Tough Question: Do you agree with Equestrian Canada's program to license/certify every coach by 2025?

ec coach licensing, equestrian canada coach certification

Updated:

February 18, 2024

For context, you may first wish to read Understanding Equestrian Canada’s Coach Status Program.

Thank you to all who responded. Here is what our community had to say:

Carolyn Dobbs, Hixon, BC

YES - I believe that coaches/instructors MUST be tested and certified, ensuring that the content and manner of message transfer is safe, adequate and correct. The backyard instructor, if good in delivery and safety of correct content, should not have any problem proving this. The parent of a young rider doesn’t have to play Russian roulette with their child’s sport future.

Carolyn Hoffman, Merrickville, ON

YES - Unlike Europe or the UK, Canada has never had a standardized system of education for riders or coaches, except perhaps Pony Club based on the UK model. Anyone can claim to be a coach using any criteria at their disposal. Requiring all coaches be certified by EC is at least a responsible attempt to give credibility and streamline the profession. This has been a problem for years and based on previous attempts it will be interesting to see if the 2025 goal is attainable. The next issue is: Will this “standardization” last the test of time, or fall off from scrutiny as this and other programs have in the past? Always rebuilding the wheel.

Chantal Richard, Burtts Corner, NB

NO - I strongly believe in certification. That’s why I think that EC’s new coach licensing doesn’t work for my province of New Brunswick. It is truly unfortunate, but currently this program is causing so much backlash that it is having the opposite effect. Many certified coaches have let their certification expire, few are seeking certification, and there is a significant rise in the number of unsanctioned events in our province since this has been announced. There is outright rejection of the rule that every rider will have to be accompanied at shows by a licensed coach (though some

of it is misinformation) and as a result, many competitors are opting to attend unsanctioned shows now. The numbers are stark. Our sanctioned shows are disappearing while unsanctioned ones are soaring. To be clear, these are shows that do not require vaccines for the horses, and may or may not have liability insurance, may not follow best practices, etc.

My equestrian association is trying hard to educate and promote, but there is a general feeling that it’s too expensive and too complicated to be certified and licensed. Furthermore, the new licensing requirements do not prevent abuse, unfortunately. If they did, I’d be more favourable. Until there are clear sanctions, the abuse will continue. So, this is costing more money for coaches who have small numbers of students and are already struggling to pay the bills; it is creating a whole new series of hoops to jump through; and is not really preventing abuse in any real way. No wonder people want nothing to do with it!

Helen Gregson, BC

YES - There are way too many un-“certified” coaches using their Registered Coach status to advertise that they are “qualified/certified” instructors. There are people who are teaching very badly — unable to ride well themselves, lacking very basic knowledge, and teaching children (badly) — who are advertising themselves as “Registered Coaches” when they have not even got their rider levels. People believe that they are “qualified” with the title of “Registered Coach” — sounds impressive. I am working my ass off at the moment to get my EC certification, while they are out there creating unsafe/poor riders. This is not the way. They should all have to go through the rider levels and work to get their certification like the rest of us who are doing it right!

Joan Wright, Toronto, ON

YES - There are a lot of coaches that don’t have the qualifications or know-how out there. It is very easy for a coach to do a lot of damage either physically or psychologically (or both) to horse and rider. At least EC is trying to regulate the industry somewhat. That being said, I know there are licensed coaches who could and would do the same, but at least it is a step towards accountability.

Kathryn Cuming, Beaverdell, BC

UNDECIDED - Thirty years ago I got my Level 1 coaching certificate, so I am familiar with the program. The Level 2 book described things that we MUST know; however, I do not use gadgets on my horses (chambons, lunging aids, etc.) and would never recommend their usage to any students. Not all coaches follow what is in fashion in the competitive side of riding or driving. The constant begging for money and EC’s insistence that we PAY for more upgrading is one of the reasons I will no longer participate. There are a lot of classically trained instructors who EC will not approve.

Michele Giroux, Saint-Gédéon-de-Beauce, QC

NO - No need to have a certificate to be a good trainer. With this new rule the lessons will be more expensive. Not everyone wants to compete. The lessons should be available for everyone.

Nancy Leask, Brooklin, ON

UNDECIDED - It would depend on the requirements to earn the certificate/licence. Too many instructors/trainers are quite ignorant of the biomechanics of the horse and the importance of communication between horse and handler/rider. I had several riding instructors that were qualified but failed to realize that the rider is not the only one there. They forget to consider the horse and the relationship between the “teammates.” Is it possible to examine the requirements for certification?

Andrea McKnight, Everett, ON

NO - There are many very knowledgeable horsemen who have no interest in the cost and time involved in developing themselves as a licensed and/or certified coach or instructor. Many do it voluntarily because they just want to see a rider progress. We have lost so many people in the industry due to costs. These costs then need to be transferred to the riders for it to make sense for the coach/instructor financially. Costs of lessons and coaching will skyrocket, and even more people will not be able to afford this sport. Would EC rather riders not have a coach at all? Many will end up coming to shows without.

Janet Morley, Woodstock, ON

NO - It is (and always has been) cost-prohibitive for those of us who only wish to teach part time. I had my name removed from the list as a Level 2 coach many years ago by not submitting my updating information. I don't get recognition for the work I put into getting that certificate, but it's not worth jumping through hoops that cost more than I'd make in several years coaching the very few people I enjoy coaching.

In terms of changes, the system was ruined years ago for those of us who want the stability of a full-time job away from horses and to just coach a few friends on the side. It will be even worse by 2025. Fixing that issue would be great. Make a separate division that doesn't cost an arm and a leg, limits the hours per week or month that those in that division can coach, and makes updating free for all coaches, so that everyone would be encouraged to keep their credentials instead of flying under the radar.

Related: Equestrian Canada's 2023 Study - Canada's Vibrant Horse Industry

If licensing is truly going to be a thing, make it accessible. Make people want to have it rather than feel ripped off at having to have it, and make it bloody difficult (the testing) once people get past the teaching beginners stage. There are too many garbage certified coaches out there that do a disservice to our sport because they squeaked through their testing.

Liz Higgs, Quesnel, BC

YES - I see way too many people "training" or "teaching" extremely bad habits to both horses and riders without consequence and making money hand over fist doing so.

Kelly Mattson, BC

NO - The certification process is all or nothing, with no flexibility for those who would like to coach kids non-competively or teach ground work, liberty, handling, or other non-ridden skills. The Rookie Rider program (HCBC) is a good exmple of restrictions even for assistants. In more remote areas of Canada, it is not always easy to have enough clients to justify the costs of certification at the EC level. I do agree they need some type of certification and also liability insurance, but there needs to be more flexibility for those who do not ride competively. Those types of trainers are always going to be there…. so set up another type of recognized certification that requires a less complex program with “restrictions”.

Pamela Nunn, Toledo, ON

YES - Coaches need to be educated and regulated. All other sports are. Equestrianism is a high risk sport. Also, horse welfare issues are important. Knowledgeable coaches are vital to the continuance of horse sports.

Suzie Anderson, North Saanich, BC

YES - Just like all teachers, coaches need to fulfill certain requirements and pay dues like everyone else. There needs to be cohesiveness and regulations, so they are all held accountable as teachers (coaches) of the sport and continuously monitored for safe practice.

Toni Allardyce-Harris, Okotoks, AB

YES - Only coaches that are for FEI events.

Esther Schwab, AB

NO - A territorial cash grab. Who is EC to purport to license anyone, and under what legal authority? How would EC enforce this? EC is largely irrellevant to most horse owners/riders, unless they are competing at upper levels and/or breeding or showing nationally/internationally. This would not improve anything for the average amateur rider, and will run up costs/add needless red tape and paperwork to the countless excellent "ground level" coaches who work with riders at the local level.

Lynne Adam, Duncan, BC

YES - Coaching/teaching any other individual immediately creates a vulnerable situation for both parties. The education is needed. EC must recognize other coaching programs and they are.

It is the law in BC that to have a criminal record check when working with minors, and this will make many uncertified coaches more accountable. If school teachers require a degree and teaching certificate, why shouldn't all coaches?

Related: Complex Rules Protect Canada’s Horses

Philippa Sumsion, North Saanich, BC

NO - Money grab, Will give credibility to bad coaches simply because they have done an online course. Will also be the death of local coaches, and reduce even more the numbers of competitors at shows.

Jennifer Graydon, Redwater, AB

YES - Greater consistency in training, service provision, professional standards and ethics of coaches.

Connie Delorme, Robsart, SK

NO - Associations and organizations are pricing themselves out of their "reason for existing," and then wonder why there are no participants or interest. They will come to find that higher level participation starts to falter because entry level has become expensive and "red-taped" with rules and regulations.

Cheri Craig, Langley BC

NO - This sport has gotten so expensive that it pushes many out. Another expense for what? Coaches who can pass without the skills and ethics that people are expecting them to have.

Allison Bain, Delta, BC

YES - Everyone should understand the role of the coach, and have first aid or other required courses. The coach should be held accountable and if there complaints from senior coaches or clients, certification should be suspended until they prove competency.

Marie Pedersen, BC

NO - We only coach a handful of dedicated students, from beginners to intermediate levels, and to children, teens, and adults, as well as some able-bodied disabled persons. We are mostly happy with the system the way it is and are NOT willing to jump through more hoops like dogs, for a handful of students, when BFL will insure us as Gold Level EC Certified since 1999, without licensing.

We also do not agree with the updating hours system for instructors through to senior upper level coaches, in that the higher level we become, the more updating hours we must do. Where is the incentive to become a higher level coach, when it probably means fewer students, harder work, more expense, as well as additional travel to clinics to make the hours needed? A lower level coach doing half or less hours, with less experience, will pay the same insurance rate.

Jane Weller, Strathroy, ON

NO - It leaves out too many potentially great people - such as older people with with tons of experience - who don't have the time, inclination, or finances to jump through hoops.

Kimba Lorber, Fort St. John, BC

NO - It is already ridiculously expensive to get certified, which doesn't ensure the instructor knows what they're doing. I've been coached by those who weren't certified, yet knew more and were better coaches than those who were certified. A piece of paper does not make a horseman. I suggest that more energy be put forward to support affordable, grassroots shows and to bring along new talent.

Related: The Value of Coach Licensing

Laura, Stavely, AB

UNDECIDED - We need more information. What will the conditions be for older coaches? Will they be grandfathered in?

Suzie Anderson, North Saanich, BC

YES - There needs to be more responsibility and adherence to coaching upgrades. Some coaches, who use outdated methods and have not kept up with their own learning, or have not learned how to coach, will be kept accountable.

Jackie Miller, Okotoks, AB

NO - A committee sitting in a room somewhere making rules just adds to the difficulty of actually finding a good coach/instructor. A good coach/instructor will have and keep clients. A poor one won’t. The ability to teach and explain complex horsemanship is learned over years of experience, not from a book or video.

Kathy Galbraith, Hastings, ON

NO - EC does not adequately and correctly represent nor advocate for every breed/discipline which utilizes coaches, and are thus not qualified to certify them. EC seems to care only about elite level jumping and possibly hunter, but not about everything else - especially saddle seat and driving. It’s nothing but a money grabbing, politically/socially-driven bureaucracy.

Kathy Jackson, Duncan, BC

YES - It is important for safety of riders. We need more education on horse welfare, continuing education, and standards with Canada.

Related: Understanding Equestrian Canada’s Coach Status Program

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