American Riding Instructors Association

mariko303 · American Riding Instructors Association

I am interested in taking this certification test, and I was just wondering if anyone has taken this test? And if so, was it good or bad? what was the testing process like? i know there is a written test portion, and i need to make a video since ill be testing for level 2, but is there a one on one interview? did the testing seem fair?

and before you answer, i know that in the 'horse world' a certification doesnt mean much, and trust me i used to be like that. but from all the studying im finding ill need to do, i know that being certified will hold some weight, and one of the biggest reasons is so i will get a discount on my insurance when i eventually have my own facility, and i think it will help me bring in people who dont know the horse world, like it will make me look more credible.

i just want to know if anyone has any personal experience with ARIA. Thank you!!!

ErinR76

I'm curious too. My sister's been talking about wanting to get certified as a riding instructor at some point.

PasoBaby_CarolU

I can't answer your question but I will say that we ran into a need for certified instructors last year when we were planning to give horse rides to children at Camp Wapati. Camp Wapiti is run by the Utah Elks, and it hosts a half dozen camps each summer for different groups...children with hemophilia, asthma, cancer, etc. They come for one week of all kinds of activities. In order to be covered by each camp's insurance we had to have certified riding instructors and give instruction, so it wasn't just 'pony rides.'

From what I read up on it, this is an increasing requirement, so if you do plan on becoming a Riding Instructor, certification is a good investment.

mariko303 · thanks everyone!

yeah, i think it will be too. im also an army wife so ill be moving pretty frequently, so i feel like it will help me get jobs so i dont have to go to a barn and ride there for a while for a trainer to see that hey the girl knows a thing or 2! im also feeling much more confident because for the test they say to read this book called Horses, as a helpful study guide, so i ordered it and so far i already know everything iv read so im pretty sure this test will be a breeze! the hardest part is that i also have to know the USEF rules for my specialties which im thinking for now ill test in Hunt Seat and Equitation [you only get 2 specialties included in the price, any more and its an additional $200 per specialty!]

thanks again guys! if anyone else has an opinion id love to hear it!

ErinR76

Hey what is the full title of the book and the author please?

mariko303 · book

Horses 3rd Ed. by J. Warren Evans! so far its been kind of awesome and seems to have everything about everything! and its not very expensive on amazon.com!

American Riding Instructors Association

thanks everyone!

book