• a) Knowledge of benefits of therapeutic riding and basic medical terminology knowledge
• b) preparation of classes, lesson plans
• c) teach one on one
• d) record keeping
• e) Knowledge of disabilities accepted for therapeutic riding
• f) Knowledge of disability of rider in 5 week "Student Report"

Safety: is of paramount importance and will include safety int he barn; rider, volunteer and instructor attire; safety in the arena; incidents - policy and procedures; and fire/earthquake/tornado protocols.

Cost of Tuition

CanTRA's tuition system applies to all levels of certification. This allows candidates to budget for the cost of certification with specific timelines to submit pre-requisites and other required components. In this way CanTRA Head office can track candidates and plan technical evaluation and examinations throughout the country. The average candidate will take approximately two years to complete the process for CTRBI The cost of the CanTRA Basic Instructor is $1025.00. This can be paid in full or with a $205.00 deposit and the balance paid quarterly over one year. This tuition includes CanTRA membership for two years, the CanTRA Instructor Manual and Home Study (Basic) with review, the Technical Evaluation, the Exam, CanTRA Basic Instructor certificate and name badge

Requirements of the CanTRA Basic Instructor: upon application Certification requirements in chart format

• 1. Be a minimum of 18 years of age during the certification period.
• 2. Be a full CanTRA individual member.
• 3. Proof of Standard First Aid & CPR: St. John Ambulance or Ski Patrol course, Red Cross or equivalent
• 4. Proof of 100 hours experience with a CanTRA centre
• 5. Equine Canada Rider level - English 2, or Western 1 or Ponly Club C

Before applying for the Technical Evaluation:

• 1. Complete the Basic Instructor Home Study (formerly the CTRAI Home Study) and submit for review.
• 2. Attend a Preparatory CanTRA Basic Instructor Workshop (optional: strongly recommended)
• 3. Obtain 20 hours mentoring from a minimum CanTRA intermediate instructor or higher
• 4. Complete and submit a 5 week student report.

(Please note: All prerequisites must be complete and submitted prior to applying for the Technical Evaluation, no exceptions will be made)

Before applying for the Exam:

• 1. Review recommendations of the CanTRA Course Conductors from the Technical Evaluation and ensure the candidate has addressed all concerns/areas needing improvement.
• 2. Submit Final Student Report, if necessary.
• 3. Submit written exam under the supervision of an approved invigilator a minimum of 3 weeks prior to the scheduled exam date.

How do I find a CanTRA Centre?

Check the centre map on our website for a full list of member centres in your area.

What if I need help:

You will need a Mentor to guide you through the process of certification. Your mentor should be someone who has attained a level above the Basic Instructor. A mentor will assess your current knowledge and skills. If the mentor is associated with a CanTRA member centre in the candidates area, they can help to arrange the required 100 hours of on-site experience working in a therapeutic program setting. Mentors help by observing and critiquing lessons, reviewing lesson plans and student reports, discussing short term and long term goals and progression. Mentors also help to prepare candidates for their technical evaluation and exam, as they have done these themselves at some point in time. If a CanTRA certified mentor is not available, the you may be able to find a mentor in your area who is Equine Canada certified. They will be able to assist with much of the word associated with basic riding skills, lesson format, progression etc. However, you will need to spend some time with a CanTRA certified mentor to cover those areas specific to therapeutic riding programs. In this case, you may contact a member centre and as if you may spend sometime there working with one of their instructors or you may contact a certified mentor who will work with you by email and video. If you are in a remote area, strategies such as videos can be reviewed and expert in another part of the country who can view and provide you with feedback and advice.

Hands-on experience will always be the best method for learning.

Remember, our goal is to help you be successful