The Foundation for the Equestrian Arts offers three levels of Certification.

The Rider’s Certificate is earned by dedicated students who are ready to commit to this method. It is their entry into the Foundation. Working towards the Rider’s Certificate provides structure in deepening the student’s approach to the material. This structure begins the inquiry that will enrich the life-long riding experience. When this level is completed, the rider has a good foundational understanding of the French Classical approach, and is well positioned to develop their riding, training and study over the years to come.

The next two levels are for riders who have a desire to become professional equestrians.

These professional credentials represent a serious commitment to years of intense study and practice that results in a recognizable quality of mastery in this work.

The Trainer’s certificate is about taking the understanding into feel. The trainer is coached and encouraged with a structure particularly about working with each individual horse.

After the horseman begins to develop expertise in training then they are ready to take on the Instructor’s Credential.

The professional credentials will take between 6 to 12 years of focused study and practice with proven results. Even so, the credential, once earned, is not a lifetime achievement but because this is a living, growing art, must be renewed through regular scheduled submissions of proof of ongoing growth in the work.

While these levels are open to non-professionals, the trainer’s level involves training several horses and the instructor’s level involves developing expertise in teaching people.

The Trainers and Instructor’s credential commitment is not to be undertaken lightly… but if you do undertake it, you will find yourself with rich resources and support available every step of your path.

When one has begun their commitment towards a professional certificate other doors open in the Foundation. The equestrian becomes eligible to apply for scholarships to clinics and other learning events hosted by the Foundation, and becomes a member of a larger community of credentialed teachers and applicants sharing knowledge and supporting one another across time.

If the student at any level is working with a credentialed instructor who has a work-study program the costs associated with earning credentials could be paid for through work study, mentoring programs, or in some cases through scholarships from the Foundation. While we do want to support those who’ve done the hard work to get their credential by helping them earn income through their clinics and lessons (and the FEA certainly needs financial support as well to accomplish our mission…) the mission is well supported by the ancient tradition of the applied working student.

So don’t let finances be a deterrent.

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