United States Dressage Federation

• Print this page

Instructor/Trainer Program Levels of Certification

Certification implies recognition by the USDF of the candidate’s achievement and capabilities. To be certified means that the candidate has demonstrated the knowledge and abilities necessary to teach the concepts of dressage and meet specified standards and proficiencies.

The following pre-requisites are applicable at all levels when applying for certification:

• Current USDF Participating Member
• Minimum Age – 18
• Current First Aid Certification
• Written letters of recommendation (References should be from industry professionals attesting to candidate’s character and ability.)
  • Training – First Level requires 3 letters of recommendation
  • Second Level requires 3 letters of recommendation
  • Third – Fourth Level requires 5 letters of recommendation
• Must sign USDF Code of Ethics

All levels of certification are require to complete sixteen (16) hours of continuing education each year.

Additional application requirements/criteria:

Training - First Level

The exam is designed to assess the candidate’s ability to demonstrate the correct development of horse and rider through the basic levels of the Pyramid of Training. The instructor must demonstrate insight into the progression of dressage training through First Level and be able to effectively impart this knowledge to students, helping them to achieve correct training of the horse to this level. Candidates are also assessed in their proficiency to lunge a horse and to give a beginner seat lesson.

• Submit resume showing three (3) years of teaching and training experience
• Submit three (3) competition scores of 60% or higher from USEF/USDF recognized competitions
  • Two(2) scores from candidate at First Level, Test 3 or higher
  • One (1) score from any First Level Test
    • For IDA or Intercollegiate applicants, scores can be submitted from a recognized IDA competition
  • All scores must be from 3 different judges.

CANDIDATE MUST PASS ALL SECTIONS OF TEST WITH A SCORE OF 70% OR HIGHER TO ACHIEVE CERTIFICATION AT THIS LEVEL

Back to top

Second Level

This level is designed to assess the candidate's ability to provide the correct foundation for beginning collection as required for Second Level. Candidates must demonstrate ability to impart correct training and teaching philosophy, as well as developing the rider's seat and position in advanced seat lessons on the lunge.

• Submit a resume showing four (4) years of teaching and training experience
• Must be currently certified at Training – First Level
• Submit five (5) competition scores of 60% or higher from USEF/USDF recognized competitions
  • Two (2) scores from candidate at Second Level Test Three or higher
  • One (1) score from candidate at from any Second Level test
  • Two (2) scores from candidate's students from any Second Level test
  • All scores must be from 3 different judges

CANDIDATE MUST PASS ALL SECTIONS OF TEST WITH A SCORE OF 70% OR HIGHER TO ACHIEVE CERTIFICATION AT THIS LEVEL

Back to top

Third – Fourth Level

This level is designed to assess the candidate's ability to demonstrate progressive collection as required for Third and Fourth Levels. Candidates must demonstrate understanding of the requirements and interconnection of the elements of the Pyramid of Training. They must be able to demonstrate their effectiveness imparting this knowledge to students, helping them to achieve correct training of the horse.

• Submit a resume showing four (4) years teaching and training experience
• Must currently be certified through Second Level
• Submit five (5) competition scores of 60% or higher from USEF/ USDF recognized competitions
  • Two (2) scores from candidate at Fourth Level Test Three or higher
  • One (1) score from candidate at from any Fourth Level test
  • Two (2) scores from candidate's students from any Fourth Level test
  • All scores must be from a total of 3 different judges

CANDIDATE MUST PASS ALL SECTIONS OF TEST WITH A SCORE OF 70% OR HIGHER TO ACHIEVE CERTIFICATION AT THIS LEVEL

Back to top

Certified Instructor/Trainers at all levels must fulfill the following requirements each year to maintain current status with USDF:

• Maintain current USDF Participating Member status
• Complete 16 hours of continuing education
• Sign the program’s code of conduct annually
• Pay Annual Program Fee

Certified Instructor/Trainers who maintain their current status are eligible for:

• Listing on USDF website
• Discounts and insurance benefits with program partners
• Discounts to USDF events
• Invitation to special education programs held during convention and symposium

Certified Instructor/Trainers who do not meet these requirements on an annual basis will lose their current certified instructor status with USDF and will not be listed on the USDF website.

For information on certification fees click here. To pay a program fee online click here.

To apply for a certification test, complete the application and submit as indicated. Application deadlines are approximately eight (8) weeks prior to the scheduled test date.

For more information contact the Instructor Trainer Program Liaison at instructorcertification@usdf.org or 859-971-2277.