Lessons at a variety of riding facilities and equestrian schools can now be part of the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association’s Recognized Riding Academy Program.
The program is designed “to encourage the continued development and growth of programs across the country that cultivate well-rounded equestrians from their earliest riding experience,” said Kevin Price, USHJA executive director.
“Building strong foundations of horsemanship, sportsmanship and safety for equestrians benefits our entire sport, and we look forward to helping connect new or aspiring riders with programs that focus on those attributes.”
The academy will provide national recognition and exposure for programs meeting the USHJA Recognized Riding Academy criteria, which can be found on the USHJA website. Recognized Riding Academies can participate in the USHJA Affiliate Equitation Awards program and they receive discounts on USHJA Trainer Certification Program manuals.
Interested riding programs must meet USHJA requirements to become a Recognized Riding Academy. The requirements focus on minimum facility, operational, safety and staff standards. These programs must operate out of facilities that follow basic industry standards for horse care, offer hunter/jumper riding lessons of varying levels, unmounted instruction, and lessons with an instructor/student ratio that ensures safety, and follow a written curriculum for all instruction.
Additionally, they must make safety a priority, requiring ASTM/SEI approved helmets and approved footwear, as well as following a variety of other safety standards and maintaining at least $1 million in insurance coverage for the operation of their riding program. The programs must have at least one staff person who is a USHJA member in good standing, and their staff must demonstrate a commitment to continuing education.
Learn more about the USHJA Recognized Riding Academy and apply at www.ushja.org/ridingacademy.