Better your Horsemanship Simple, flexible, affordable, convenient everywhere! Learn from master riders with global experience Life is a balancing act between work, family, friends and horses, but we're here to make it easier to become a better rider with knowledge in a variety of equine science studies to promote health, happiness, fitness, and longevity for both horse and rider. Rider Level Certification Horse Achievement Certificates Equine Science Diploma Coach License Certification |
-
The School
-
History & Teachers
-
Testimonials
-
Library
-
Diploma and Certification
<
>
|
Click on the tabs for more information about us
We offer 2 programs: Rider Levels (Equine science courses and mounted Testing by video) LEVELS aid coaches in organizing lessons and keep students motivated. Levels lead to an Equine Science Diploma and Coach certification. Equestrian-4-Kids (activity books with video read-along and Young Rider levels) |
THE FOUNDATION
In my efforts to try and remember everything horse related, from lessons, to clinics, to equine seminars, not to mention tons of books and magazine articles, I (an average person) became overwhelmed. So I wrote it down and when some of my clients and friends looked at it, they said I should publish a book. So it was put together and presented to publishers and marketing analysts, who all agreed, there was too much information for one book. It needed to become several books!
But I had clients of all ages and the kids wanted something to do. So I began creating activity books that got harder for each grade. It was still in the initial, pilot stage with my crew of kids, and would take a long time to finish. Somewhere and somehow Children’s Wish got wind of this project and contacted me about purchasing the entire package of books for a young girl's last wish. I was touched by the sad and tragic story. Mackenzie Popoff, a 12 year old girl suffering from a brain tumor, wanted a horse and to learn to ride. She was horse crazy in love. Of course, I was touched and immediately said yes. However, there wasn't enough time. I received a phone call. Mackenzie was getting very sick and no one knew how much longer she had. I could not wait any longer. I dove in, booking time off, becoming sleep deprived, and worked steadily until the program was done. I spoke with the publishers and there was no way that they could speed up the process, so unfortunately I had to pull out of their deal. Not really knowing what else to do, a friend mentioned setting up a business that could publish the books, and be the home base for the grade levels. Thus the International Riding Academy was born! After the legalities were completed, and I packaged up the parcel and sent it out special delivery. But, unfortunately, Mackenzie’s cancer had developed so quickly and she passed on, without being able to take part. It was in this epic fail that I decided to not stop. I wanted everything to be readily available to anyone all over the world, no matter how big or how small, in the city or on a farm somewhere near nowhere.
There was also a need for the equine science courses to be readily available to all ages, not just children. That was when I decided to dive in further and start setting up the equine science program, which focused on standardizing riding by levels with a classical riding base just like the Spanish Riding School.
At the same time, some of my clients asked for something like a show instead of having to travel so far. They were tired of all the expenses and from working full time. It was a challenge to find the time to ride, let alone find the time to travel to a show. Many had trouble even just booking holidays. Worse, it is heavily competition based, and the emphasis is always on winning and cut-throat drama behind the scenes. It really is not the right environment to meet new friends. It is not even a relaxed environment. I understood and was tired too, helping my students, prepping my horses, riding and training. So, I began contacting a multitude of judges, coaches, trainers and alike from all over the globe. Together, we developed a variety of tests and patterns. We focused on the classical aspect and stemmed in other disciplines. We focused on natural gaits and riding, rewarding those who stick to classical rules, rather than modern fads, gadgets and likewise. There would be no need to stress the horses and we aimed for their longevity. We saw that many coaches struggle with basic concepts. To counter, we designed the international rider levels with Equine Science theory courses, so that by the time a rider finished Rider IV, they would have an excellent basis of horsemanship and earn a diploma.
In the end, we had the International Rider Levels for all riders, the Performance testing for comments, scores, and awards, as well as the Equestrian-4-Kids program for the children. Nevertheless, we did not stop there. The Pony Camp was created to try and tie the kids storylines together in a fun and exciting way. By the kids getting together in a group, they help each other out and drive each other forward to the finish line. Pony camp goes well with riding lessons, as the kids learn theory, have fun together and also can take their rider levels. If they are not ready for levels I to IV, the Young Rider program is perfect.
There are many awards to keep riders inspired and striving higher, progressing their riding. Riders can ride several horses to never become bored and to keep earning! The academy was not born out of vanity, but rather by the incessant need for a better horse world. We hope everyone can have fun and define their own learning curve with their horses. And to Mackenzie, we carry on in your name.
In my efforts to try and remember everything horse related, from lessons, to clinics, to equine seminars, not to mention tons of books and magazine articles, I (an average person) became overwhelmed. So I wrote it down and when some of my clients and friends looked at it, they said I should publish a book. So it was put together and presented to publishers and marketing analysts, who all agreed, there was too much information for one book. It needed to become several books!
But I had clients of all ages and the kids wanted something to do. So I began creating activity books that got harder for each grade. It was still in the initial, pilot stage with my crew of kids, and would take a long time to finish. Somewhere and somehow Children’s Wish got wind of this project and contacted me about purchasing the entire package of books for a young girl's last wish. I was touched by the sad and tragic story. Mackenzie Popoff, a 12 year old girl suffering from a brain tumor, wanted a horse and to learn to ride. She was horse crazy in love. Of course, I was touched and immediately said yes. However, there wasn't enough time. I received a phone call. Mackenzie was getting very sick and no one knew how much longer she had. I could not wait any longer. I dove in, booking time off, becoming sleep deprived, and worked steadily until the program was done. I spoke with the publishers and there was no way that they could speed up the process, so unfortunately I had to pull out of their deal. Not really knowing what else to do, a friend mentioned setting up a business that could publish the books, and be the home base for the grade levels. Thus the International Riding Academy was born! After the legalities were completed, and I packaged up the parcel and sent it out special delivery. But, unfortunately, Mackenzie’s cancer had developed so quickly and she passed on, without being able to take part. It was in this epic fail that I decided to not stop. I wanted everything to be readily available to anyone all over the world, no matter how big or how small, in the city or on a farm somewhere near nowhere.
There was also a need for the equine science courses to be readily available to all ages, not just children. That was when I decided to dive in further and start setting up the equine science program, which focused on standardizing riding by levels with a classical riding base just like the Spanish Riding School.
At the same time, some of my clients asked for something like a show instead of having to travel so far. They were tired of all the expenses and from working full time. It was a challenge to find the time to ride, let alone find the time to travel to a show. Many had trouble even just booking holidays. Worse, it is heavily competition based, and the emphasis is always on winning and cut-throat drama behind the scenes. It really is not the right environment to meet new friends. It is not even a relaxed environment. I understood and was tired too, helping my students, prepping my horses, riding and training. So, I began contacting a multitude of judges, coaches, trainers and alike from all over the globe. Together, we developed a variety of tests and patterns. We focused on the classical aspect and stemmed in other disciplines. We focused on natural gaits and riding, rewarding those who stick to classical rules, rather than modern fads, gadgets and likewise. There would be no need to stress the horses and we aimed for their longevity. We saw that many coaches struggle with basic concepts. To counter, we designed the international rider levels with Equine Science theory courses, so that by the time a rider finished Rider IV, they would have an excellent basis of horsemanship and earn a diploma.
In the end, we had the International Rider Levels for all riders, the Performance testing for comments, scores, and awards, as well as the Equestrian-4-Kids program for the children. Nevertheless, we did not stop there. The Pony Camp was created to try and tie the kids storylines together in a fun and exciting way. By the kids getting together in a group, they help each other out and drive each other forward to the finish line. Pony camp goes well with riding lessons, as the kids learn theory, have fun together and also can take their rider levels. If they are not ready for levels I to IV, the Young Rider program is perfect.
There are many awards to keep riders inspired and striving higher, progressing their riding. Riders can ride several horses to never become bored and to keep earning! The academy was not born out of vanity, but rather by the incessant need for a better horse world. We hope everyone can have fun and define their own learning curve with their horses. And to Mackenzie, we carry on in your name.
Faculty - All of the following people ride high performance and have attained wonderful achievements in the equestrian field.
International Certification Board - List of Judges:
Charlotte Trentelmen (USEF Senior Judge) Dressage
Anja Beran (Master of classical equitation) Dressage
Sandra Beaulieu (USEF judge and specializes in bridleless) Dressage
Dorita Peer (EC &, USEF Senior Dressage judge, COAI Master Coach, CCCP Level III, CSHA Senior Inspector, Dressage candidate, Bronze, Silver and Gold Certified Rider Awards) Judge for Show & Sport Performances, Rider Levels and Equitation
Lyle Jackson (National Reining Horse Association, FEI Reining (I) International Level, AQHA—American Quarter Horse Association, NRCHA—National Reined Cow Horse Association, APHA—American Paint Horse Association. ) Stock Performance
Melanie Patton (Equine Science diploma with honors with Equine Thesis, Classical Bronze medalist) Equestrian author, training with the Spanish Riding School
Special thank you to Andreas Hausberger, Rudolph Rostek, and all of the other riders at the Spanish Riding School who have been a wealth of knowledge, and so wonderful to work with. Also, a special thank-you to Jacqueline Oldham for helping us set up the system for the academy. With all of her years of experience and expertise we were happy to have her. Best wishes and rest in peace. Also in the past, we have had wonderful guest judges like Dr. Cesar Parra, Jacqueline Oldham, Linda Whetstone, Alison Hughes Martin, Suzanne Vogt, Robin Brueckman, Beth Hall, and Karen Robinson helped with kurs.
International Certification Board - List of Judges:
Charlotte Trentelmen (USEF Senior Judge) Dressage
Anja Beran (Master of classical equitation) Dressage
Sandra Beaulieu (USEF judge and specializes in bridleless) Dressage
Dorita Peer (EC &, USEF Senior Dressage judge, COAI Master Coach, CCCP Level III, CSHA Senior Inspector, Dressage candidate, Bronze, Silver and Gold Certified Rider Awards) Judge for Show & Sport Performances, Rider Levels and Equitation
Lyle Jackson (National Reining Horse Association, FEI Reining (I) International Level, AQHA—American Quarter Horse Association, NRCHA—National Reined Cow Horse Association, APHA—American Paint Horse Association. ) Stock Performance
Melanie Patton (Equine Science diploma with honors with Equine Thesis, Classical Bronze medalist) Equestrian author, training with the Spanish Riding School
Special thank you to Andreas Hausberger, Rudolph Rostek, and all of the other riders at the Spanish Riding School who have been a wealth of knowledge, and so wonderful to work with. Also, a special thank-you to Jacqueline Oldham for helping us set up the system for the academy. With all of her years of experience and expertise we were happy to have her. Best wishes and rest in peace. Also in the past, we have had wonderful guest judges like Dr. Cesar Parra, Jacqueline Oldham, Linda Whetstone, Alison Hughes Martin, Suzanne Vogt, Robin Brueckman, Beth Hall, and Karen Robinson helped with kurs.
"Awesome this is a fabulous program as a adult amateur I could not find out information on Dressage and the Academy has excellent information and access to world class Judges. You compete and progress on a Level that suits your life style." J. Reinson
~
"One of the reasons I love riding with the Academy is that little no one me, from small town Saskatchewan gets to have my ride marked, and more importantly gets helpful judges feedback from judges like Dr Cesar Parra. There is no other way that I would get an opportunity like that." D. Moodie
~
"I love the fact that I can school my horse at home and get expert opinions. I don't have to travel. I don't have all the extra fees with travelling and showing, and the best part is that it is personal. No one else watches me ride unless I want them too!" C. Johnson
~
"My daughter is a horse crazed nut! The Equestrian program is perfect for her. It gives her something to do that is still horse related. Love it and she loves it. Best yet she LOVES the ribbons." J. Korbinski
~
"I've saved $500 every year on insurance, just by having my coaching credentials! That alone pays for tuition in just a few years!"
~
"One of the reasons I love riding with the Academy is that little no one me, from small town Saskatchewan gets to have my ride marked, and more importantly gets helpful judges feedback from judges like Dr Cesar Parra. There is no other way that I would get an opportunity like that." D. Moodie
~
"I love the fact that I can school my horse at home and get expert opinions. I don't have to travel. I don't have all the extra fees with travelling and showing, and the best part is that it is personal. No one else watches me ride unless I want them too!" C. Johnson
~
"My daughter is a horse crazed nut! The Equestrian program is perfect for her. It gives her something to do that is still horse related. Love it and she loves it. Best yet she LOVES the ribbons." J. Korbinski
~
"I've saved $500 every year on insurance, just by having my coaching credentials! That alone pays for tuition in just a few years!"
WHAT DO YOU NEED?
Internet, Email
Horse (owned or borrowed), Grooming supplies, Tack, Riding attire pending on disciplines ridden
Coach (optional but suggested)
International Rider Levels are based on the following books, and the oral teachings of the Spanish Riding School.
Click here for a library of good books that are recommended but not required
Internet, Email
Horse (owned or borrowed), Grooming supplies, Tack, Riding attire pending on disciplines ridden
Coach (optional but suggested)
International Rider Levels are based on the following books, and the oral teachings of the Spanish Riding School.
Click here for a library of good books that are recommended but not required
Horse Information Record
Stay organized easily and quick with this handy little book that helps you keep track of all of your horse's information, from health records, feeding schedules, training schedules to performance records and more.
This book is designed so that you don't need a computer, and you can take this book everywhere your horse goes.
It will have your horse's complete history , which is vital for emergencies.
Don't let your horse leave home without it!
Click to get it on Amazon
Stay organized easily and quick with this handy little book that helps you keep track of all of your horse's information, from health records, feeding schedules, training schedules to performance records and more.
This book is designed so that you don't need a computer, and you can take this book everywhere your horse goes.
It will have your horse's complete history , which is vital for emergencies.
Don't let your horse leave home without it!
Click to get it on Amazon
Rider Levels (Adult education, minimum age 12 years)
Equine Science (Diploma) - Perfect for Riders, Trainers, Coaches (Certification), and Stable Managers Progressive levels increase in complexity Complete a level to unlock the next. Western is an option! Got experience? Challenge the Exams Click to see: Equine Canada, British Equitation tests, etc. Click for a chart Got credentials? Email us your transcript for credits transfer. Want to learn more about riding, horsemanship, and bio-mechanics to improve your skills? Want to get back into riding? Or just want to spend more time with your horse? Want to manage horse stables or have a career raising horses? Perfect for references, credentials and even for better insurance prices and protection. |
Equine Science Diploma
Special incentive to graduate with honors written on diploma, requires an 80% or higher average
All written exam passing grades are 60% or higher, All mounted test passing grades are 55% or higher
You will need certification in: Rider I, II, III, and IV, Work practicum of 50 hours (paid or volunteer - in horse industry), Choice of Classical or Western Dressage in Bronze I and Bronze II. Plus electives to equal 60 credit units (C.U.)
Elective Choices:
~ Equine Business - 1 credit
~ High Performance - 1.5 credits
~ Equine Sport Therapy - 1.5 credits
~ Horse Training - 2 credits
~ Coaching - 6 credits
~ Camp Counselor - 4 credits
Classical Silver, Gold - 2 credits each
Veteran Dressage Levels - 2 credits each
Silver III Western Dressage- 2 credits each
Sport or Stock Discipline Class - 1 credit each
Special incentive to graduate with honors written on diploma, requires an 80% or higher average
All written exam passing grades are 60% or higher, All mounted test passing grades are 55% or higher
You will need certification in: Rider I, II, III, and IV, Work practicum of 50 hours (paid or volunteer - in horse industry), Choice of Classical or Western Dressage in Bronze I and Bronze II. Plus electives to equal 60 credit units (C.U.)
Elective Choices:
~ Equine Business - 1 credit
~ High Performance - 1.5 credits
~ Equine Sport Therapy - 1.5 credits
~ Horse Training - 2 credits
~ Coaching - 6 credits
~ Camp Counselor - 4 credits
Classical Silver, Gold - 2 credits each
Veteran Dressage Levels - 2 credits each
Silver III Western Dressage- 2 credits each
Sport or Stock Discipline Class - 1 credit each
With the International Riding Academy Coaching program it is for LIFE!
This means cheaper insurance, less demands from other organizations, and lets your clientele know your credentials.
Because rider levels have a strong classical foundation to create the basis of all other levels, it is important to test in the higher rider levels to prove your riding ability, even with other qualifications, you may need to ride in some of the academy’s tests.
Already being a coach means that you will not have to take the apprenticeship or internship unless you want to for extra credit units.
INSURANCE FOR those who receive their COACH CERTIFICATION:
America: Equisure, Inc. 13790 E Rice Place, Ste 100, Aurora, CO 80015. 303-614-6961, 303-614-6967 (fax)
Canada: Intercity Insurance Services Inc., 15221 Yonge Street, Aurora, Ontario, Canada, L4G 1L8
Phone 1-905-841-8200, Toll Free 1-888-394-3330, Fax 1-905-841-0030 | info@intercityinsurance.com
This means cheaper insurance, less demands from other organizations, and lets your clientele know your credentials.
Because rider levels have a strong classical foundation to create the basis of all other levels, it is important to test in the higher rider levels to prove your riding ability, even with other qualifications, you may need to ride in some of the academy’s tests.
Already being a coach means that you will not have to take the apprenticeship or internship unless you want to for extra credit units.
INSURANCE FOR those who receive their COACH CERTIFICATION:
America: Equisure, Inc. 13790 E Rice Place, Ste 100, Aurora, CO 80015. 303-614-6961, 303-614-6967 (fax)
Canada: Intercity Insurance Services Inc., 15221 Yonge Street, Aurora, Ontario, Canada, L4G 1L8
Phone 1-905-841-8200, Toll Free 1-888-394-3330, Fax 1-905-841-0030 | info@intercityinsurance.com
PERFORMANCE TESTING BY VIDEO (aka Ride-a-Test)
(optional for CREDITS, EXPERIENCE, AWARDS) Ride against standard scores for awards in the privacy of your yard Coaches - Keep your clients inspired and host a 'video day' or 'virtual show' NO traveling costs, NO stabling, NO extra fees like at events & competitions. It is a unique opportunity to keep riding simplified and in the true art form that it was meant to be. Video your ride, upload it, and send us a link for grading, comments and ribbons. Aim for a medal! Rest assured that no one will see your test other than the judge and administration! AWARDS - DANISH RIBBONS (colors vary) based on scores (not who you beat!) Double flat ribbon (70%+), Purple ribbon (60-69%), Flat ribbon (<59.99%) Certificate of Titles of Achievement - Prove your horse's credentials, celebrate with awards! 60+% Classical, Veteran, or Western Dressage - (2 Test(s) or Test and Kur), OR 70+% any other discipline. EQUITATION MEDAL - Rider 4 - 60+% scores. There are different types of equitation classes. Classical or Veteran Dressage or Vaquero MEDAL - Horse and rider combination in Gold, Silver, Bronze also Bronze Western Dressage Medal |
For more information and the mounted tests, refer to Rider 1