If you’re a member of the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) or you’re the sort of equine professional who wants to boost your credentials by gaining certification, mark your calendars for the CHA International Conference. The event will be held Sept. 20-23 at the Grand Cypress Equestrian Center and the Villas of Grand Cypress in Orlando, Fla. The purpose of CHA is to promote excellence in safety and education for the benefit of the horse industry. CHA certifies instructors and trail guides, accredits equestrian facilities and provides support and educational resources.
The annual conference is open to the public and includes mounted workshops for participants, lessons on great performance horses from master level certified instructors, and seminars conducted by top veterinarians and trainers. During the event there will also be an Equine Facilities Managers certification and a First Aid/CPR course through Equine U.
As an added benefit, the host site will provide horses for riding and ground work experience with the experts. Some of those experts include Julie Goodnight, who will be presenting Horse Behavior and the Human Relationship, plus Show Ring Strategy and Presence. Local hunter/jumper trainer John Dalziel and local reining champion Ken Najorka will also be speaking. Other topics include: pasture management, vaulting, gymkhana, becoming a judge, trail encampment, clipping, drill team riding, therapeutic riding lessons, techniques for the tense rider and more.
CHA is offering member pricing for non-members that come as part of a group. Prices vary based on day rate or full rate (which includes meals and lodging). For more information on the Certified Horsemanship Association and to register for the annual conference, visit http://www.cha-ahse.org/conferences.htm.