United States Eventing Association

USEA’s Eventing Coaches Program (ECP) is a vital program for the future of eventing in the U.S. The ECP strives to educate coaches to improve safety, horse welfare, and enjoyment in eventing.

Certification is a means that can be used to prove adherence to best practices, a key component for the future health and longevity of our sport. Educated coaches contribute to safety. Safety is directly connected to success and enjoyment. Enjoyment means more riders will want to participate. Certified instructors contribute in a concrete and meaningful way to the long-term credibility and survival of our sport in this country.

One of the primary focuses of ECP education is to establish a progressive approach to teaching and coaching. The "USEA Eventing By the Levels Handbook" is an excellent resource for creating a systematic approach to developing horses and riders. It serves as a guideline for helping riders understand the requirement and expectations at every level and serves as an excellent resource in determining the appropriate level of competition for a horse/rider pair. Think of the Handbook as a checklist for preparedness and a guide for thorough coaching.

The USEA Eventing By The Levels Handbook

By choosing a certified coach, one is choosing someone who has proven their commitment to the education and safety of riders, the welfare of horses, and the betterment of the sport. These are professionals who maintain high standards for their teaching and horse care and honor their commitment to the development of eventing in the U.S. Certified coaches have gone through in-depth workshops and a rigorous assessment process. They must prove their knowledge through a written test, teaching lessons in all three phases, and undergo a horse management examination. Once certified, continuing education is required. Certified coaches must also maintain CPR and First Aid training and be properly insured, among other requirements.

Although the ECP encourages coaches to adhere to a foundation of classical principles and methodology, coaches are not expected to teach in a certain way. Coaches are asked to teach using a framework that contributes to safe, methodical learning. There is an emphasis on clear communication and planning, addressing pertinent basics, choosing appropriate exercises, and helping riders understand the requirements of their level of competition.

Now, more than ever, it is important for all of us to do all that we can to promote the sport of eventing. Certified coaches contribute, in an objective way, to the long-term credibility and professionalism of our sport and create unity. The more united we are in our efforts toward improved safety and horse welfare and in creating the best possible experiences for riders, the better we are doing for our sport.

The ECP is aiming to make certified coaches available at events. If you are at an event without a coach, look for the ECP sign-up sheet at the secretary and look for ECP certified coaches who are wearing badges identifying themselves. Coaches will help you as they are able if you need a bit of advice or a course walk. Coaches will have their own fee structure for the service and their own schedule for their regular students but they will be “around” and can serve as some extra support on the day.

What else is going on with ECP this spring?

March 16-18 Teaching of Dressage Workshop

Destination Farm - Dickerson, Maryland

April 14-16 Teaching of Jumping Workshop

Destination Farm - Dickerson, Maryland and Loch Moy Farm - Adamstown, Maryland

May 4-6, 2026 ECP Final Assessment

Pendragon Stud Equestrian Center - Larkspur, Colorado

Upcoming ECP Workshops + Assessments

There are a number of grants available to assist with involvement in the ECP

USPC Eleanor Brennan Memorial Fund. USPC members may be eligible for these grants, which cover the fee to attend ECP Workshops.
Application

The Cindy Burge Memorial ECP Grant is offered each year by the USEA’s Adult Rider Program. More information

The Broussard Charitable Foundation Trust Going Forward Grants
More information

To keep up with what is happening with ECP, please follow along on social media. You will find current news, workshop and assessment dates, and information about opportunities with certified coaches. Additionally, there are answers to many of the questions you might have about the program. If you have questions about ECP, please contact us through social media, and we will post answers. These pages are not only meant for certified coaches. All coaches, riding schools, pony clubs and riders should follow.

• ECP Facebook page

• ECP Instagram page

How to find out more about certification?

• Eventing Coaches Program (ECP)

• ECP Certification Information
  
  About the 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 Marshall+Sterling Equine Insurance, Stable Secretary, Strider, and the United States Pony Clubs, for their support of the Eventing Coaches Program.