Working with Professionals (Part I)
certification was established for camps and trail ride facilities that need to provide a safe riding experience, but not necessarily a high level of riding skill.
Certification is often too time consuming for many established instructors who already have a full teaching schedule; and some do not feel that the cost of certification is justifiable. Incompetent instructors may falsly advertise certification, choose not to implement what they have learned during certification, have certifications that have expired, or have certifications that do not require a professional degree of expertise to obtain.
I have a lot of respect for author, clinician and lecturer, Jessica Jahiel. She has dealt with this topic in her electronic newsletter, Horse Sense, in issue 1804, titled "Certified Instructors." The situation she discusses is a classic example of putting too much emphasis and faith on instructors based on their certifications. You can see the archived file at her website Holistic Horsemanship.
A professional and competent instructor is important, but choosing one that is a good match for your personality is important too. Don't continue to take lessons where you feel belittled, bored or afraid. Keep in mind that different instructors will fit your needs better at different stages of your riding.
Don't be offended if a prospective instructor won't accept you as a student because you do not ride at a high enough level. That instructor will probably be able to give you excellent recommendations of other instructors, and you can always learn a lot from observing lessons that are above your level.
Next month we will discuss working with farriers and veterinarians.
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