When browsing around the HCBC website you may see that there is a rather large section dedicated to Certified Coaches. Within this area there are links to guidelines for certification, updating requirements, information on formal evaluations, different coaching and instructor designations, first aid requirements, Criminal Record requirements and different courses and clinics for coaches, instructors and candidates to attend. Not only does it look like a lot or requirements, it is a lot for a coach or instructor to do and continue to have to do in order to become and stay current as EC Certified Coaches or Instructors.
It is true that there are some really great coaches who are doing great things with riders and they are not certified. The fact that they are not certified does not mean they are not excellent coaches and many are considered experts. Many of these coaches are so expert at their riding and coaching that they are able to attract elite riders and new riders alike and provide excellent coaching. However as Horse Council BC administers the Equine Canada Certification Programs it is EC Certified coaches that are the subject of this article.
There is a large group of coaches and Instructors that choose to take the route of certification and these are the coaches that HCBC recognize on our website. HCBC administers the Equine Canada Coaching and Instructor Programs.
To become Equine Canada Certified, a candidate must show proof of achievement as a well rounded rider, display competence in lesson planning and Emergency Action plans. They must have completed a Ethical Decision making assessment, hold first aid certificates and have Criminal Record searches on file. They are evaluated by a panel of coaching experts while they teach lessons that are applicable to the certification they are trying to obtain. Training is offered in many different NCCP modules like Yearly Training Plans, Clean Sport and Analyzing Performance. Once they get through all of this, the certified coach or instructor does not stop improving their skills. They are required to submit to HCBC a minimum number of hours of Professional updating while they are actively coaching riders.
When looking for a coach for your child or yourself, evaluate what is important to you in a Coach. If proven competency, experience, and National Certification is something you value, then have a look at the Equine Canada coaches and instructors listed on the HCBC site. They have been trained and evaluated to meet the standards of a National Body. There are instructors who have been trained and certified to be qualified to teach beginners how to ride. There are Coach 1’s or Competition Coaches who are certified and qualified to improve a riders skills and take them into the competition ring. Competition Coach Specialists or Coach 2’s are certified and qualified to take a rider into competition or improve a student’s riding skills to a high level. Beyond this are Coach 3’s and High Performance coaches who are experienced and capable of taking students to National or International competition. In short there is an EC Certified Coach that has the right training and certification for just about every rider.
Once you have chosen the right EC Certified coach for you, you may want to check a couple more items before you start your lessons. Make sure that your coach is insured plus read and understand all waivers before you sign.
http://www.hcbc.ca/Certified-Coaches.html Click on this link to the lists of coaches on the HCBC site.
