INSTRUCTOR TRAINING COURSE

 

 

Strides Therapeutic Horsemanship Center believes that quality education and appropriate certification standards are essential to being a therapeutic riding instructor to ensure the safety of our clients thus Strides participates with PATH Intl. as a site offering mentoring for those looking to achieve their Registered Level Instructor Certification. If you are interested in learning how to become a therapeutic riding instructor then we would be delighted to speak with you.  Our center mentor will guide you through lesson planning, disabilities, the How's / What's / Why's, riding skills and horse assessment all while logging teaching hours in the arena.  Space is limited.  Apply below.  

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PRE-REQUISITE CRITERIA

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 Proof of PATH INTL. Membership

 Must be at least 21 years of age (applicants under the age of 21 will be considered on an individual basis)

 Current Resume

 A letter of intent, addressing reasons for applying to course and intentions upon completion of program.

 Copies of current CPR and First Aid Cards

 Horsemanship skills checklist or adequate proof of basic stable management and horse knowledge

 Demonstration of riding skills showing ability to successfully complete included pattern (found below): walk, trot (both sitting and posting), and canter in both directions.  (If you do not have prior riding experience or are at a beginner level, we can offer riding lessons at our regular rates of $200 for 6-weeks of group lessons or $300 for 6-weeks of private lessons.)

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WE ALSO RECOMMEND

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 Previous experience with disabilities is recommended, but not required.

 Proof of previous volunteer experience of at least one year at a therapeutic riding program strongly

encouraged.

 Experience teaching non-therapy riding strongly encouraged, but not required.

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Please note that applicants who do not meet the entrance criteria after the first week will not be accepted into the Instructor Training Course. All monies paid to Strides is non-refundable once any time has been spent with a Strides mentor.

 

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INVESTMENT

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Registration fee (non-refundable)               $250

Tuition*                                                             $750

 

* non-refundable once any time has been spent with a Strides mentor

Tuition covers 25 hours of teaching.

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Need a Little Extra Teaching?

Hour Rates

25 hours         $800

12 hours          $400

6 hours           $200

3 hours          $100

or $35 / hour (in arena teaching)

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CODE OF CONDUCT

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To ensure that the safety and best interests of all program participants and their families, Strides staff, volunteers, and our equine partners are being met, Strides requires that Instructor Candidates adhere to a set of professional standards and prescribed guidelines.

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Candidates will be evaluated on the following during their time at Strides:

 

Behavior: Behavior is expected to be courteous, orderly, respectful and professional at all times. Instructor Candidates are viewed as Strides representatives by our participants, volunteers, parents, caregivers, educators and the general public, and are therefore expected to act in an appropriate and professional manner at all times. Behavior is expected to demonstrate the high standards adhered to by all Strides staff.

 

Effective Communication: Effective communication is essential for promoting and supporting a professional and respectful working environment. The gifts of varying backgrounds and cultures offer diversity and therefore opportunities for increased learning and awareness from which we all benefit. Being open to differences of opinion or perspectives enhances the experiences of all involved when approached through ongoing considerate and welcoming behavior and open communication. ITC Candidates are expected to be able to communicate in a constructive manner; one that enhances all relationships with staff, participants, parents/ caregivers and volunteers as well as your fellow ITC Candidates.

 

Safe Environment: While at Strides, a safe and productive working environment is of paramount importance. ITC Candidates are expected to be aware of and adhere to all pre-determined safety procedures and best practices as established by PATH, Int’l and Strides Therapeutic Riding.

 

Proper Attire: Proper attire is necessary in order to maintain a professional image and safe, constructive working conditions. When in an instructional role, britches (or jeans) and boots are required. Appropriate footwear is required when working with our horses or in the barn/program environment. This includes your ‘ITC’ clothing and name tag buttons. Participants, volunteers and parents/caregivers should be able to easily identify you in your ITC role.

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Confidentiality: At Strides, we place great importance on protecting the confidential information of our participants, our staff and our volunteers. “Confidential Information” includes, but is not limited to, personally identifiable information such as surnames, telephone numbers, addresses, e-mails, etc., as well as the non-public business records of Strides. In particular, medical information about participants, and information about their disabilities or special needs, must be protected as Confidential Information. ITC Candidates shall never disclose confidential information to anyone other than Strides staff. ITC Candidates must seek staff permission before taking any pictures or videos or before sharing any information via social media. We value and appreciate each and every ITC Candidate for the commitment, experience, knowledge and diversity you bring to share with our Strides Community.

 

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CANDIDATE'S HORSE EXPERIENCE

 

If you would like to be considered for the Strides TRI mentor program, please fill out the following application.  We request that you fill out the form honestly.  Your responses are used strictly to match you to the most appropriate horse during practice rides. 

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