CERTIFICATE OVERVIEW

Whether you are into horses for leisure, vocation, travel or competition, you will be aware that there are a multitude of 'ways' to train horses. Sadly, a number of ways involve force, fear, intimidation and mechanics to secure a result.

IHI believe in the approach which uses communication, understanding and horse psychology to build a relationship with the horse to where there is mutual benefit and understanding between the human and the horse. You know as well as we do, that people can get a lot of 'things' done by fear and intimidation, but more often than not, the result is not good for the horse.

Leisure riders are often scared of their horses or of what their horses might do, even to the point where the rider stays in the confines of a "safe area" or maybe just walk and trot, but no canter, this does not have to be, IHI can help provide you with the knowledge and skill to overcome your fear and feel safe with your horse, step by step. Maybe you just need some basic skills and safety, Certificate I is for you. You might feel you would really like to delve into the horses mind and emotions, Certificate III would be great, or if you would like to be able to ride like the wind, play with your horse with no ropes or maybe rope off your horses back, then certificate IV is for you.

Competition riders, sometimes know they are not getting the maximum from their horse, which could be for many reasons. One very common reason is that the horse is looking for something more than 'just another competition event'. IHI can help you develop a better understanding, communication and foundation for your competition horse so he can really shine for you when you want him too.To head in competition with a superb advantage, Certificate IV is your goal!

The IHI Horsemanship System is structured through Certificates in a most logical, appropriate way for both you and your horse.

The Certificate Program is designed to help you advance through a ‘step-by-step’ process with measurable, achievable tasks along the way to allow you to monitor your progress. Whether you decide to study full-time, part-time or home study at your convenience, the outcome is the same, only the time to achieve the Certificate will change.

There are currently four Certificates, plus a Diploma and an Advanced Diploma which generally would be studied progressively, as each one is a pre-requisite for the next. Each certificate is competency based and so each of the tasks can be attempted as many times as required for you to be ‘certified’ as competent.

Do you remember sometimes at “school” you didn’t pass an exam or assignment or you did not achieve 100%?

Just think, if you had been given the chance to study a little bit more, and you got the chance to resit the same exam you probably would have passed or better yet - achieved 100%. Well, at IHI we believe you should be able to resit ‘exams’ so we have created a set of tasks which once you can perform them with competency, you will attain the Certificate, meaning you have learnt, practiced and shown you are 100% competent.

We also recognise that many people have a wide and varying experience level with horses and so we are more than happy to recognise your “prior learning”. Usually we would like to see you carry out the particular Certificate Tasks so we can confidently say you are competent – this way you will be helping keep up the standard of the Certificates and so the achievement will be all the more valuable.

Let me say, there is absolutely no requirement to ‘sit’ the tasks for a Certificate, it is voluntary, though if you wish to progress your Horsemanship and / or attend higher level courses, you might need to show us you are ready for such courses.

Please click on the Certificate of Interest below:

Certificate I – Safety & Basic Skill

Certificate II – Fun & Advancement

Certificate III – Friendship & Harmony

Certificate IV – Results & Refinement

Diploma – more horses more experience

Advanced Diploma – young horses, difficult horses, one horse higher level