English Instruction of Beginner ProgramThe National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) is a government-initiated program designed to give the public safe, qualified Instructors and Coaches at every level of all sports.
The certified Instructor of Beginner provides novice riders with an introduction to English riding in a fun and safe environment. Instructors cater to the recreational or beginner rider, rather that the competitive rider, focusing on the following needs of their student: learning basic skills, developing confidence and self-esteem, and enjoying recreational riding.
PREREQUISITES:
Candidates must have completed the following prerequisites prior to applying for the Instructor Evaluation:
1. Minimum 16 years of age at the time of the Evaluation.
2. Equine Canada Learn to Ride Program - Old Learn to Ride Level II OR New Learn to Ride Level 6 OR Pony Club “C2” Standard Certificate
** Exceptional cases: Candidates meeting all prerequisites but who, for physical reasons, are no longer capable of riding may apply for exemption from the riding portion of the English Learn to Ride Program. Send a written request for consideration of exemption to the Ontario Master Evaluator through the OEF Office. Candidates wishing to complete the optional jumping module will need to complete the over fences portion of the Rider Levels to be eligible.**
3. NCCP Introduction to Competition Part A course and Equine Canada Learn to Teach course, if taken prior to December 31, 2007, OR
4. NCCP/Equine Canada Equestrian Specific 2-Day Training Workshop (replaces Module A and Learn to Teach courses)
5. Complete the NCCP Making Ethical Decisions online evaluation - visit www.coach.ca to access the evaluation. You will need your NCCP number (assigned to you once you have completed the prerequisite theory course) to complete the module.
6. Current Standard First Aid Certificate
7. Current OEF membership
8. Current Equine Canada Silver Level Sport License
9. Mentor Program - click here for the Instruction of Beginner Mentor Contract and Task Sheets
10. Signed EC Coaching Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics- click here
11. Signed Acceptance of Risk form: under 18 years of age, or 18 years of age or older
Once you have completed all of the above prerequisites, and you are ready to submit an Evaluation Application. Click here to print out an Instructor Application; scroll down for your preferred evaluation date.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
Full registration refunds will be provided for written cancellations received prior to 30-days before the Evaluation; a 25% administration fee will be applied to refunds requested after that date, however, NO REFUNDS will be granted less than 14-days prior to the date of the Evaluation or for no-shows. The OEF reserves the right to cancel session(s) due to unforeseen circumstances or insufficient advance registration. The OEF cannot accept responsibility for non-registration related expenses incurred as a result of the cancellation of an Evaluation.
CERTIFICATION:
The Evaluation consists of a written test, an oral phase covering stable management, your designed EAP, bandaging, lunging, and teaching a mounted and unmounted lesson with a primary focus on safety throughout the Evaluation. PLEASE NOTE: in order to be successful, candidates cannot receive a score of 1 in any safety category during the Evaluation. If the candidate is successful at the Evaluation, the Ontario Equestrian Federation will award an "Equine Canada Instruction of Beginner" Instructor Certificate. If the candidate is unsuccessful, he/she will have 2 years from the date of the Evaluation to retake the unsuccessful phase(s) only, provided he/she has received additional mentoring and forwarded proof of such to the OEF Office.
TO REMAIN CERTIFIED:
In order to remain “active” as an Instructor, each Instructor is required to submit proof of earning a minimum of 20 hours of professional development every 3 calendar-year period from the date of certification. For the complete updating policy, click here. Please note that OEF membership, EC Sport License with additional Coaching Levy along with First Aid Certification must also be kept current and on file at the OEF Office.
INSURANCE:
It is strongly recommended that all riding Instructors in the horse industry carry commercial insurance. The OEF provides members with access to some insurance discounts.
POSSIBLE TEACHING TOPICS
Unmounted Lesson Topics Click here for a blank lesson plan sheet.
- Fitting of helmets and safe riding attire
- Grooming Procedure
- Tack Cleaning
- Proper leading and turning of the horse
- Bridling - Proper fitting and technique
- Saddling - Proper technique and fitting, including girth and breastplate
- Fire Safety - Procedure
- Fire Safety - General
- Foot Care
- Tying a horse properly in the stall
- Blanketing and unblanketing a horse
- Fitting martingales
Mounted Lesson Topics Click here for a blank lesson plan sheet.
- Introduce and practice the trot
- Introduce and practice the posting trot
- Introduce and practice the canter
- Introduce and practice a circle
- Introduce and practice a turn
- Introduce and practice changing the rein
- Introduce and practice exercises to practice eye control
- Introduce and practice exercises at the walk to teach steering and control
- Introduce and practice identifying the correct canter lead and how to correct the lead
- Introduce and practice changing the leading file
- Introduce and practice 3-point position at walk & trot
- Introduce and practice 2-point position at walk & trot
NEW - Optional Jumping Module Teaching Topics Click here for a blank lesson plan sheet.
A new opportunity for certified English Instructors! Certified English Instructors will have the option of completing an additional component which would grant certification to teach basic jumping skills to riders up to Rider Level 4 in the Equine Canada English Learn to Ride Program. This certification would provide Instructors with the option to teach over cross rail fences 15"-18" and up to a 2' vertifcal. Candidates must identify on their Evaluation Application if they are completing the Flat, Flat & Jumping, or Jumping only certification on the day of the Evaluation. **NOTE** To be eligible to be evaluated for just the jumping only module on the day of the Evaluation, candidates must already be certified Instructors.
- Introduce and practice the forward seat position throughout a simple gymnastic.
- Introduce and practice control of trot and straightness on the approach to an "X" and departure from the "X" at the canter.
- Introduce and practice a course of cross-rails.
- Introduce and practice riding a line with a trot approach to the first element.
- Introduce and practice cantering the approach to a single fence.
Use of games or props should be encouraged, where appropriate.
ADMINISTRATION:
All Evaluations are arranged by the Ontario Equestrian Federation. The 2009 schedule of Instruction of Beginner Evaluations will be posted early in the New Year. The OEF makes every attempt to place candidates in the Evaluation of their choice, however, applications will not be processed without receipt of paperwork and payment.
MENTORS:
Mentoring refers to the candidate working with experienced professionals to further develop their instructing, lunging and stable management skills. Mentors must be an active, certified, English Equine Canada Coach 1 or higher with a number of years experience in the instruction of beginner riders. Click here to access our current list of active Coaches in Ontario. The candidate works closely with the mentor(s) over a period of time as they observe and teach lessons and are given suggestions for improvement. It is strongly recommended that candidates take the time to meet with potential mentors to ensure schedules, costs, and the time involved are all understood by both parties before commencing the mentor program. Please note that mentoring can be obtained from more than one Coach.
Please keep in mind that the Instruction of Beginner Mentor Program hours is a minimum guideline. Depending on experience, some candidates may require further mentoring in order to be able to meet the required standard.
Recommended Reading for the Instruction of Beginner Program:
~ English Learn to Ride Manuals ~
~ Stable Management in Canada ~
~ English Coach 1 Manual ~
Click here to go to the online store to order the above resources
~ Emergency Action Plan Information Booklet ~
~ Equine Canada/NCCP Instruction of Beginner Rubrics for English Booklet ~
~ Equine Canada/NCCP Optional Jumping Module Rubrics Booklet ~
Please Note: Candidates are required to bring their own equipment, all clean and in good repair (please do not assume that the facility will have equipment for you):
- Bandages (polo/exercise and stable)
- Lunging – lunge line, lunge whip, side reins, boots, gloves, etc.
- First Aid kits for both horse and human
- Teaching tools (games/props) for your mounted and unmounted lessons
- Pens and paper for the written test
There is a standard horse rental fee charged for the use of host facility horses. Please include this fee payable to the Ontario Equestrian Federation at time of registration.
Demo riders will be used for the lessons, but candidates should be aware that students MAY be above the beginner level.
For a complete English Instruction of Beginner Information Package, click here.
Last updated 2009/03/02