Certifications
Download the
Registered Certification
Application Booklet here.
NARHA offers three levels of certification for therapeutic riding instructors: Registered, Advanced and Master. NARHA also offers instructor certification in the specialty disciplines of driving and interactive vaulting. Driving instructors may become certified as Level I, Level II or Level III. Those teaching vaulting also have the opportunity to obtain vaulting instructor certification, and NARHA Registered Level instructor certification is a prerequisite for this particular discipline.
Therapeutic riding instructors who teach at NARHA Centers are required to achieve one level of NARHA Instructor Certification status. Instructors apply for each level of certification separately, beginning with the Registered level. The criteria and requirements for each level are detailed in the certification booklets. These booklets describe the skills and knowledge an instructor must posses in the areas of Equine Management, Horsemanship, Instruction, Teaching Methodology and Disabilities for each level and class of certification. Links to certification booklets for each discipline are available below.
The first step to becoming an instructor is to obtain experience working with individuals with disabilities at a NARHA Center. Many instructors get their start by volunteering at centers as side-walkers or leaders. Becoming involved with a NARHA Center is a great way to learn about therapeutic riding and whether or not to pursue certification.
In order to become certified at any level one first needs to become a NARHA member by submitting a membership application to the NARHA office.
Learn more about certification:
