CanTRA Intermediate Instructor CTRII

This level is certified to teach a maximum of four students at a time, giving safe and enjoyable basic riding instruction to children and adults with disabilities. Ideally, the CanTRA Intermediate instructor will work under the direction of a CanTRA Senior Instructor (formerly CTRSI) or CanTRA Coach. The CanTRA Intermediate Instructor is involved with preparation, teaching and recording the progress of each rider and training of volunteers as well as assisting with duties of program operation. We are aware that many CanTRA centres have CTRII as their Head Instructor. In this case we advise that this Instructor should obtain an ongoing mentor who has a higher level of certification. In this way the CTRII has access to consistent advise and support.

The recommended pathway for certification is progressive through each certification level, starting with the Basic Instructor. (Please review the skills and knowledge required for Basic Instructor on the CTRBI page). It is recommended that each candidate progress from the Basic Instructor to the Intermediate Instructor. In this way, a thorough knowledge base is established before advancing to the Instructor but with and increased knowledge of teaching aids and stable management, are more in-depth student report, a higher EC rider level prerequisite, and submission of an Emergency Action Plan. This is an addition to the teaching and safe management of groups (including volunteers).

Stable Management - knowledge of horse herd heath, management of horses in stable/outdoors, knowledge of schooling and conditioning of therapy horses, selecting and training of therapy horses.

Volunteer Training - as per Basic Instructor plus teaching topics - horse handling, mounting block safety, emergency procedures.

Mounting/Dismounting - Mounting and dismounting techniques from ramp including conventional and crest mounts and dismounts; wheelchair mounts and dismounts for weight-bearing rider, mounts and dismounts for non-weight bearing rider with and without a lift.

Teaching

• a) Knowledge of benefits of therapeutic riding and basic medical terminology
• b) preparation of classes
• c) teach a maximum of 4 riders including volunteers (min. of horse handler/one side walker)
• d) record keeping, showing good knowledge of goal setting and progression
• e) Knowledge of disabilities accepted for therapeutic riding, able to discuss disability of riders taught, problem solving, of aids and special equipment.
• f) Knowledge of disability of rider in 8 week "Student Report"

Safety - is paramount importance and will include safety in the barn; rider, volunteer and instructor attire; safety in the arena; incidents - policy procedures and fire/earthquake/tornado protocols.

Every one has an option to bypass the first level (CTRBI) and start at thh second level (CTRII). Although we strongly recommend a progressive pathway through the levels to ensure a strong knowledge base and successful outcome, there will be some candidates who come to the therapeutic riding with a strong equestrian teaching background. It will be the responsibility of each candidate to assess their own teaching experience, skills and future goals to determine the appropriate level they wish to pursue. Should a candidate wish to start at the Intermediate Instructor Level, it will be necessary to complete all the requirements of the CTRBI in addition to all requirements of the CTRII which include:

1. Complete 100 hours experience with a CanTRA therapeutic riding program.
2. Complete Home Study for CTRBI with review before applying for technical evaluation.
3. Complete written exam for CTRBI with pass mark of 75% prior to writing CTRII exam.
4. Equine Canada Rider Level 3 or Western 1 or Pony Club C
5. Complete all other requirements listed under the Basic Instructor.
6. Sign a waiver stipulating that the candidate has made the decision to bypass the previous level and they accept responsibility for the outcome of the exam. Mentor is required to co-sign that, in their opinion, the candidate is competent to bypass the CTRBI and achieve the requirements of the CTRII.

CanTRA's tuition system applies to all levels of certification. This allows candidates to budget for the cost of certification with specific timelines to submit prerequisites and other required components. In this way CanTRA Head office can track candidates and plan technical evaluation and examinations throughout the country.

Depending on the candidate's skills and time constraints it will take approximately one-two years to achieve the competency required for the Intermediate Instructor following certification as a Basic Instructor.

Total cost of the CanTRA Intermediate Instructor with (CTRBI) is $900.00 this can be paid in full OR with a 205.00 deposit and the balance paid quarterly over one year. This tuition includes your CanTRA membership for 2 years the Technical Evaluation, the Exam, CanTRA Intermediate Instructor certificate and name badge.

Should a candidate bypass the CTRBI the cost of tuition will be $1300.00. This will include CanTRA membership for 2 years, CanTRA Instructor Manual, Basic Home Study with review, marking of the CTRBI Home Study, CTRBI written exam, the Technical evaluation, exam, CTRII written exam, and CanTRA Intermediate Instructor certificate and name badge.

View a PDF of the Certification prerequisites here.

1. Be a minimum of 22 years of age during the certification process
2. Be a full CanTRA individual member
3. Proof of Standard First Aid & CPR: St. John Ambulance or Ski Patrol Course, Red Cross or equivalent.
4. Proof of EC English Rider Level 3, the EC Western Rider Level 1, Pony Club C or equivalent
5. 20 hours Mentoring - divided as follows:
6. 10 hours with a Mentor - observing and or volunteering in a lesson - can be assisting/teaching with Mentor for some of these hours.
7. 10 hours teaching groups --(minimum of 3-5 hours can be teaching non TR riders) showing safe and effective management of the program. Lesson plan preparation, student progress reports can be included in this time. Mentor consents to sign off on number of hours spent on safety and teaching considerations of managing a group. PATH certification for Registered PATH Instructor, EC Instructor of Beginners or equivalent certification will be accepted.

You will need a Mentor to guide you through the process of certification. Your mentor should be someone who has attained a level above that of an Intermediate Instructor. A mentor will assess your current knowledge and skills. If you mentor is associated with a CanTR member centre in your area, they can help to arrange the required 100 hours of teaching experience working in a therapeutic program setting. Mentors help by observing and critiquing lessons, reviewing lesson plans and student reports, discussing short and long term goals and progression. Mentors also help to prepare candidates for their exam, as they have done this themselves at some point in time. If a CanTRA certified mentor is not available, you may be able to find a mentor in your area who is Equine Canada certified. They will be able to assist with much of the work associated with much of the work associated with basic riding skills, lesson format, teaching groups, progression etc. However, you will need to spend some time with a CanTRA certified mentor to cover those areas specific to therapeutic riding programs. In this case, you may contact a member centre and ask if you may spend some time there working with one of their instructor or you may contact and CanTRA certified mentor who will work with you by email and video. If you are in a remote area, strategies such as videos can be reviewed by an expert in another part of the country who can view a provide you with feedback and advise.

Hands-on experience will always be the best method for learning.

Remember our goal is to help you be successful

Registration Form

To register, simply complete a Certification Registration Form and submit it with the required prerequisites and your deposit to the CanTRA office. Once registered, (we will send your instructor manual and Home Study if you are bypassing) and you are on your way. If you have questions the CanTRA Head Office can assist in finding answers.

CanTRA 5420 Highway 6 N, RR #5 Guelph, ON N1H 6J2 Phone 519-767-0700, Fax 519-767-0435 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.