I'm 17 1/2 and I am wanting to give beginner riding lessons. Does anyone know if I have to be CHA certified, or is that just for big stables?! PLEASE HURRY!!

I believe that anyone can legally give lessons, whether they are certified or not (At least in Texas).

i know for hunter/jumper you do not need any special certification in order to teach. experience is all you need, but ask yourself if you are really qualified to teach,especially beginners where riding basics and habits are established. also be mindful if you accecpt any reimbursement for teaching and/ or training you could be violation of federation or association rules unless you declare yourself a professional, because no matter how little you teach or train, if you make monetary gains you have to give up your junior or amateur status so keep this in mind especially if you compete in shows. good luck!

Hey, guys! It's been along time since I was on last. How's everyone doing. My horse Cowboy got sick over this week. They had to drain his system it was terrible. So let me know whats up

I agree with what warmbloodlover says. People act like teaching beginners is easy, but I'd say it's one of the most difficult/important parts of training. There are many kids at my barn that started riding somewhere else that had a terrible foundation and is having to start all over and relearn EVERYTHING (halting, steering, leg position). Think carefully before you take someone else's riding career into your own hands...

I helped out my friend and kinda taught her when she first starting riding and she has placed in almost every show she's done. I would say that I"m qualified, I have just never heard of having ot give up my junior career.

It does kind of "stink" that you have to give up your junior (or amateur) title once you start making even a little bit of money, but they set it up that way to even the "playing field"...I believe the assumption is that if you yourself are qualified to teach others/make money in the business, you shouldn't be competing against the "free time" rider...

thought of a couple of things you also really should consider or check on before you enbark on teaching. first are you going to be working for a trainer at a barn or teaching at home on your own horses? make absolute certain that you are covered liability wise either way! if its for a trainer make sure that you get something in writing and that you are put on their liability insurance so you are covered in case something happens(which we all know with horses if it can happen, it will!) one of my trainers was sued by the parents of a kid that fell off and broke her arm badly learning to jump cross rails. the pony was a great schooly, but the kid leaned up the pony's neck and got dumped onto the cross rail breaking her forearm and requiring surgery. they sued and won. thank god she had liability insurance or she could have been in real financial trouble. because you are still under 18 and probably not an emacipated minor, your parents, not you would have to pay if you are ever sued by a student, so it is vitally important to make sure you are covered. this goes for something as simple as teaching summer camp as well. no matter who owns the horses you need to know who is responsible if something happens to any of the horses (not such a problem if they are yours) if a student does something dumb and injures a horse that is not yours who pays the vet bills? also if you are working for a trainer make sure you are covered under their workmans comp if you get injured. let us know what you end up doing, teaching can be fun!! but just cover yourself is all!!