USAWE Professional Instructors Program

The USAWE Professional Instructor (PI) Program is designed to identify, recognize, and support highly qualified instructors in the sport of working equitation. The program ensures that instructors possess the education, experience, ethical standards, and ongoing professional development necessary to provide quality instruction while promoting horse welfare and the integrity of the sport.

To become a Professional Instructor, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old and a current USAWE member.
• Carry equine liability insurance.
• Sign and follow the USAWE Code of Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Social Media Policy.
• Pass a rules examination with a score of at least 90%.
• Complete a comprehensive application demonstrating instructional experience, competition experience, educational training, and professional references.
• Participate in an oral interview and gain committee approval.
• Continue meeting annual renewal and continuing education requirements.

Professional Instructors are expected to remain active in learning and professional development through clinics, seminars, competitions, judging activities, outreach events, safety certifications, and other educational opportunities. They must earn at least 15 continuing education credits annually to maintain their status.

The program also includes four instructor divisions (Basic, Medium, Advanced, and Masters) that recognize instructors based on their teaching experience, competition results, and demonstrated expertise.

What Is a Professional Instructor?

An experienced, educated, and dedicated working equitation instructor who provides high-quality instruction, promotes horse welfare and ethical practices, demonstrates proven competition and training experience, participates in ongoing professional development, and meets USAWE standards for knowledge, professionalism, and teaching ability.

A Professional Instructor is expected to:

• Teach riders of all levels effectively and safely.
• Possess a strong understanding of working equitation rules, techniques, and competition standards.
• Maintain professional liability insurance and ethical conduct.
• Continue learning through clinics, seminars, certifications, and educational programs.
• Support and promote the growth of working equitation within the United States.
• Serve as a positive representative of USAWE and the sport.
• Prioritize the welfare of horses and the safety of riders.
• Demonstrate professionalism through experience, education, leadership, and community involvement.

Key Characteristics of a Professional Instructor

• Knowledgeable – Understands working equitation, horsemanship, competition rules, and rider development.
• Experienced – Has practical teaching, riding, competition, and training experience.
• Professional – Follows ethical standards, maintains insurance, and acts responsibly.
• Educated – Participates in continuing education and professional development.
• Safety-Oriented – Promotes rider and horse safety through training and certification.
• Dedicated to Horse Welfare – Places the well-being of horses at the center of instruction and decision-making.
• Community Leader – Helps educate others and grow the sport through outreach and mentorship.

In short, a Professional Instructor is not simply someone who teaches riding; they are a recognized professional who demonstrates expertise, ethical conduct, continual learning, leadership, and a commitment to both rider success and horse welfare.