The Trainer Certification Program-a United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) National Initiative is currently underway. In Part I of this two-part article, you'll learn more about the program's intentions and beginning efforts. In Part II we'll discuss the early results of the program, with comments from participants.

During a visit to HITS Thermal last winter, I happened upon a copy of California Riding Magazine, February 2009 issue. On page 46 was a brief mention titled “Trainers Certification Program” within the USHJA Annual Meeting article, which piqued my interest. Here is what it said:

“Calling all trainers or those who aspire to be trainers: Now there is a certification program brought to you and endorsed by some of the nation's best trainers. It is a voluntary program, intended to enhance trainer credibility and offer ongoing education. The time for this concept to become a reality is way overdue.”

“In 2005, the USHJA formed the Trainer Certification Program Committee in response to overwhelming interest from membership. Now that it's coming to fruition, many have expressed skepticism regarding this new program. The question is why? Are the critics afraid of revealing how much they know or don't know?”

“This group has spent countless volunteer hours over the last three years arguing, developing, changing, discussing, meeting and finally agreeing to create this program. Were they not thinking about what is best for the industry? For the horses and riders and, ultimately, for the trainers? Hopefully all will step up to the plate and participate.”

“Yes, there are hundreds of trainers who should be “grandfathered in” without having to pass Level I [SIC}, but as George Morris expressed, why should they want to? For many trainers, Level I [SIC] should be easy to pass. So stay tuned: The USHJA Trainers Certification Program will begin this June, with applications and enrollment procedures made available in May.”

Shelley Campf had mentioned to me the year before that she was involved with this effort. Lauren Davis Baker, editor and publisher at Flying Changes magazine was interested in the subject, which led to my very thought-provoking discussion with Shelley on trainer certification.

How it began:

As with most initiatives, the background of how such things come to pass can be fascinating. In November 2003, Bill Moroney phoned Shelley, asking if she would serve as a volunteer on the steering committee to form a new hunter/jumper entity under the auspices of the national governing body, United States Equestrian Federation. David O'Connor had been named president of the USEF in July 2004, and was exploring this reorganization-the goal being balance among the disciplines and better regional representation. Shelley agreed to join the committee.

On July 6, 2004 this new entity, USHJA, began its work. Shelley moved from the steering committee to become a founding board member. The new board embarked on the formation of several standing committees. Shelley accepted the vice chair position under chair Geoff Teall, on the new Trainer's Committee. Thus began her national role in projects, including education, with other well-respected professionals in the sport.

Fast forward to April 2005 in Monroe, Washington. While participating at the Spring National Horse Show with the Oz, Inc. program, Shelley had an idea she shared with Bill Moroney and Geoff Teall. The seminal thought was “Trainer Certification,” with the understanding the program would be inclusive, from grassroots to elite, and cover all zones under USHJA/USEF jurisdiction. The first step was to form a subcommittee to define the work and produce the program with measurable goals. The timeline: four years.

A balanced, expertise-based subcommittee of six was established. The matrix began with three members from the east, and three from the west, for fair national representation. In addition, professionals with long-standing backgrounds of classical training were blended with younger, new-school professionals. Finally, specific expertise was sought in key areas of education.

Bill and Shelley were committed to assembling some of the best talent in the sport in order to drive the work, set the standards, and launch the new program of trainer certification. They anticipated there would be obstacles along the way. As always, the “devil would be in the details”. A long-term commitment to the work was essential.

The Committee:

To set the stage for Part II (to be published in the August issue), it is important to know the six experts who created the USHJA Trainer Certification Program. They include:

Julie Winkel-expert in conformation, large R judge, highly respected in hunter and equitation and also competes in Grand Prix jumpers. Western USA, new school.

George Morris-wealth of knowledge, revered in the sport, international reputation and success, Eastern USA, classical education. Advocate of the American Hunter/Jumper Forward System of riding and jumping. Credibility, capital C.

Geoff Teall-emphasis on hunters and equitation, strong reputation for discipline, correct practices and attention to detail, member of original steering committee, founding board member and chair of the USHJA Trainer Committee. Eastern USA, Blend of new and classical schools, trending toward new.

Anne Kursinski-high performance jumper, international track record, Eastern USA, classical education.

Karen Healey-Mentor to many successful riders nationally in all disciplines, master teacher and trainer. Western USA, new school.

Christine Tauber-Vice President/Board Member of USHJA, provides connection to the national governing organization, Large R judge, highly respected in all disciplines, grand prix competitor, Eastern USA, classical education.

This original group held a series of intensive retreats. When Anne Kursinski withdrew from the committee due to her international schedule and time constraints, Candice King was invited to join. She brought a very strong high performance record, new school thinking and an interesting blend of Eastern and Western regional experience.

Later, two additions were made to the committee on the recommendation of George Morris: Paul Cronin, representing intercollegiate equestrian programs, with particular strength in formulating tests and scoring systems; and Claudia Cojocar, knowledgeable and experienced with horse sports programs and governance in Canada.

Not to forget the Chair. Shelley Campf brought Zone IX Pacific Northwest/Western representation, new school thinking, a Canadian background, prior involvement with various national governance organizations, cross discipline training and teaching with national results. Shelley also brought regional horse show management and the ability to coalesce the expertise of such a committee, to include all voices and backgrounds. Not to mention having the idea in the first place and the relentless will to see it through for the coming four to five years! As Shelley describes the group: “We were eager and thought we could do cool things together.”

Essential support to the committee was provided by USHJA staff: legal counsel Marianne Kutner and liaison Melanie Fransen, (now Director of Sports Programs).

Geoff Teall encouraged a series of “white papers” on various aspects of trainer education leading to certification. Shelley was interested in incorporating them into a “manual.” In 2007, the committee met in Las Vegas and reviewed the material they had produced individually over the course of two years. It was decided to retain a professional writer/editor to proof, organize and consolidate all the materials into a practical, loose-bound workbook. Ami Hendrickson, a skilled technical writer, was hired to collect materials, edit and produce a body of work that would be complete, accurate, practical, and user friendly. After several drafts and a careful review process, Category 1 (certified trainer) and Category 2 (certified advanced trainer) of the manual will be published this summer. The manual will be the most current and comprehensive “tome of knowledge” for equestrian sport and available to all. Publish date is set for July, 2009. Category 3 (certified expert trainer) is in process, to be published in 2010. There will be three categories in all.

The primary goal is to “get everyone to read and learn”. To quote George Morris: “If I take the test, everyone can take the test”. No one will be “grandfathered”. Who would not want to engage in continuing education? The program will use on-line courses and exams. It is a sign of the times. Tests are “open book,” encouraging study! If you study, you will pass. Score required: 85%.

As for the benefits of the symposium program, which is a pre-requisite for certification, Wendy Smith, head trainer at Cygnet Farm in Southern Oregon with extensive prior experience training on the East Coast, attests to its value. She attended the Savannah, Georgia symposium this spring, finding it very useful-enjoyable as well as providing an opportunity to exchange ideas and network with other trainers.

“What does it hurt to learn more” is the mantra of this committee, made up of some of our sport's top experts.

Thank you to all USHJA volunteers who make the time to initiate and foster such programs and to the professional staff-support team who make it a reality. Trainer certification will enhance the “amateur experience” (my personal vested interest), for young and old, beginner to advanced. Given North America's striking successes in Hong Kong at the Olympic Games and elsewhere internationally since then, the time is right for this new manual. It will serve to strengthen our sport nationwide, from grassroots programs on up, assisting our emerging athletes. Let's raise the bar together.

Next month-Early Results of the Program, Comments from Participants and more.

About Shelley Campf

Shelley Campf, with husband Jeff, own and operate Oz Incorporated in Canby, Oregon. Both are actively involved as volunteers on a number of equestrian organization boards and committees. Shelley currently serves on the USHJA Board of Directors, the USHJA Trainers Committee and is Chair of the USHJA Trainer Certification Program Committee. She has recently been named to the USHJA Hunter Re-Structure Committee and is Chair of its Sub-Committee for Competition Dates and Approvals. She is active in Zone IX governance, serving as Vice-Chair of the Hunter Committee. She also manages several premier horse shows in Oregon's Willamette Valley and is involved, through her students, in North American Young Riders programs. An active rider and competitor, she was the 2008 NW Professional World Champion Hunter Rider. Jeff Campf competes regularly in Grand Prix and enjoys teaching students of all levels. He is the Zone IX Jumper Committee Chair and sits on both the USHJA Jumper Zone Council and Rider Committee. They have two sons, Chad, (10) and Blake (4).

Mary Arnstad has ridden as an amateur owner jumper rider in Oregon since 1987, having trained initially with Lee Jorgensen and later with Rich Fellers. She currently resides in Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley and rides at Cygnet Farm outside Ashland.