Trainer B Certification Program - Riding - competitive:

The Trainer B course is the second progressive step in the German Riding System's licensing equestrian training program for the developing Trainer/Instructor.

This course involves lesson planning; from writing to implementing a well planned, structured riding lesson.

Candidates must be at least 18 years of age, and require proof of holding a Trainer C certificate for one (1) year, along with having one (1) year experience teaching in the equestrian field.

 

Basic requirements of an applicant:

• Membership in your National Equestrian Association
     (i.e., USEF, USDF, USCTA, etc.)
• Minimum of 18 years old
• Successful completion of the Trainer C Program
• Proof of employment in the equestrian field for a minimum of one (1) year after
     completion of the Trainer C Program
• Certificate from a nationally recognized first aid course - within the last 2 years

Note: The director of the school has the final decision with respect to an applicant's participation within one of the Trainer Programs, as well as within the examination.

If you want to attend a course, but have no competitive experience you will have to do the trainer B - non-competitive course. Please ask for details.

 

Contents of the course:

1. Practical riding:
• Dressage (second or preliminary level)
• Jumping (3'6”-3'9” or 1.10-1.20 meter)
• Cross country (elementary/novice level)
2. Teaching:
• Dressage (first / novice level)
• Jumping (3'3” / 1 meter)
• Structuring a lesson plan
• Comments and feedback on lessons
3. Riding theory:
   • In accordance with the FN's Principles of Riding, Advanced Dressage
        Techniques, and Longing

 

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Testing - participants will be examined in the following areas:

1. Practical riding (1 grade)
• Dressage riding - in a snaffle bridle - demonstrating between first/second    or novice/preliminary level dressage
• Jumping - riding the horse in a balanced jumping seat and the ability to
     jump 3'6”-3'9”/1.10-1.20 meter course
2. Teaching (4 grades)
• Preparation of a systematic lesson plan including focus on goal of the
      lesson (1 grade)
• Execution of planned lesson or at least parts of it (1 grade)
• Commentaries on lesson plans during the classroom sessions (1 grade)
• Oral presentation of a long term goal and the plan to achieve it (1 grade)
• Homework: written essay on a chosen topic
• Oral presentation on a chosen topic

Note: It is usual within the German System that the Trainer B course lasts only 8 days and the participant usually specializes in one riding discipline.

This time period is not possible within the English speaking course and therefore, participants will have the option to earn the trainer certificate in both dressage and jumping, if they wish.

 

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Additional Information

A typical Daily Schedule for a course

6:30 am	Barn work
7:15 am	Breakfast
8:30 am	Dressage lessons in small groups

 

12:00

Lunch break

 

2:00 pm	Jumping lessons in small groups
4:00 pm	Theory or classroom work
6:00 pm	End of day

 

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What to bring

• Barn clothes for working in the stable
• Hard sole shoes
• Riding boots
• Gloves
• Riding helmet
• Spurs
• Cross country vest (if you have one)
• Riding breeches
• Jeans and shirts
• Sweaters and coats for cool weather
• Jacket for rainy days (if wanted)
• Casual street clothes for the evenings
• Towel
• A notebook (with plenty of paper)
• Pens
• Computer (wireless is available in the breakfast room, but not in dorm rooms)
• European adapter for electronic products (if necessary)
• Hair dryer
• German SIM card for telephone (if wanted)
• Small knapsack for carrying belongings (computer, spurs, helmets, etc.) back    and forth to barn
• Photocopy all documents (passport, credit cards, etc.) in case they are lost on    the trip that you'll have all information to replace them faster
• Show clothes for testing day

** There is a washing machine and dryer available on the premises

 

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How to prepare for a course

• Be as riding fit as possible before coming. However, remember you are coming    for education and you don't need to be perfect in riding or in the knowledge of    riding.
• Come with an open mind - remember things are done differently in a foreign    country.
• Don't pack too heavy - traveling with a lot of luggage wears you out on the trip    over.
• Before coming you may want to increase the daily limit your bank will let you    withdraw. Many stores in Germany do not take credit cards, which means you    must pay with cash (euro), and there is not always a bank close by.
• It may be possible that you need a pin number when using a credit card.

 

Suggested reading

• The Principles of Riding - German National Equestrian Federation
• Advanced Techniques of Dressage - German National Equestrian Federation
• Horse Management - German National Equestrian Federation (out of print)
• Longing - German National Equestrian Federation (out of print)
• Riding with Understanding and Feeling - Michael Putz
• Rider Fitness: Body and Brain - Eckart Meyners
• Balance in Movement - Susanne Von Dietze
• Tug of War - Dr. Gerd Heuschmann

 

Dates of the program

Trainer Program: September 8 - 25, 2014

 

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Trainer Courses

The German trainer courses are one of the elements that make the German System of Riding so successful.

Another important component is also the fact that all the disciplines (dressage, jumping, cross country) of riding are practiced and supported along with riding theory.

Each course is based on a proven systematic program of training, which ensures that all instructors holding the title of Trainer/Instructor have been tested and have a certain level of understanding and experience in the sport of riding.

This level of expertise is consistent throughout Germany due to the fact that the curriculum is defined by one governing body and carried out by only a few certified schools.

Upon completion of each course, candidates in the programs are examined by certified examiners, which guarantees a consistent level of knowledge is being passed on from one generation of riders to the next.

The steps in completing this Instructor Certification program are as follows:

• Medal Performance - a minimum of a level 3 is required to start with the    trainer program
• Trainer C - level 1
• Trainer B - level 2
• Trainer A - level 3

Once a rider has completed the requirement of the medal performance, he/she can begin the instructor certification program. First earning the trainer C, then the B, followed by the A.

 

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Application process - Information needed to apply

• Filled out application
• Copy of applicant's membership card in National Equestrian Association Proof of    show record
• Copy of certificate from a first aid course which was taken within the last 2 years
• Copy of Trainer C certificate

 

Costs

The price of the trainer course is 1.250 €    (testing fees, room and board not included)

For payment of deposit and courses we accept:

• Cheques (with and additional bank service fee)
• Credit cards (with additional 5% bank service fee)
• Wire transfer: please allow a minimum of 7 days for wire transfer payments to be    processed

Details for International wire transfers to the WRFS
Name on the account:
Westfälische Reit- und Fahrschule e.V.
Bank name: Sparkasse Münsterland Ost
Bank address: Rothenburg 5, 48143 Münster
IBAN: DE29 4005 0150 0000 3467 00
Swift-Bic: WELADED1MST

Inside of Germany
Account number: 346 700
Sort Code: 400 501 50

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