III
        • Pony Club “B” Standard Certificate
      • Western
        • EC Western Learn to Ride Intermediate Rider – Basic Training Component
    • Competition Specialist Coach
  • Meet minimum age requirements
    • Instructor – must be at least 16 years of age
    • Competition Coach – must be at least 18 years of age
    • Competition Coach Specialist – must be at least
  • EC Sport License
    • Instructor – minimum Silver
    • Competition Coach – minimum Gold
    • Competitions Coach Specialist – minimum Gold

The following training is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED:

  • Mentoring for all levels
    The mentoring component of the training requires that you establish a mentoring relationship with one or more Certified Coaches who are certified at a level above the level you are working toward.  We have a sample contract that must be signed by you and your mentor and will guide you through all of the elements required in your instructor/coaching evaluation.

  • National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) Training Workshop
    Equine Canada, with input from equestrian coaches across Canada, has developed an equestrian specific 2-day workshop covering effective teaching, analyzing performance, lesson planning and ethics.

    • Upcoming courses
    • Application form
  • Resource Manuals (available from Equine Canada)
    • Rider Level Manuals
    • Stable Management in Canada

Step 2 – Apply for an Evaluation

  1. Review the calendar of upcoming evaluation days and locations and choose the evaluation you wish to attend.
  2. Complete the evaluation application and submit it, along with the application fee and required documents to: 
1 West Pearce St., Suite 201, Richmond Hill ON L4B 3K3

Here is an application submission checklist for you to review and ensure that all of the required documents are included with your application:

  • Current First Aid Certificate
  • Proof of Completion of the Equine Theory Workshop and Mentoring Contract OR Signed Acknowledgement that you have declined these two training components
  • Proof of Completion of the “Making Ethical Decisions” online evaluation
  • Demonstration of Riding Experience and Ability by submitting proof of completion of:
  • Instructor of Beginner
    • English (one of the following)
      • EC Learn To Ride Level 6 (flat only) or with jumping
      • Old Rider II
      • Pony Club “C2″ Standard Certificate
    • Western
      • EC Western Learn to Ride Level IV
  • Competition Coach
    • English (one of the following)
      • EC Learn to Ride Level 8 (complete level with jumping)
      • Old Rider III
      • Pony Club “B” Standard Certificate
    • Western
      • EC Western Learn to Ride Intermediate Rider – Basic Training Component
  • Competition Specialist Coach
  • Current Equine Canada Sport License
  • Current Ontario Equestrian Federation Membership
  • Signed copies of the EC Coaching Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics
  • Acceptance of Risk – Under 18 Years of Age     Acceptance of Risk – Adult Over 18 Years of Age

*Note:  You have the option to take the Jumping Module as well, which you can indicate on your completed application form and note that there is an additional fee for this component.

Step 3 – Evaluation Day

On Evaluation Day you should come prepared to spend the full day at the barn, so bring lunch, drinks and snacks.  You must also bring your human and equine first aid kits and any props or tack (side reins, lunge line and whip, etc.) you require to teach your lessons.  You should also bring copies of your lesson plans and Emergency Action Plan, as well as pens and pencils for the written tests.

You will have a full day completing all of the individual modules including:

  • teaching the lessons according to the lesson plans you have previously submitted (flat & unmounted lessons) , as well as lunging a horse and a lunge lesson and finally a jumping lesson, if you have chosen that module;
  • bandaging a horse to ride, to ship or with a stable wrap;
  • oral and written tests covering stable management issues, dealing with injuries and/or emergencies, discussion of your Emergency Action Plan.