Saddle Seat Instruction of Beginner Program

Programs - Coach & Rider

Click here for an brief overview of Saddle Seat Riding.

The 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 Saddle Seat Instructor of Beginners provides novice riders with an introduction to riding in a fun and safe environment. Instructors cater to the recreational or beginner rider, rather than the competitive rider, focusing on the following needs of their student: learning basic skills, developing confidence and self-esteem, and enjoying recreational riding.

For the Rules and Regulations regarding the 2009 Ontario Provincial Saddle Seat Equitation Championship, click here.

For a copy of the 2009 Ontario Provincial Saddle Seat Equitation Championship Qualification Form, click here.

For a complete Saddle Seat Instruction of Beginner information package, click here.

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 - NEW Saddle Seat Program coming soon! Until the Saddle Seat Learn to Ride Program is finalized, a riding component will be included in the evaluation.

** Exceptional cases: Candidates meeting all prerequisites but who, for physical reasons, are no longer capable of riding may apply for exemption from the riding protion of the English Learn to Ride Program. Send a written request for consideration of exemption to the Ontario Master Evaluator through the OEF Office.**

3. NCCP Introduction to Competition Part A course and Equine Canada Learn to Teach course, if taken prior to December 31, 2007, OR 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 Code of Ethics and Coaching Code of Conduct - 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 application for an Evaluation. Please contact Kelly Rodrigues at education@horse.on.ca for 2009 dates.

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, saddle pad and training martingale
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 reversing direction
Introduce and practice exercises to improve 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

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 soon. 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, Saddle Seat 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:
~ Stable Management in Canada ~
~ Saddle Seat 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 Saddle Seat 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

If facility horses are used there will be a standard horse rental fee charged 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. In some cases, riders may be the other candidates at the Evaluation.

Last updated 2009/03/02