PATH (formerly NARHA) Therapeutic Riding Instructor, (riding pattern)

[nhsovacool]

Dear Roni and Barbara,

Hello! I just wanted to let you know that just today , I learned from PATH International (formerly known as NARHA) today that I passed the riding portion of the test (via video submission) . I am very thankful and grateful. I am now a Therapeutic Riding Instructor! Thank you for your support and kind words, I wish you both the very best.

[rpdesign64]

Wow, crazy week, sorry for the delayed response. Thank you so much for sharing all this information. Do you mind terribly if I ask what your score was for the riding portion?

[nhsovacool]

Hi Roni,

Actually, there isn't a numerical score, just a "pass" or "fail". Unfortunately, mine was a "fail." They did have a comment area where they could critique me.

[rpdesign64]

Wow, how intense! Now I'm more nervous about my upcoming test. I truly think you should have passed. What didn't they like, if you don't mind my asking?

[nhsovacool]

Hi Roni,

Thank you for your comment (I truly wish I could have passed too), but it is what it is. I am thankful for the opportunity to submit a video. Here is what happened during my test. You are assigned a horse. When I went to interview the staff about the personality of the horse, I was told that she was a stubborn horse, that you couldn't talk 'firmly' to the horse, and that you couldn't use the crop past the girth belt. (continued)

[nhsovacool]

(continued). I had also called the center about a month previous to the test and ask if we could bring a crop and spurs and use them if we needed to. I was told that yes, I could bring my crop, but that it wasn't recommended that I bring spurs or use them there. I had to groom my horse and get her ready. That went fine. I have only ridden in a western tack, however, the center uses all English safety irons and leathers with their saddles (weather they are Western or English). Cont.

[nhsovacool]

Continued... It was my inexperience that caused me to be uncomfortable using English stirrups and leathers with the Western saddle I used.  It seemed to be a very different 'feel' to not have "fenders" for the stirrups and English leathers that pinched my legs when I rode. Also, I wasn't able to get the horse to trot or lope. This may have been due to my inexperience also. I did use my voice, my seat, my legs/feet , my hands (and my crop) and I still couldn't get her to trot or lope.

[nhsovacool]

Continued... So I requested another horse to use. This is something that is acceptable to be done. The horse that they had tacked up and ready to go for me had a Western saddle (with English leathers and safety irons) that was, unfortunately for me, too large for me. I could place my palm down in the seat (not the cantle or the swell) in front of and behind me. I felt unsure of what to do or say, because I was the very last rider and I had already caused some lateness because I had ...

[nhsovacool]

Continued... requested a change of horse. Perhaps it was due to my frustration, my anxiety and nervousness and also my inexperience, but I had a very difficult time maintaining my balance in the saddle of this horse during a trot and lope. I had a friend videotape me during this part, and I did look much more anxious than in my earlier video post, and I made an two transition errors (turned the wrong way coming out of a lope to a trot) and completing one of the diagonal passes. (Cont)

[nhsovacool]

Continued... It wouldn't have been in my best interest share my concerns about the horse's personality (first horse), the difference in tack (use of both English and Western together) and the 2nd horse that I used with a saddle that was too big for my body size. Also, there may be techniques I could have used that may have helped me better if I were a more experienced rider. I realize that 5-6 months is a very short time considering the life long equestrians/NARHA instructors...

[nhsovacool]

Continued...that were judging and critiquing me. I am thankful for the opportunity that I did pass the teaching portion and that I have the opportunity to send in a video of the riding portion. I am thankful that I will be able to use a saddle that will fit me, tack that will be all Western, and a horse that I am more familiar with.

[nhsovacool]

Continued... If I could have (or perhaps may have to in the future) re-done this portion at an on-site test location, I would recommend calling the center ahead of time to ask if your own Western or English tack could be used (so that it fits you well) and hopefully fits your horse too (just as important) and ask to bring spurs or crop if you are accustomed to using them. I know that based on the facility's regulations, it may be acceptable to bring your own horse as well.

[nhsovacool]

Continued...

Best wishes and may your ride be awesome and blessed!

[rpdesign64]

HI- so did you pass?

[nhsovacool]

When I had posted this video, it was just a few days before I traveled to the Chicago area to take the class and tests. The class/test was Feb 23-26, 2011. For the testing components, I failed the horse riding portion and passed the lesson teaching portion. NARHA notified me via letter (which arrived today) that I will be able to submit a video of my riding (not greater than 5 minutes for the pattern) and warm-up (not greater than 10 minutes). I have 12 months to re-submit. (continued)

[nhsovacool]

(cont. post) Also, I need to submit: (1) A copy of the letter from NARHA, (2) The video checklist, (3) copy of membership card with NARHA, (4) copies of current CPR/First Aid certifications, & (5) a $65 re-submission fee. The video also must present the pattern & warm-up with an ASTM/SEI helmet (NARHA standard P12), & use stirrups &/or footwear that meet NARHA Standard P13. In addition, the arena must meet the requirements listed in NARHA Standards & Accreditation Manual.

[nhsovacool]

Also, all gates are to be securely closed during the session. In addition, the video must be clearly visible and clearly audible. An introduction of the rider, his/her name and the horse shown. It is noted that one should keep a copy of my videotape/DVD and understand that the submitted videotape/DVD will not be returned to me by the NARHA office. 

[barbaraannsmith]

You are amazing. I would love to get the NARHA therapeutic riding instructor certification since I am an OT and have the AHA certification, but I find it too difficult to learn the equestrian skills (even though I had a great instructor).

Barbara

Horseot.com

[nhsovacool]

@barbaraannsmith

Hello Barbara,

You can do it! 10 years ago (or even 15 years ago when I graduated from OT school) I would have never imagined that I would be working with horses and a mostly-peds based caseload! My specialty area was geriatrics early on in my career. Needless to say, many changes have prompted to lead me to my current job and love of what I do! All the credit goes to God!

Best wishes to you!

Heidi