Saddle Seat Coaching

Thank you for your interest in the Saddle Seat Coaching Certification Program!

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Saddle Seat Coach 1 Program

 The National Coaching Certification program is a government initiated program designed to give the public safe, qualified coaches at every level of all sports.  The Saddle Seat Coaches' Program is an Ontario based program at this time.

 This certification pilot program is designed to produce a successful Level 1 Saddle Seat Coach.  This individual will possess skills that will enable him/her to teach and demonstrate knowledge needed to prepare a novice student in the saddle seat discipline.  Emphasis will be placed on the candidate's ability to communicate these skills to a student effectively and accurately.  Throughout this course, emphasis will be placed on safety, teaching, stable management, basic horsemanship and riding fundamentals.  The theoretical and practical components are integrated so that the individual will be provided with a variety of materials for selection to apply to an individual situation.  Enthusiasm for saddle seat as a special discipline will enhance this objective.

Q:        If I become a Certified Level 1 Coach, what am I qualified to do?

A:         A Level 1 Coach is qualified to teach beginner riders and to start them at local Primary or Schooling competitions.

Q:        What is the minimum age a candidate must be in order to purse the certification process?

A:         The minimum age for level one coaches is 18 as of January 01. You may start the process at 17 but must have turned 18 by the time you take the evaluation.

Q:        I want to become certified.  Where should I begin?

A:         You have already completed the first step by contacting the Ontario Equestrian Federation office and requesting this information package.

            Next, the following prerequisites must be completed prior to applying for the Coach 1 program and proof of completion, where applicable, must be provided to the AEF:

·  Current AEF Member and EC Gold Competitive License

• A letter of recommendation from an Equine Canada Certified Coach

 • A letter of recommendation from an Equine Canada Official

• Current Standard first aid course

• Criminal Record Search (every 5 years)

• NCCP/EC Equestrian Specific Theory Course

• Equine Canada Coaching coach of Ethics and Code of Conduct

Q:        What is NCCP?

A:         The National Coaching Certification Program is a five level educational program for all coaches in over 66 sports.  It is offered all across Canada in both English and French.  Levels 1-3 are designed to certify coaches as competent leaders of school, community, and club sports programs.  The NCCP Theory Course teaches important principles of coaching such as planning, sport safety, skill analysis, and growth development.  The Course also helps coaches understand why athletes participate in sport, and prepares them to teach skills and to design a safe, enjoyable and challenging practice.  The course is 15 hours long with a written assessment at the end and 100% attendance is mandatory.

Q:        What type of First Aid course do I need to complete?

A:         When enrolling in the First Aid course, please be aware that you should complete a Standard First Aid course.          

Q:        What is an Evaluation?

A:         The Evaluation will be held on one or two days with the possibility of completing the written test the evening before the evaluation.  Candidates will be observed by two Course Conductors on the following topics:

·         Teaching Skills
·         Stable Management
·         Riding Skills
·         Lungeing
·         Long lining

Each module is marked and candidates must pass each module to succeed.  In order to pass each module except teaching, a minimum standard of 60% or higher must be achieved.  A mark of 75% or higher is required for the teaching module.  If a candidate receives a mark below 60% (75% in teaching) in a module(s), then the candidate will have the opportunity to retake that module(s) at a later date.  At the end of the Evaluation, the Course Conductors will meet and complete the Evaluation forms on each candidate.  Once everything has been completed the Chief Course Conductor will mail the results into the AEF office within ten days of the exam being completed.  The AEF will then notify each candidate by mail as to his or her results. 

If Candidates are successful in all Modules, they will receive by mail from the AEF office their results, information on the updating policy for coaches, as well as their Saddle Seat Coach Certificate.  If a candidate is unsuccessful, they will receive a copy of their results and information on how to retake the necessary module(s) of the Evaluation.

Q:        I want to apply for the Saddle Seat Coach Evaluation, what do I need to send to the AEF office?

A:         Once you have completed all of the prerequisites, and you are ready to submit an application for the Evaluation contact the office at 403-253-4411, toll free at 877-463-6233 or email coaching@albertaequestrian.com.  All the prerequisites are required to be submitted to the office at least 30 days prior to the course date.

CANCELLATIONS:

Full registration refunds will be provided for written cancellations received prior to 30-days before the Evaluation; a 25% administrative fee will be applied to refunds requested after that date, however, NO REFUNDS will be granted less than 14 days prior to the date of the Evaluation or for no-shows.  The AEF reserves the right to cancel session(s) due to unforeseen circumstances or insufficient advance registration.  The AEF cannot accept responsibility for expenses incurred as a result of the cancellation of an Evaluation.