United States Eventing Association

Education for All: Why You Should Get to Know the USEA Eventing Coaches Program

Education that can benefit everyone! Whether you’re a coach, student, or parent you should get to know the USEA Eventing Coaches Program (ECP).

What…

In January 2003, the USEA Instructors’ Certification Program (ICP) began after spending two years in production. The vision has always been to promote excellence in horse training, instructing, and coaching for the sport of eventing at all levels. The name was changed in recent years to better reflect the overall mission, which is much more than the certification process alone. We are committed to raising the standard of all eventing coaching at all levels, through outreach and education.

Who…

Coaches can become certified through the ECP at a wide range of levels that all coincide with competition levels. While they do not have to have ridden at the highest level they are certified to coach, part of the certification process includes providing verification of having students that have competed at the highest level that they wish to be certified. The ECP is taught and assessed by ECP Faculty Members and ECP Assessors.

Why become a certified coach?

It starts with safety then builds towards success. A coach can have a huge impact on both of those aspects, and they carry a great deal of responsibility in that role. Being held to a standard by becoming certified shows a commitment to their role as coach. It also offers recognition that they are seen by their peers as someone that not only teaches at a high standard but understands and follows the highest principles of horsemanship. The ECP develops professional relationships in an ever-expanding national network. The interaction among professionals promotes and aids in lifelong learning which is a core value within the ECP.

Why train with a certified coach?

Certified Coaches have taken the steps to show that they have proven their knowledge and teaching skills and therefore have credibility. Think of all the simple things in life that require someone to be certified in order to be seen as a professional—and yet in our high-risk sport that is not yet required. Because it is not required, there are many great coaches out there that are not certified but also many that are doing quite a lot of coaching that do not have the foundation and knowledge that is promoting safe and successful riding in our sport. We’re going to keep encouraging all coaches to participate in the ECP and become certified. If you’re uncertain whether your coach is helping you down a path of safety and success, there is a great resource that all USEA members have access to and that is the “USEA Eventing Handbook by the Levels.”

The Handbook was created as a guideline to show a clear progression through the levels for all three phases. It details specifics in a riders’ position and what skills they should be able to perform. So not only is the Handbook an invaluable resource for coaches, but also for any rider or parent to better understand the training process and how a good foundation is paramount. Each level builds upon the previous. That systematic process must be carried through all phases. The coaches need to be able to see and assess where the riders fit within that progression and must have the knowledge of what the progression is to help that rider get to the next level.

The program is all about growth—not just for the coaches but also for the committee to create more opportunities within the program. As a group, the committee has many exciting initiatives currently being pursued that we hope to implement within the next year.

One that is just now being rolled out is the ECP Ambassador Program. At competitions you will find information posted regarding any ECP coaches that may be available to assist a rider or answer any questions, including those from fellow coaches! Certified coaches will also be a little easier to spot in the warm-up areas as you will begin seeing credentials being worn.

Another endeavor involves working to utilize online content and digital media both to enhance and streamline the workshops as well as to provide continuing education to coaches. Some of which could be made available to the public in order to raise awareness and promote the best practices in training and while competing.

How?

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a coach or helping to encourage your own coach to start the process, the best start is to contact Nancy Knight ([email protected]) at the USEA. Candidate coaches can audit a workshop or jump right in and participate in one. Workshops are either dressage or jumping, and candidates are required to participate in one of each to be allowed to move on to the assessment. Another great ECP experience is the annual ECP Symposium. This year, it was held at Galway in Temecula, California. In 2026 the Symposium will return to Ocala, Florida, with more details available soon. Everyone is invited!

USEA Eventing Coaches Program (ECP)

Coaches are essential to the training of riders and horses for safe and educated participation in the sport of eventing. The USEA Eventing Coaches Program (ECP), formerly known as the Instructors’ Certification Program (ICP), was initiated in 2002 to educate all levels of eventing coaches with crucial training principles upon which they can continue to build throughout their teaching careers. ECP offers educational workshops and assessments by which both regular coaches, Level I through Level V, Young Event Horse (YEH) coaches, and Young Event Horse professional horse trainers can become ECP certified. Additional information about ECP’s goals, benefits, workshops, and assessments as well as names and contact information for current ECP certified coaches, YEH coaches, and YEH professional horse trainers are available on the USEA website. Click here to learn more about the USEA Eventing Coaches Program.

The USEA would like to thank Galway Downs, the United States Pony Clubs, and Strider for their support of the Eventing Coaches Program.