Looking for an instructor? Here are some helpful hints to help make the selection.
- What should I look for in a dressage instructor or trainer?
- What other information should I consider when looking for an instructor?
- Does USDF have a list of recommended dressage instructors or trainers in my area?
- I don't find a USDF Certified Instructor in my area. Now what?
- What do the various categories of Certified Instructor/Trainer Certification mean?
- What is a USDF Certified Instructor/Trainer?
- What is an Associate Instructor?
What should I look for in a dressage instructor or trainer?
Riders may have different priorities when it comes to choosing an instructor/trainer. Whenever possible arrange to watch a potential instructor/trainer teach and or ride before you decide if it is a good match for you. USDF’s Certification Program is designed to educate dressage instructors to teach the classical concepts of dressage.
What other information should I consider when looking for an instructor?
- Talk to other riders whose style of riding you like to see who they like and why.
- Go to a show and spend time at the warm up arena; see if you like what you see and hear; make note of anyone whose style you don't like.
- Try to watch the instructor you are interested in ride and teach. If they do not want you to come to the facility where they teach to watch them ride/teach, this is probably not a good sign. An instructor should not have secrets or methods that are so questionable that they can't allow you to watch.
- It is important to watch the instructor teach and ride in person. Do not make a decision based only on what you hear about them.
- Trust your feeling as to whether you and the instructor would have good chemistry. It is important and makes the process either a good life experience or a bad one.
- Before making a final decision, both student and potential instructor would benefit from a short discussion about what the student is looking for, i.e. their goals and what their expectations are from an instructor. Likewise the instructor can tell the student a little about their teaching style and their expectations for their students. That way if both are on the same page it’s more likely that it will be a mutually beneficial, long term relationship.
Does USDF have a list of recommended dressage instructors or trainers in my area?
The USDF has a list of Certified Instructors/Trainers on their website. You can search that list to see if there is one or more USDF Certified Instructors/Trainers within reasonable distance of where you live. USDF Certified Instructors teach the classical concepts of dressage and meet specified proficiency standards.
I don't find a USDF Certified Instructor in my area. Now what?
Your local Group Member Organization (GMO) might be able to help you locate someone in your area. If you are not a member of a GMO, you can search for one in your area on the GMO Listings by Region page of the USDF website
What do the various categories of Certified Instructor/Trainer Certification mean?
What do the various categories of Certified Instructor/Trainer Certification mean?
The USDF Instructor Certification Program offers certification in three categories:
- Certified Instructor/Trainer; Training through First Level
- Certified Instructor/Trainer; Second Level
- Certified Instructor/Trainer; Third through Fourth Level
- FEI Level – FEI A and FEI B
What is a USDF Certified Instructor/Trainer?
A USDF Certified Instructor/Trainer is someone who has been certified by USDF in the areas of Teaching/Training, Lungeing of the Horse, Lungeing of the Rider and have successfully passed a written and verbal exam. Recognized Teachers have achieved this level of certification by achieving a score of 70% or higher in each area of the certification exam. Each Certified Instructor is a current USDF Participating Member, submits 16 hours of continuing education hours annually, has completed a course in First-aid and Safe Sport, and signs our program's code of conduct annually.
What is an Associate Instructor?
Associate Instructors are recognized for their participation and completion in USDF Instructor/Trainer Workshops and their commitment to furthering their education. Each Associate Instructor is a current USDF Participating Member, submits 16 hours of continuing education hours annually, has completed a course in First-aid and Safe Sport, and signs our program's code of conduct annually. These program participants have not been tested for final certification.
