Instructor Training Program

The Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center’s Instructor in Training Program. CTRC offers to a very limited number of candidates whom we believe meet all the requirements necessary for conducting safe, effective lessons the opportunity to shadow with one of our NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) Certified Instructors. The end result of this experience is to prepare candidates for the final step necessary in order for them to take the NARHA Registered Instructor Certification exam. If you would like to be considered for this program or are interested in more information contact Mary Mitten, Program Coordinator, at mary@ctrcinc.org or 303.652.9131.

The following are prerequisites for being considered as an Instructor in Training at CTRC.

•	Must have completed NARHA’s Phase 1 Process for Registered Instructors (www.narha.org) prior to entering CTRC’s Instructor in Training Program.
•	Must furnish a copy (dated within the past 6 months) of the NARHA Instructor in Training Status Letter as proof of completion of NARHA’s Phase 1 Process for Registered Instructors.
•	Must furnish references and copies of current CPR and First Aid cards.
•	Must demonstrate solid understanding of stable management and horse knowledge, as demonstrated by catching, leading, grooming, and tacking one of CTRC’s horses.
•	Must be able to ride a variety of horses at the walk, trot and canter, as demonstrated during a mounted evaluation conducted at CTRC. You must also demonstrate a basic understanding of trotting diagonals and canter leads, as evidenced by being able to execute the NARHA Registered Level Instructor Riding test (CTRC has this).
•	Must have volunteered/worked for at least 50 hours in classes at the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center (volunteer work at another NARHA center or established equestrian center may be considered).
•	Must have proof of previous experience working with people with disabilities; and/or working with people in a learning environment; and/or teaching able-bodied riding (experience volunteering at a therapeutic riding center will be considered).
•	Must be able to commit to a consistent Instructor in Training schedule of at least three to five classes per week for a 10-week session.
•	Must be planning to attend a CTRC NARHA On-Site Workshop and Certification within the year.

If CTRC does accept you as an Instructor in Training, you will also be required to:

•	Must have completed NARHA’s Phase 1 Process for Registered Instructors (www.narha.org) prior to entering CTRC’s Instructor in Training Program.
•	Attend a CTRC Volunteer Training and complete the volunteer application and signed confidentiality form.
•	Complete a form stating that you understand your responsibilities as an Instructor in Training.
•	Pay a non-refundable fee of $250 two weeks prior to starting the Instructor in Training program (for 3-5 classes over a 10-week session).

If you are accepted as an Instructor In Training at CTRC, we will offer you the guidance and practical experience you will need to complete your required 25 hours of teaching hours. However, this is no guarantee that you will pass your NARHA Certification teaching exam. The lesson and teaching preparation and safe and effective execution at the exam are up to you.

Also, you must be certain that you are prepared to pass the NARHA Certification riding exam. Our Instructor in Training Program offers only very limited opportunity for feedback on how well prepared you are for the riding exam.

"Who dares to teach must never cease to learn."

-- John Cotton Dana