1. What is a USDF Dressage Development Seminar?
2. What is the Professional Development Pathway and Assessment?
3. What is a USDF Certified Instructor/Trainer?
4. How do I become a USDF Certified Instructor/Trainer? Where should I begin?
5. What levels of certification does USDF offer?
6. Is there a recommended reading list?
7. Is there additional education that I can do to help in my preparation?
8. How do I find out what Dressage Development Seminars, Professional Development Assessments, and Certification Exams are scheduled?
9. Can I attend a Dressage Development Seminar, Professional Development Assessment or Certification Exam that is outside my home region?
10. What does it cost to take an exam?
11. What is the FEI Instructor Program?

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What is a USDF Dressage Development Seminar?

These seminars are designed to provide a pathway for all members to further their dressage education (amateurs and professionals). They are geared towards a general audience and large group, and can feature demonstration riders. The optional second day is designed for a small group and features a hands-on education experience for participants. The curriculum if focused on riding/training, teaching and lungeing.

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What is the Professional Development Pathway and Assessment?

This new pathway is for those who are interested in certification and future professional development. Those participating in this pathway will have access to advisors and additional resources to help guide them on their journey to certification. For professionals at various levels, the new path makes certification more accessible. Attendance at a Professional Development Assessment is required before attending a certification exam.

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What is a USDF Certified Instructor/Trainer?

A USDF Certified Instructor/Trainer is someone who has been certified by USDF in the areas of Riding/Training, Lungeing of the Horse, Lungeing of the Rider and have successfully passed a written and verbal exam. Each Certified Instructor is a current USDF Participating Member, submits 16 hours of continuing education hours annually, has completed a course in First-aid and stays current with Safe Sport training, and signs our program’s code of conduct annually.

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How do I become a USDF Certified Instructor/Trainer? Where should I begin?

If you are interested in becoming a certified instructor, it is suggested you first submit an application for the Professional Development pathway and review the reading list.   While attending in a Dressage Development series in not required, it is a good starting point to become familiar with the programs curriculum.   Attendance in a Professional Development Assessment is required before attending a certification exam.  You can find Dressage Development Seminars, Professional Development Assessments and Certification Exam that are scheduled throughout the country on the USDF Education Programs & Events Calendar.

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What levels of certification does USDF offer?

The USDF Instructor Certification Program offers certification in three categories:

• Certified Instructor/Trainer: Training through First Level
• Certified Instructor/Trainer: Second Level
• Certified Instructor/Trainer: Third through Fourth Level
• FEI Certification – FEI A and FEI B

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Is there a recommended reading list?

Yes, you can find the complete list here. USDF recommends that Dressage Development attendees, Professional Development participants and certification candidates begin with the USDF Lungeing Manual, the USDF Teaching Manual, and the USDF Training Manual (Classical Training of the Horse) as a starting point. These manuals are the basic curriculum for the program.

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Is there additional education that I can do to help in my preparation?

Yes. Visit USDF Online Education for in-depth learning modules specific to the program. Dressage Development seminars attendees are encouraged to complete the modules for Principles of Teaching, Classical Training and Lungeing. Professional Development participants and certification candidates are required to complete these modules, along with modules for Seat and Position, Rider Aids, a Sports Psychology.

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How do I find out what Dressage Development Seminars, Professional Development Assessments, and Certification Exams are scheduled?

The complete schedule for Dressage Development Seminars, Professional Development Assessments or Certification Exams can be found on the Education Programs & Events Calendar.

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Can I attend a Dressage Development Seminar, Professional Development Assessment or Certification Exam that is outside my home region?

Yes, you can attend any Dressage Development Seminar, Professional Development Assessment, or Certification Exam that is on the schedule.

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What does it cost to take an exam?

The fees for taking the Certified Instructor Final Exams are:

• Training – First Level Exam is $1,200.00
• Second Level Exam is $1,200.00
• Third – Fourth Level Exam is $1,200.00

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What is the FEI Instructor Program?

The FEI Instructor Program is geared toward instructors at the PSG through Grand Prix Level. There are very specific requirements, including an application process, for being accepted into the program. Those interested in this program are not required to be previously certified. Visit the website or contact the program liaison for more details on this program.

For further information on the Instructor/Trainer Program and Instructor Certification, visit the website or contact the program liaison.

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