Become a Coach

Supporting and encouraging the development and certification of our PEI coaches.

Obtaining a Certificate is an Important Lifetime Achievement

As a certified EC/NCCP Coach or Instructor, clients, students, and parents will know that you have achieved the highest standards in Canada for equestrian coaching, adhere to best practices, have training in safety, first aid and safe sport, and are screened and insured.
Getting Certified
  1. Get your IHC Membership and EC Sport Licence.
  2. Contact the IHC Coaching coordinator.
  3. Open a coaching file with the Coaching Association of Canada
  4. Begin assembling requirements.
  5. Get your EC Registered Coach status
  6. Train and prepare for evaluation.
  7. Schedule your evaluation.

We are pleased to provide excellent insurance coverage provided to you by our partner, ACERA Insurance. Purchasing Coaching Insurance is easier now than ever. Insurance-related Inquiries about your current IHC membership coverage should be sent directly to ACERA 

Types of Certification

Island Horse Council (IHC) administers coaching programs recognized by, and in partnership with, the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) and Equestrian Canada (EC).  The Coaching Program includes the disciplines of  Driving, English and Western, including training opportunities and competency based evaluation for certification.

IHC is honored to facilitate the NCCP Equestrian Coaching Program, providing ongoing educational opportunities for our members within the equestrian community.

Four, non-progressive streams of Certification are available (meaning that you do not need to take one before you take another)  They are independent and should be taken according to the student base you are teaching. Whether you are interested in coaching beginners or have a passion for the competitive world, there is a coaching stream suited to you. 

Island Horse Council is responsible for the delivery and administration of the NCCP Instructor, Competition Coach and Competition Coach Specialist programs as outlined below:

Instructor

A certified Instructor specializes in the instruction of children and adults learning to ride, establishing foundational riding skills with an eye on safety.

Available Certifications for Instructor:

Competition Coach

A certified Competition Coach introduces riders to the competitive environment. More advanced skills in the development of a competitive training program, performance analysis and mental preparation for competition are required to become certified at this level.

Available certifications for Competition Coach:

Competition Coach Specialist (CCS)

A certified Competition Coach Specialist (CCS) has a discipline specialty and is developing riders competing at the provincial and national levels. These coaches have more in-depth knowledge of developing training plans for athletes and require a working knowledge of the Equestrian Canada competition rules for the level and discipline they’re teaching.

Although a CCS is trained specifically for one discipline area, she/he is expected to be conversant in all English or Western disciplines.

Available certifications for Competition Coach Specialist:

  • Dressage
  • Eventing
  • Jumping
  • General Performance
  • Speed Events
  • Reining

 

 

Links to supporting documents can be found on the Resources page of our website.

Maintaining Certification

Top photo by Anna Osinga-Bouma
Pathway to Success