Olympic Discipline Instructor Qualifications
Core Competencies
Based on current scientific research and evidence-based practice: across all levels (Riding, management, theory and coaching), candidates need to show the following 9 core competencies.
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Show a strong focus on the wellbeing and care of horses in all activities, including riding, training, handling, and managing.
Make horse welfare a priority in all teaching and training.
Share the importance of caring for the horse and building a respectful horse-human relationship.
Recognize that horses have feelings and ensure all practices are kind and ethical.
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Understand and read a horse's body language.
Identify if the horse is relaxed, stressed, or comfortable.
Respond to the horse in a way that meets its needs.
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Use basic training principles that match how horses think and sense the world.
Understand how horses learn from their environment and experiences.
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Use gentle techniques to help horses get used to new places and experiences.
Ensure these techniques are safe and comfortable for the horse.
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Use conditioning techniques to train the horse in positive ways.
Learn how to use rewards, signals, and cues to encourage good behavior.
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Be aware of the horse’s feelings and emotions.
Change your approach based on the horse’s emotional state to make training a positive experience.
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Stay calm, focused, and in control in all situations with the horse.
Ensure that all interactions are positive and constructive.
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Reflect on your own skills and behaviors with horses.
Look for ways to improve your training methods and understanding of horse care.
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Strongly recommended at all levels.
Olympic Disciplines
Key Principles
Generic Skill: Self Reflection
Educator means Instructor, Trainer, Coach
Eventing must include Dressage and Jumping
Dressage
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Candidates are be able to show on a well schooled horse:
The ability of riding horses in a correct basic riding position in walk, rising and sitting trot and canter.
A good seat without disturbing the horse in mouth or back.
The ability to ride horses in a gentle and horse friendly way The horse shows comfort and willingness without being forced.
*Not a passport level
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Candidates are be able to show on a trained horse:
An established and correct basic riding position allowing the correct use of the aids in all three gaits.
An appropriate relationship between leg and a light and sensitive hand, according to the ability of the horse.
To ride with a positive influence
Basic school figures as riding through a corner, circle, serpentine, ...
Exercises including transitions (from gait to gait and within the gait), flexing and bending, turns on the forehand and leg yielding.
The ability to maintain the level of the horse's work (which should be of a good basic standard of training).
A good awareness of the physical and psychological condition of the horse and the ability to act accordingly
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Candidates are able to show on trained and young and/or inexperienced horses:
An established, secure, effective and supple position in all three gaits.
Ride with feel and knowledge
Assess horses and develop work with regard for any basic faults
Demonstrate exercises including advanced transitions, lateral work, shoulder in, rein back, counter canter, simple changes and development of walk pirouettes.
The ability to improve the level of basic trained horses and inexperienced horses.
The ability to use poles and low fences in doing gymnastic work in a varied way
Confidence and effectiveness in riding any type of horse
Using current learning theories to school horses
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Candidates are able to show on any type of horses:
An established and effective position with the ability to develop harmony with horses
To ride with feel, knowledge and tactical insights
Demonstrate exercises to advanced/medium level including advanced lateral work, walk pirouette, half-pass and single flying changes.
The confidence and the ability to assess trained, inexperiences and young horses and work to development and improvement
The ability to use poles and low fences in doing gymnastic work in a varied way
The ability to improve horses with problems and training issues
The ability to self reflect and to evaluate the performance
The understanding of potential competition problems
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Practical + Discussion
Recommendation: Riding 2 Horses
Jumping
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Candidates are be able to show on a well schooled horse:
A balanced light forward seat and jumping seat - riding over cavaletti
Riding over multiple single fences of 70cm height without disturbing the horse in mouth and back.
Control over direction and speed between a few individual fences. The horse shows comfort and willingness without being forced.
*Not a passport level
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Candidates are be able to show on a trained horse:
A secure balanced jumping position without disturbing the horse in his movement between and over fences
To ride correct lines (before and after the fence)
To regulate speed, impulsion and balance of the horse towards and between fences, according to demands of the exercise and the characteristics of the horse.
Some judgment of stride related to distance
The ability to ride the horse with confidence and positive effect over show jumps of 80cm height (individual fences, combinations, small courses)
A good awareness of the physical and psychological condition of the horse and the ability to act accordingly
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Candidates are able to show on trained and young and/or inexperienced horses:
An established, secure, effective, supple position and the ability to use the appropriate seat (basic seat, light forward seat, jumping seat) according to the characteristics of the horse and the demands of the exercise.
To ride correct lines (straight, turns, related lines).
The ability to influence speed, impulsion and balance depending on the exercise
Appropriate judgement of stride related to distance
The ability to improve the level of basic trained horses and inexperienced horses.
Confidence and effectiveness in riding any type of horse
Good balance and security in jumping individual fences, combinations, related distances and small courses of 1.10m height.
Using current learning theories to school horses
Be able to work a horse effectively based on the scale of training suitable for the level.
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Candidates are able to show on any type of horses:
An established and effective position with the ability to develop harmony with horses
Jump with feel, knowledge and tactical insights
The ability to use lines, speed, impulsion, balance and distances to improve the horse technique and in a tactical strategy between fences
The confidence and the ability to assess trained, inexperienced and young horses and work to development and improvement on the basic scale of training and jumping.
The ability to assess training issues with horses and improve them
Good balance and security in jumping courses of 1.25m height.
The understanding of potential competition problems.
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Practical + Discussion
Recommendation: Riding 2 Horses
Cross Country
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(Non Compulsory)
Candidates are be able to show on a well schooled horse:
A balanced light forward seat and jumping seat
The ability to ride safely in an open space and over different kinds of terrains
Riding over multiple small cross country fences without disturbing the horse in mouth and back.
Control over direction and speed between a few individual fences.
The horse shows comfort and willingness without being forced.
*Not a passport level
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Candidates are be able to show on a trained horse:
A secure balanced jumping position over cross country fences of 75cm height.
The ability to ride safely in an open space and over different kinds of terrains
The ability to regulate rhythm and speed in cross country towards and between fences
The ability to ride a basic range of eventing fences in a safe and responsible way (waterjump, log, hedge, up- and downhill, etc.)
The ability to ride the horse with confidence and positive effect over a small course of eventing fences with special attention for safety of horse and rider.
A good awareness of the physical and psychological condition of the horse and the ability to act accordingly
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Candidates are able to show on trained and young and/or inexperienced horses:
An established, secure, effective, supple position and the ability to use the appropriate seat (basic seat, light forward seat, jumping seat) according to the characteristics of the horse and the demands of the cross country course
The ability to regulate rhythm and speed in cross country towards and between fences taking into account the surface conditions and terrains.
The ability to improve the level of basic trained and inexperienced eventing horses
The ability to develop an appropriate condition/fitness training
Technical and tactical appropriate riding of eventing courses (with a variation of fences, water jump, ditch combination, etc.) of CCI1* level (1.05m fences) with special attention for safety of horse and rider.
Using current learning theories to school horses
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Candidates are able to show on any type of horses:
An established and effective position with the ability to develop harmony with horses
Ride cross country courses with feel, knowledge and tactical insights
The ability to use lines, speed, impulsion, balance and distances in cross country towards and between fences in a tactical strategy according to all conditions and terrains.
The confidence and the ability to assess trained, inexperienced and young horses and work to development and improvement
The ability to assess training issues with horses and improve them
The ability to develop a high level condition/fitness training
The abilty to ride eventing courses (all types of fences) in a technical and tactical correct way of CCI2* (1.10m fences).
The understanding of potential competition problems.
Good implementation of safety and injury prevention management in all aspects of riding and training
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Practical + Discussion
Recommendation: Riding 2 Horses
Stable Management
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Candidates are be able to show skills and horsemanship in:
Basic horses handling (observe behaviour, approach to horse, put head collar on, lead and tie, etc.)
Basic grooming: coat, mane, tail, hoof care, etc
Correctly fitting basic tack
Basic stable duties (including mucking out, …)
Understanding of the horses' needs
*Not a passport level
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Candidates are able to show skills and horsemanship in:
Handling horses (fundamentals)
Grooming: coat, mane, tail, hoof care, etc.
Fitting tack (saddle, bridle, martingale, boots,…)
Physical environment (fundamentals)
Feeding (fundamentals) - maintaining fitness and condition
Assessing the soundness of horses
Assessing the condition of horse's feet and shoes
Management of the sick horse
Preparing for horse transportation
Working trained horses from the ground (could include lunging, long lining)
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Candidates are able to show skills and horsemanship in:
Assessing physical and psychological soundness of the horse and take suitable actions.
Fitting of tack and equipment for all aspects of competition.
Assessing fitness and suitability for competition.
Assessing conformation and action of the horse.
Management of competition horses
Working horses from the ground (could include lunging, long lining) to assess its way of going and further develop it.
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Candidates are able to show skills and horsemanship in:
Managing performance horses to maintain physical and psychological wellbeing and high level fitness
Working horses from the ground (could include lunging, longlining) to assess and improve them with the ability to use poles if required.
Managing the different aspects of an equestrian business: basics in breeding, yard management, care of pasture, financial management, business management.
Managing different stakeholders (communicating, problem solving, future business development).
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Practical + Discussion
Equine Knowledge (Theory)
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Candidates have basic knowledge of:
Basic horse psychology and knowledge of how horses learn
Horse expression and behaviour
Signs of horse health
Exterior parts of the horse, basic colors and markings
Basic equipment for dealing and riding with horses
Basic principles of riding (dressage, jumping) in accordance to riding requirements.
The arena and school figures, types of obstacles...
Rules for riding in the countryside and public roads.
Introduction to eventing and other equestrian disciplines.
*Not a passport level
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Candidates have fundamental knowledge of:
Basic anatomy and physiology
Nature and needs of the horse
Equipment for dealing and riding with horses
Knowlegde of health and illness.
Horse handling
Principles of nutrition in respect of feeding different types of horses
Principles of riding (seat, aids, influence, technical knowledge up to the required level of riding) + basic fault awareness.
Learning theory (horse and rider)
Didactics (systematic structure of lessons, communication, etc.)
Basic stable and environmental design
First aid (human)
Rules for welfare of the horse and for human wellbeing
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Candidates have good knowledge of:
Further anatomy and sport physiology.
Principles of riding (technical knowledge up to the required level of riding per discipline).
Stable management theory (husbandry techniques including grazing systems, yard design, enrichment to improve welfare, etc).
Principles of training and planning.
Rider fitness.
Nutrition and feeding principles.
Rules regulating equestrian sports
Pedagogics and coaching.
Applying current learning theories to all aspects.
Basic management of staff and students.
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Candidates have advanced knowledge of:
Principles of riding (technical and tactical knowledge on training up to the required level of riding per discipline).
Biomechanics of the sporthorse
Sport traumatology and prevention
Coaching science theories
Sport psychology
Ethical equitation
Basic knowledge of:Yard and pasture management
Financial and business management
Horse breeding
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Theoretical + Discussion
Teaching/Training/Coaching
Key Principles
Integrate horse welfare in all aspects of teaching and training and pass on the importance of welfare and the horse human relationship.
Dressage
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(Non Compulsory)
Role to be able to assist a qualified educator
Candidates are able to:
Understand the role and responsibilities of the instructor
Understand the importance of safety, welfare and needs of horse and rider
Show basic communication skills and reflective practice
*Not a passport level
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Candidates have the ability to:
Teach groups and/or individuals the basics in dressage (criteria foundation level) using trained horses.
Teach a range of riders with various ages and levels
Work in an appropriate and adapted way with children and young riders (animation/happy athlete/motivation)
Understand the importance of safety of horse and rider prior to and during teaching (risk management, accident register,...).
Understanding the suitability of horses for riders
Effective planing and progression of lessons
Demonstrate good communication skills
Evaluate effectiveness of the lesson
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Candidates have the ability to:
Train/coach groups or individuals all criteria of dressage riding Level 1 and and work towards development of lateral work, counter canter and simple change.
Assessing horse and rider identifying strengths and areas of development
Plan and deliver appropriate exercises
Providing relevant feedback
Coach improving aspects such as deeper understanding, confidence and self-awareness of the rider.
To show a wider range of communication skills and techniques
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Candidates have the ability to:
Train and coach individuals all criteria of dressage riding Level 2 and work towards development of half pass, walk pirouette and flying changes.
Train other riders with young horses
Demonstrate full understanding and application of the scale of training (learning path of dressage).
Further develop the fitness of horse and rider relevant to higher levels of competition.
Maintain psychological preparation for horse and rider to enable best performance.
Recognise performance indicators of horses and riders
Evaluate and advise on the riders choice of tack and equipment
Show an awareness of the link between training/coaching sessions and competition
Implement a holistic coaching approach to the rider and to the riders future development
To show a wide and diverse range of communication skills and techniques
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Practical + Discussion (including self reflection)
Jumping
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(Non compulsory)
Role to be able to assist a qualified educator
Candidates are able to:
Understand the role and responsibilities of the instructor
Understand the importance of safety, welfare and needs of horse and rider
Show basic communication skills and reflective practice
*Not a passport level
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Candidates have the ability to:
Teach groups and/or individuals the basics in jumping (seat, cavaletti, small jumps up to 70cm) using trained horses
Use knowledge about distances for cavaletti, working poles, grid work, combinations and related distances
Teach a range of riders with various ages and levels
Teach in an appropriate and adapted way with children and young riders (animation/happy athlete/motivation)
Understand the importance of safety of horse and rider prior to and during teaching (risk management, accident register,...).
Understand the suitability of horses for riders
Make effective planning and progression of lessons
Demonstrate appropriate communication skills
Evaluate effectiveness of the lesson
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Candidates have the ability to:
Train/coach groups or individuals to an elementary level of jumping (to 1.05m)
Demonstrate confidence and familiarity with the appropriate use of jumps and distances between fences (combinations, gridwork, related distances).
Use aspects of jumping (line, speed, impulsion, balance and distance) to improve techniques on the flat, between and at fences and to solve problems.
Assessing horse and rider identifying strengths and areas of development
Plan and deliver appropriate exercises
Providing relevant feedback
Coach improving aspects such as deeper understanding, confidence and self-awareness of the rider.
To show a wider range of communication skills and techniques
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Candidates have the ability to:
Train and coach individuals to a level of jumping up to 1.20m.
Train other riders with young horses
Demonstrate full understanding of the learning path of jumping.
Further develop the fitness of horse and rider relevant to higher levels of competition.
Maintain psychological preparation for horse and rider to enable best performance.
Evaluate and advise on the riders choice of tack and equipment.
Recognise performance indicators of horses and riders.
Show awareness of the link between training/coaching sessions and competition.
Implement a holistic coaching approach to the rider and to the riders future development.
To show a wide and diverse range of communication skills and techniques
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Practical + Discussion (including self reflection)
Eventing
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(Non compulsory)
Role to be able to assist a qualified educator
Candidates are able to:
Understand the role and responsibilities of the instructor
Understand the importance of safety, welfare and needs of horse and rider
Show basic communication skills and reflective practice
*Not a passport level
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Candidates have the ability to:
Teach groups and/or individuals the basics in cross country (seat, small eventing jumps) using trained horses.
Teach basic fitness and condition training
Teach a range of riders with various ages and levels
Work in an appropriate and adapted way with children and young riders (animation/happy athlete/motivation)
Understand the importance of safety of horse and rider prior to and during teaching (risk management, accident register,...).
Understand the suitability of horses for riders
Make effective planning and progression of lessons
Demonstrate appropriate communication skills
Evaluate effectiveness of the lesson
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Candidates have the ability to:
Train/coach groups or individuals to an elementary level of cross country (to 90cm) including an appropriate fitness/condition training for horse and rider
Demonstrate confidence and familiarity with the appropriate use of natural or cross country fences and knowledge about different surface conditions and terrains.
Implement the importance of safety of horse and rider prior to and during training and coaching
Advise and discuss with the rider the horse's fitness and condition to compete
Assessing horse and rider identifying strengths and areas of development
Plan and deliver appropriate exercises
Providing relevant feedback
Coach improving aspects such as deeper understanding, confidence and self-awareness of the rider.
To show a wider range of communication skills and techniques
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Candidates have the ability to:
Train and coach individuals to a level of cross country up to 1.05m fences including an appropriate fitness/condition training for horse and rider
Demonstrate full understanding of risks and risk management in cross country
Train others with young horses
Demonstrate full understanding of the learning path of eventing
Further develop the fitness of horse and rider relevant to higher levels of competition.
Maintain psychological preparation for horse and rider to enable best performance.
Evaluate and advise on the riders choice of tack and equipment.
Recognise performance indicators of horses and riders.
Show awareness of the link between training/coaching sessions and competition.
Implement a holistic coaching approach to the rider and to the riders future development.
To show a wide and diverse range of communication skills and techniques
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Practical + Discussion (including self reflection)
stable Management
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(Non compulsory)
Role to be able to assist a qualified educator
Candidates are able to:
Understand the role and responsibilities of the instructor
Understand the importance of safety, welfare and needs of horse and rider
Show basic communication skills and reflective practice
*Not a passport level
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Candidates have the ability to:
Teach groups and individuals the very basics in stable management: handling horses (approach the horse, understand basic behaviour, put head collar on, lead, tie, basic care of coat, mane, tail and hoofs, putting on and of saddle and bridle, aftercare).
Understand the importance to teach the next generation the basics about current welfare and wellbeing aspects in stable management.
Understand the importance of safety in stable management
Demonstrate appropriate communication skills
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Candidates have the ability to:
Teach groups and individuals the fundamentals of stable management: handling horses, grooming, fitting tack, maintaining tack, stabling and feeding, checking soundness of horses, loading a trained horse, working a trained horse from the ground
Implement the importance of horse welfare and safety in stable management (risk management) and pass it on
To show a wider range of communication skills and techniques
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Candidates must show the ability to:
Teach students advanced stable management, practical and in theory (advanced assessing physical and psychological soundness of the horse and take suitable actions, assessing conformation and action of the horse, working horses from the ground to assess its way of going and to further develop it, fitting of tack and equipment, advanced stable management, ...)
To show a wide and diverse range of communication skills and techniques
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Practical + Discussion