CHA School Horse of the Year

We all started out learning how to ride on a certain horse. If our family did not own horses, it was very likely that a wonderful school horse taught us how to ride. So it is only fitting that an outstanding horse be honored as the Certified Horsemanship Association School Horse of the Year. To commemorate such an outstanding honor, the winning horse receives a hand-painted oil painting from CHA member Julie Fischer from Colorado with bark from her camp as the frame and a wooden and leather trophy plaque from Lone Star Awards.

Earning the 2020 Certified Horsemanship Association School Horse of the Year award was 30-year-old Quarter Horse gelding Dallas from SpringHill Camp in Evart, Mich. “Without fail, kids that come through the barn will ask who my favorite horse is,” says Katrina Lechlitner. “As the barn manager, I am always diplomatic and will say that I have lots of favorites. It just depends on the job that needs to be done. Then I whisper, ‘It’s actually Dallas, but don’t tell the other horses.’ They usually giggle and then ask if I always ride him because I love him so much. It’s then that I have to confess that I have never ridden him in the 15 years I have been in charge. ‘I only get to ride the ones that need help listening, and Dallas never does anything wrong, so you get to ride him.'””

The students will then ask her, “Why do you like him so much then?” and Lechlitner shared, “That is my favorite moment. ‘Dallas makes me proud, and I can trust him to take care of you. I’m kind of like his mom now, and all the lessons he learned growing up, he is teaching you. He’s my favorite because he’s using all of his lessons to help other people, and I know that you will do the same thing when you are older. We should all want to be just like Dallas.'”

“It doesn’t stop there though,” continued Lechlitner. “The staff always ask that question too. With them I am a bit more coy. I’ll ask them who their favorites are and why. Without fail, they will name a horse that they feel like they are training or one of our flashy colored horses. They are almost disappointed when I tell them it’s Dallas. My response is a bit more age appropriate though. ‘You like the idea of that other horse, I’d say that makes them dateable. Dallas is marriage material.’ Of course those conversations lead to talking about their future, but when they do get distracted by a boy at camp, it gives me a chance to offer some perspective. ‘Is he a Dallas or just dateable?’ That is the kind of reputation every man should strive for.

“He’s 30,” shared Lechlitner. “We’ll never be able to replace him. I am confident I will cry uncontrollably on his last day. Until then I will keep asking the dentist for the ‘live forever float,’ the farrier for the ‘stay sound forever trim,’ the vet for secrets to ‘make him live forever,’ and myself to learn how to care for him the best I can.”

Lechlitner called it an honor to have Dallas be recognized by CHA as the 2020 School Horse of the Year. “There are so many special lesson horses in CHA programs everywhere ,and Dallas truly is our backbone,” seh said. “It was so hard to put his 18 years of service into words to nominate him, because we felt we could not do his history with us justice. His name puts a twinkle in the eye of so many campers, guests and staff alike. It’s been fun to share this recognition with all those who have crossed paths with him. He might just be another sorrel horse, but he’s the heart and soul of our herd. SpringHill Camps has been blessed to have a horse like him.”

The CHA School Horse of the Year Program honors the best of the school horses who are part of CHA member programs. Each equine finalist receives a plaque from CHA and were also honored at the virtual CHA Awards Ceremony. The top five finalists included:

◆ Cresson – Whispering Willow Farm in Wisconsin
◆ Dallas – Spring Hill Camp in Michigan
◆ Indy – JT Ranch in Washington
◆ Maverick – Birch Bay Ranch in Alberta
◆ Sonora – Camp Chippewa in Kansas

CHA Volunteer of the Year

The first award recipient to be honored during the virtual awards ceremony was the CHA Volunteer of the Year. The coveted award that recognizes the countless hours and dedication CHA volunteers spend changing lives through safe experiences with horses. The winner was Pam Prudler of Sacramento, Cali.

“Pam has devoted her life to enriching newcomers to the safety and joys of horsemanship since 1972,” said CHA member Lisa Lombardi about Prudler. “At that time, she first became a CHA certified riding instructor and was immediately hired to teach at the location where she was certified, Shady Lawn Farm in Oakdale, Cali. It was there at Shady Lawn that she met educators who wanted to include safe horseback riding at their camps, and she got involved with further developing what was then called Camp Horsemanship Association. The main idea was to come up with a leveling system that resembled what was already in place for Red Cross water safety. The earned certificate or patch would mean the same in any camp program, so that the campers riding skills would not need to be re-tested if they chose a different camp.

“In approximately 1980, she and others from around the country met in Illinois to put together official CHA manuals that would include the written materials and illustrations already being used by Shady Lawn Farm,” continued Lombardi. “During her time at Shady Lawn Farm (1972-1989), Lois Orr, Pam, and others pushed for having certified instructors, helmet use, coordination with liability insurance companies, and to expand the CHA program to include western states. She still owns horses and has taught hundreds to ride, including her own nieces and grandnieces. Today nothing gives her more joy than watching children with horses. She has dedicated her life to educating others in the safety and joy of horsemanship. Pam is, and always has been, a contributor to the horse world and to CHA.”

CHA Partner in Safety

The CHA Partner in Safety Award is given to a person or entity that embodies horsemanship safety at the core. The CHA Partner in Safety goes to Marmon Valley Farm in Ohio.

Marmon Valley Farm began as a samll farm camp with five horses in 1964 with 75 acres and began certifying CHA instructors and campers soon after. Programs have included both English and Western at all four levels, jumping, drill teams, driving, vaulting, pack trips, gymkhana and simple trail courses. Now over 50 years later, it’s an established horse facility with 500 acres and 150 horses. All campers ride on the 250 wooded acres of trails. They also host small horse shows and have a public riding stable that serves hundreds of guests every year. They can put out 25 riders every half hour on a busy fall Saturday.

Marmon Valley Farm and the Wiley family have been a supporting member of CHA, holding clinics to provide safe programs for over 50 years! This family has three generations of CHA Certifiers. Marmon Valley Farm in Zanesfield, Ohio has hosted 49 certifications clinics since 1996, certifying 353 CHA Instructors.

“The Marmon Valley Farm staff was excited to be this year’s proud winner of the CHA Partner in Safety Award,” said Jane Wiley Olsen. “We appreciate the recognition for all the hard work our staff have put in over the 50 years to keep horseback riding and horse-related activities safe in our organization and many others. Thank you for recognizing us in this wonderful association.

CHA Certifier of the Year Award

CHA Certifiers are vital in order to continue growing the association and accomplishing CHA’s mission. The CHA Certifier of the Year Award is reserved for someone who has shown outstanding service to CHA by conducting meaningful certifications and influencing the careers of equine professionals over many years. This year’s award was given to Cheryl West from Oklahoma.

West is a CHA Certifier in the CHA English/Western Instructor Certification, Equine Facility Managers Certification and Instructors of Riders with Disabilities Certification. She has also been a very active regional director for her area of the country.

West has had this said about her someone who nominated her for the award: “It has been a pleasure to learn the ropes of how to conduct a CHA Certification from her. She runs a smooth, orderly and clearly lined-out clinic. She is quick to make adjustments and adapt when needed. She remains positive, fair and energetic throughout the process, even during the long days. She challenges each equine professional attendee in a way to help them see their fullest potential and encourages them to shine in their unique individual style. She brings years of experience with passion, enthusiasm, pride and encouragement for each participant. She takes pride in representing CHA to others. Cheryl challenges herself and continues to grow in order to bring out her very best for those around her. She is an inspiration and models grit, determination, perseverance and passion.”

“It is humbling and gratifying to know that I could have a positive influence for others in our industry,” said Cheryl West. “It’s a huge responsibility to be a CHA Certifier, and I enjoy making a difference.”

CHA Instructor of the Year

Often described as the lifeblood of the association, individual certified instructors undoubtedly play a key role in the success of the association and its mission. Earning the title of 2020 CHA Instructor of the Year was Trisha Kiefer-Reed from Montana.

Kiefer-Reed has had this said about her by a nominee: “She has the ability to teach each student regardless of what level they are at. She not only tells the students how to adjust themselves and their horses, she breaks down the mechanics and explains the why and how of the maneuvers and the adjustments. She has the ability to adjust how she explains things to the level of each rider. This results in success for each and every student. I think this is the ‘pot of gold’ for the students that are fortunate enough to ride with her. Trisha is a powerhouse of energy. In the past twelve months alone, she has tirelessly spread enthusiasm for safe and sane horsemanship throughout her home state of Montana as well as Alberta, Wyo., and the far reaches of Alaska.

“Trisha is very involved with WE United Association that is about the sport of working equitation,” continued the nomination comments. “One of the things that impressed me the most about Trisha is that she took the time to learn about the sport before she jumped in and began to offer instruction in it. Trisha began to teach clinics and private lessons grounded in the discipline of working equitation after over a year of intensive professional growth. As word of the quality of her instruction began to spread, her clinics began to sell out, and her weekends quickly filled. Trisha is a CHA Master Instructor and Clinician and is the consummate professional. She is excellent at meeting the horse and rider where they are on any given day. Her enthusiasm and humor make her instructions fun and memorable. She’s patient, fair, encouraging, and possesses the best sense of humor ever!”

Kiefer-Read said she was deeply honored and humbled to be recognized among such an outstanding group of men and women. “My goal now is to keep learning and sharing information, keeping this chain of knowledge strong for our aspiring instructors,” she said.

CHA Distinguished Service Award

The CHA Distinguished Service Award is a lifetime achievement award for an individual who has gone above and beyond through the years promoting and upholding the mission of the association. The 2020 recipient is Beth Powers of Bellefontaine, Ohio.

For 30 years since the beginning of her equestrian career, she has been a friendly face to everyone she meets while she shared her love for CHA, its members, staff, and mission. Her passion for life is evident immediately in conversation. She will quickly share that she is a lifetime member of the CHA proud team! Powers is a fixture each year at the CHA booth at Equine Affaire in Ohio where she continues to share her love of the profession and the organization. She has volunteered her time in that booth for more than 20 years! Setting it up, spending each of the four days talking to members and prospective members, tearing it down and keeping all the furniture and carpet at her house throughout the year.

Powers is a CHA Life Member and is certified in both English/Western Instructor and Trail. She is a CHA Site Visitor and Site Visitor Trainer, and she conducts trainings of new site visitors at CHA International Conferences every other year. She has been many roles in leadership with CHA, including committee chair all the way up to president. Powers was nominated and elected to the Board of Directors in 1999 and is just now rotating off after 21 years of service.

“I was completely surprised by this recognition,” said Powers. “I have had many opportunities over the years to tell our CHA story of safe, fun and effective horsemanship to anyone who would listen. I have traveled all over doing conferences and trade shows for CHA and realize CHA is still needed and is just as relevant as it was over 50 years ago. Thank you so much.”

Beyond the 2020 awards, you can see a complete list of past Certified Horsemanship Association award winners at www.cha.horse/international-conference/#award-winners.

About the Certified Horsemanship Association

CHA’s motto is “CHA Equine Professionals Change Lives Through Safe Experiences with Horses.”” The purpose of CHA is to promote excellence in safety and education for the benefit of the horse industry. CHA certifies equine professionals, accredits equestrian facilities, publishes educational manuals, produces educational horsemanship videos and webinars, and hosts regional and international conferences. For more information on the largest certifying body of equine professionals in North America or to find a certified equine professional or accredited equine facility near you, please visit www.CHA.horse.

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The Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) is holding its first-ever Virtual International Conference on Friday, October 30, 2020. This event will be open to all horse enthusiasts with a CHA member and non-member rate for the educational day.

This conference will not just be your typical Zoom call with talking heads and PowerPoint presentations. The sessions will be very interactive, and some will be doing videos ahead of time with riders up on horses to showcase what they are teaching during their presentations. They will then be online to answer any questions during the video sessions and afterwards.

CHA has already confirmed the following as interactive speakers: CHA Spokesperson and Certifier Julie Goodnight, Jochen Schleese with SaddleFit4Life, Dr. Julie Fischer on grant writing and fundraising for your equine business, Tara Reimer of Cloud 9 Ranch in Manitoba on turnbacks and rollbacks, and many more!

To find out more about the event or to register to get the recording for after the event, visit https://cha.horse/international-conference.

CHA’s Online Silent Auction is Open to the Public

CHA is hosting an online silent auction this year. Great horse owner supplies, travel, gift baskets, household items, gift certificates, clothing, art, jewelry and much more is up for bid. The auction will be live from October 15–November 2, 2020.

Any items will be shipped to the winning bidder after the closing of the auction, and shipping is included for free. Funds from this auction will go towards CHA scholarships for those that are in financial need due to hardship to support attendance at a CHA certification clinic. These clincs help jumpstart careers for riding instructors or equine facility managers.

The silent auction is now open for bidding at www.32auctions.com/CHASilentAuction.

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Horse professionals are used to operating on thin margins without sacrificing care or customer service. However, there are times when cutting expenses may be necessary. For some, it can be a chore, but can also be an opportunity to get creative in finding ways of trimming costs while still providing the necessities. Here are four tips for cutting expenses for your equine business without cutting corners on the care horses need, courtesy of the Certified Horsemanship Association.

1. Negotiate Rates

When bills come due, it’s routine to just pay them. For some, services such as insurance, cell phone, trash removal, etc., discounts and negotiations may be possible. Valerie McCloskey, CHA’s New York state representative, called her insurance agent when her state issued pandemic restrictions prohibited visitors, slashing her lesson program.

“Most of the cost in our premiums is liability due to lessons,” McCloskey says. “I asked that if the current situation goes on for months and I’m not teaching on the farm if that could go down.”

Cell phone carriers and television providers are notorious for undercutting competitors rates to gain a new client. Shop around and compare prices. Saving on several bills can add up.

2. Make the Most of On-Property Resources

Horses need to eat, and scrimping on hay or feed quality isn’t an option. However, stables with property may be able to rely on grazing to provide the horse’s nutritional needs. Turning horses out on well-maintained pastures not only reduces hay and grain, it also reduces bedding use and the labor required to clean stalls. Some horses might not need as many supplements if they are not working as much.

3. Delay Expenses

Routine vet and farrier visits are necessities for keeping healthy horses. However, delaying certain services may be an option. For example, if a horse isn’t competing and is sound, routine trimming may suffice. Similarly, it may be possible to postpone maintenance appointments like chiropractic care, acupuncture, or dental work when a healthy horse is temporarily not working, as long as it doesn’t negatively affect the horse’s health.

4. Buy in Bulk

Purchasing large quantities costs more up front but can provide significant savings over the long term. However, buying in bulk also means room for storage is necessary.

“I try to order hay in larger loads for a better price,” says Amy Obringer, a CHA regional director and CHA certified riding instructor from California. “I’m always looking for deals on supplements and medications, and I share vet fees with other barn owners in my area when I can.”

With these four tips for cutting expenses, equine businesses can work smarter during trying times, or as a general practice.

For more CHA educational blogs on horsemanship, visit www.cha-ahse.org/store/blog.

Complete COVID-19 Coverage

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CHA Volunteer of the Year

The first award recipient to be honored during Friday night’s banquet was the 2019 CHA Volunteer of the Year. The coveted award that recognizes the countless hours and dedication CHA volunteers spend changing lives through safe experiences with horses went to Aimee Edwards from Waco, Texas. Edwards has been a member since 1996, was certified in 1997, became a standard English/Western Clinician in 2011 and an Equine Facilities Manager in 2017. Those nominating Edwards for this award described her as “a dedicated professional” and that “she runs a wonderful facility and is liked as well as respected by her staff.”

Others went on to say, “This person goes above and beyond to help CHA not only as a host site coordinator, an instructor, and a clinician for us, but also putting our monthly eblast together and sending it out each month.”

CHA Certifier of the Year

CHA Certifiers are vital in order to continue growing the association and accomplishing our mission. The CHA Certifier of the Year Award is reserved for someone who has shown outstanding service to CHA by conducting meaningful certifications and influencing the careers of equine professionals over many years. This year’s award was given to Andrea Richardson from Brantford, Ontario.

Richardson became a CHA member and certified instructor in 2004 and later became a certifier in 2006. Described as “a strong advocate for training staff and running safe programs” and “she is very invested in setting people up for success and encouraging confidence in certification participants,” it is easy to see how she was chosen as the award recipient.

CHA Instructor of the Year

Often described as the life blood of the association, individual certified instructors undoubtedly play a key role in the success of the association and its mission. Earning the title of 2019 CHA Instructor of the Year was Celia Bunge from the Miami International Riding Club in Miami, Fla. Nominated by her students and recognized by her peers, this year’s winner was described as fair, consistent, hard-working and empathetic. Other descriptions included things such as, “what makes her stand out is her amazing ability to adapt to each rider’s needs, while processing the gift to read and anticipate each horse’s behavior” and “she loves the horse first and the sport second. She is a confidence builder in us all.”

After receiving her award Bunge said: “I would not have ever imagined that I could be the recipient of such extraordinary recognition. I promise to keep on going, striving for excellence and safety in our sport. Working hard to make horses a part of more and more people, because horses truly transform lives. They have transformed our lives, and they have introduced us to so many amazing and good people like yourself, and to groups and organizations that exemplify what service to others really looks like.”

CHA Distinguished Service Award

The CHA Distinguished Service Award is a lifetime achievement award for an individual who has gone above and beyond through the years promoting and upholding the mission of the association. Throughout the years, the 2019 recipient, Susanne Valla from Mocksville, N.C., has worked tirelessly on a wide variety of CHA projects, including serving on the board, committees, and in executive offices for many years. Described as a mentor for many new board members and clinic staff over the years her leadership abilities are undeniable. Valla also used her artistic talents to design many of CHA’s manuals and the CHA logo and is known for her knowledge of the association and its history.

Valla, a CHA Life Member, has been involved with CHA since 1978. A past president of the board, she served on the board of directors through 2011. She has been a clinician since 2011 and has conducted 31 certifications as of this year.

CHA Partner in Safety Award

Safety is top priority when it comes to every interaction with horses. Earning the 2019 CHA Partner in Safety Award was Pegasus Farm in Hartville, Ohio. The program at Pegasus Farm has over 130 volunteers, 500 students, has been a CHA Program member since 1995, and an accredited site since 2012. To date, they have held 17 CHA certifications including Standard English/Western, Equine Facility Manager, Instructors of Riders with Disabilities and Vaulting.

Nominators described the program at Pegasus Farm as: “They are so professional and safety conscious. I enjoyed the facilities, horses and staff there. They provide a vast array of services for the special needs community.”

“The staff, volunteers, students and horses made an exceptional impact, not only on my career as an instructor, but on my LIFE!” said another nominator.

CHA Horse of the Year

Without horses there would be no reason for CHA, so it is only fitting that an outstanding horse be honored as the CHA Horse of the Year. To commemorate such an outstanding honor, the winning horse receives a hand-painted oil painting from CHA member Julie Fischer from Colorado with bark from her camp as the frame.

Earning the title of 2019 CHA Horse of the Year was Smut, a 33-year-old grade mare owned by Dream Catcher Stables in Spring, Texas. Smut is named after a fungus that grows on corn in the Midwest that is the same color as she is.

Her riders describe her as careful and a smooth mover and she listens well and never gets spooky. “She is just a wonderful horse and richly deserves to be school horse of the year,” the continue.

“She is a magnificent horse,” wrote one rider. “She has won me two belt buckles in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Top Hands Horse Show.”

Sanna Rolling, who runs Dream Catcher Stables, had this to say when asked about Smut being the award recipient: “To own a horse that touches so very many lives and at the age of 33 in semi-retirement is still herd boss is awesome. This is the second time we have had the CHA Horse of the Year (Smokey in 2008). With the vast number of CHA program members, I never thought we could win twice.”

The CHA School Horse of the Year Program honors the best of the school horses who are part of CHA member programs. Each equine finalist receives a plaque from CHA and were also honored at the awards banquet.

The top five finalists included:

• Bambi from Santa Rosa, Calif.
• Ginger from Methow Valley Riding Unlimited in Winthrop, Wash.
• King from Big Bear Horsemanship in Gettysburg, Penn.
• Onyx from West Equestrian in Sand Springs, Okla.
• Smut from Dream Catcher Stables in Spring, Texas

Resources:

• A complete list of past award winners
  • More information about the next Certified Horsemanship Association Conference

CHA Welcomes New Board Members for 2020

CHA welcomed four new board members at the 2019 CHA International Conference. Joining the CHA Board of Directors are Jessica Hersey, Kristin Jaworski, Katrina Lechlitner, and Amanda Reardon. Candidates for the board seats were introduced and voted on during the general membership meeting.

Jessica Hersey, of Gettysburg, Penn, is a CHA Lifetime member and a Master Instructor/Assistant Certifier. Her skill set includes over 20 years of teaching and training in addition to prior board experience. She is the former vice president and board of directors member for the Maine Cowboy Mounted Shooters, and vice president/outreach officer of the Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization of New Hampshire.

Involved in many different areas of the equine industry, Hersey has held memberships in the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association, Cowboy Sports Association, United Mounted Shooters, Mustang Heritage Foundation, FN Verlag, U.S. Equestrian Federation, American Youth Horse Council, Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, state chapters, and regional clubs. Hersey has also earned two business degrees and is currently completing a Master of Education in Equestrian Education from William Woods University.

Kristin Jaworski, of Fort Worth, Texas, is the director of the Fort Worth Herd where she manages and directs the world’s only twice daily longhorn cattle drive. She grew up raising mules and horses in northern Arizona and later graduated with her Master’s degree in Management and Leadership from Tarleton State University. Since 2002, she has expanded all aspects of the herd, including educational programs, facility operations and horsemanship to support the economy and raise awareness of western heritage.

Jaworski was introduced to CHA through The Herd program and is now a CHA Certified Instructor. When asked what she was looked forward to the most, she said it was to be more involved in the association to inspire people and generate awareness and excitement for those who want to explore their dreams with horsemanship.

Katrina Lechlitner, of Reed City, Mich., grew up very active in the American Quarter Horse Association and has been at SpringHill Camps as ranch director since 2005. She is a CHA Certified Instructor and has been involved in a 4-H Horse Leaders Group for the past five years. Lechlitner became certified when she joined SpringHill Camp and continues to use CHA as a resource, not only for herself, but SpringHill as an organization, local 4-H extension and others seeking a starting point.

“My desire to be involved on the board is because safe, positive experiences with horses is important to me, and I continue to let that lead my decisions in my own career and the areas I volunteer,” said Lechlitner. “Secondly, I value education and creative presentation of information to students and leaders. The access to resources and continued education builds stronger programs. Lastly, I understand that building a base of individuals who will continue to represent CHA with the esteem that I have come to respect is important to move forward during the next 50 years!”

Amanda Reardon, of Lexington, Ky., started her riding career over 20 years ago as a young pony clubber, advancing over the years to competitive riding with high school and college teams. At 18, she became a CHA Certified Instructor. Reardon has worked as a teaching assistant for the University of Kentucky’s Equine Handling courses, taught lessons and camps at a Lexington lesson farm and has spent time working in the Thoroughbred breeding industry.

Earning a degree in Equine Science/Management and a minor in Agricultural Economics from the University of Kentucky, immediately following graduation Reardon joined the Kentucky Horse Park staff, where she manages the Equine Education Department.

In her time at the Kentucky Horse Park Reardon has developed, planned and executed four years of summer camps and teaches over 100 children every summer. She also started and runs the first riding lesson program at the park. Reardon recently earned her CHA Master Level Certification and is moving forward with her education and practices to earn her CHA Clinician status. She envisions hosting clinics at the park once again, as they were held when she started her involvement with CHA in 2011.

Returning CHA Board members include: Hayley Eberle, Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association, Oklahoma City, Okla.; Teddy Franke, Camp Morrow, Pine Hollow, Ore.; Susan Garside, YMCA Camp Noah, Canal Fulton, Ohio; Beth Long, YMCA, Ky.; Katie Reynolds, American Quarter Horse Association, Amarillo, Texas; and James Rickner, Champ Chippewa, Kan.

The CHA Executive Board consist of: President Tammi Gainer, Pegasus Farm and PATH International, Alliance, Ohio; President Elect Dr. Bob Coleman, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky.; Vice President of New Initiatives Anne Brzezicki, Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, Murfreesboro, Tenn.; Vice President of Regional Relations Jennifer Eaton, Interscholastic Equestrian Association, Groveland, Mass.; Secretary Elizabeth Duffy, Camp America, Eatonton, Ga.; Treasurer Terry Williams, Blanchester, Ohio; and Past President Beth Powers, YMCA and American Camp Association, Bellefontaine, Ohio.

About the Certified Horsemanship Association

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, publishes educational manuals, produces educational horsemanship DVDs and YouTube Safety shorts and hosts regional and international conferences.

For more information on the largest certifying body of riding instructors and barn managers in North America, the Certified Horsemanship Association, please visit www.CHA.horse or call 859-259-3399. To find a certified horseback riding instructor or accredited equine facility near you, visit www.CHAinstructors.com.

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