Where Do I Start?

Level 1 certification is for leaders, side walkers, and basic volunteers in any equine assisted therapy facility.

Requirements to be eligible for Level 1 certification:

• At least sixteen years of age
• Current CPR and First Aid certification

To begin the certification process, you must first order the Level 1 book/DVD set for home study.

Once you have completed the home study course, you will take the written test and submit it to AAEAA along with proof of age and copies of current CPR and First Aid certification cards.

After completion of the written test, you will receive your results in the mail in approximately 5-7 business days with instructions for your DVD.

You will next have to log twenty-five hours of volunteer time with a facility that deals with non-handicapped children/adults and uses horses in an equine assisted manner. If you need help locating a facility, we can help you find one.

Upon completion of your hours, you will be required to submit a DVD of you working in the facility as a handler and side-walker.

Once the entire process is complete you will receive feedback on your DVD and either instructions on things to work on before you can be approved (which would require submission of a second DVD) or your certificate.

Each level of certification works much like the previous, but carries new requirements as outlined below:

Level 2 certification is for instructors of basic equine assisted activities; including halter, showmanship, and basic riding.

To be eligible for Level 2 certification:

• At least eighteen years of age
• Current CPR and First Aid Certification
• Completion of Level 1 Certification

Level 2 includes book work, a test, fifty hours of volunteer time, and a DVD showing multiple participants in a lesson given by the Level 2 candidate.

Level 3 certification is for more advanced instruction, including those who wish to compete in regular equestrian activities, including competitive trail events, horse shows, parades, and clinics.

To be eligible for Level 3 Certification:

• At least twenty-one years of age
• Current CPR and First Aid Certification
• Completion of Levels 1 and 2 Certification

Level 3 includes book work, a test, seventy-five hours of volunteer time, and a DVD showing multiple participants riding in a variety of styles (Hunt Seat, Western, Saddle Seat, etc...) in lessons given by the Level 3 candidate. Level 3 also requires a DVD of the participants in an equine related competition as they are coached by the Level 3 candidate.

Level 4 certification is for instructors of carriage driving programs.

To be eligible for Level 4 Certification:

• Minimum of five years experience in equine driving
• At least twenty-one years of age
• Current CPR and First Aid Certification
• Completion of Levels 1 and 2 Certification (Level 3 is optional, but recommended)

Level 4 requires book work, a test, fifty hours of volunteer time, and a DVD showing the Level 4 candidate driving multiple horses as well as instructing multiple participants in driving safety and practices.

Facility Certification is a separate certification for facilities themselves.

To be eligible for Facility Certification:

• Minimum of one Level 3 certified instructor
• If you offer driving, a minimum of one Level 4 certified instructor
• Minimum of one year experience as an equine assisted activity facility
• Minimum of five letters of recommendation from facility participants
• Current 501 (c)(3); not for profit status with the IRS
• Completion by at least one Level 3 certified instructor of the facility training program

Facility Certification requires book work, a test, and a DVD showing each instructor teaching in each instructional area of the facility as well as provides a tour of the facility and its safety precautions.