Becoming a Certified Instructor
The Connected Riding organization acknowledges that many of the people coming into Connected work or who are seeking to become a certified CR representative, bring with them years of work with horses, and/or professional service in the equine related industry. We honor this expertise; however, it is not to be compared or confused with one’s expertise in Connected work.
One may be a long-time riding instructor, and yet, be a novice in Connected riding and training methods. Only the CR organization can certify CR instructors. All CR instructors participate in CR continuing education and mentoring to keep their teaching and riding skills current. All instructors and PITS pay annual dues to the CR member organization.
Pathways to becoming a Certified Instructor
SCRT 101: Postural Foundations for Finding Connection
| Days | 5 days |
| Tuition | $1,350.00US / $1,375.00USD outside of U.S.A. |
| # of Seats | 6 – 10 students |
| Description | This course addresses the rationale and philosophy for the “Connected” method: Biomechanics of movement in horse and rider including body awareness for riders, Connected Riding postures for horse and human, equipment use, and introduction to Connected Riding from the “inside out.” The key application taught in this course is learning how and why to balance the human body in neutral posture, and experience this difference in working with horses from the ground and saddle. |
| Details | Horses required, either student’s or on-site when available. There will be hands-on horse work that includes riding and groundwork. Includes training workbook. |
| Prerequisites | SCR 100 or comparable preparatory work, approved by course instructor. |
| Instructor | Peggy Cummings or Certified Instructor |
| Offerings | Yearly. Check for offerings on the CR website calendar or inquire at info@connectedriding.com |
| Time frame | Course participants are required to practice their skills for a minimum of 6 months to 1 year before taking the next course, the SCRT 102. The more time spent working under the guidance of a CR Instructor, the better the learning outcomes. |
| Sign me up | Click here for the SCRT 101 application form |
SCRT 102: Applying Connection Basics
| Days | 5 days |
| Tuition | $1,350.00US / $1,375.00USD outside of U.S.A. |
| # of seats | 6 – 10 students |
| Description | The SCRT 102 continues the intensive overview of Connected Riding applications.This course is devoted to in-depth learning about Connected Movement, learning styles, applications of Connected Groundwork and how it affects work under saddle. Additionally, there is a continued development of Connected Riding skills. |
| Details | Horses required, either student’s or on-site when available. There will be hands-on groundwork and riding. Includes training workbook. |
| Prerequisites | SCRT 101 |
| Instructor | Peggy Cummings or Certified Instructor |
| Offerings | Yearly. Check for offerings on the CR website calendar or inquire at info@connectedriding.com |
| Time frame | Course participants are required to practice their skills for a minimum of 6 months to 1 year before taking the next course, the SCRT 103. The more time spent working under the guidance of a CR Instructor, the better the learning outcomes. |
SCRT: Becoming an Instructor
| Days | 4 Hours – 2 hours, 2 days |
| Tuition | $250.000US / $260.00USD outside of US |
| # of seats | 4 – 10 students |
| Description | Online Zoom meetings |
| Details | Learn how to: – Document Connected work through case studies, – participate as a member of the CR instructor community, – receive tips for marketing and business building as a CR representative, and – access resources and tools available to CR instructors through the organization. This will include a course summary with appropriate reminder documents. |
| Prerequisites | SCRT 102 |
| Instructor | Susan Cook, Sandy Weller and other Certified Instructor staff |
| Offerings | Yearly. Check for offerings on the CR website calendar or inquire at info@connectedriding.com |
| Time frame | Prior to SCRT 103. |
SCRT 103: Synchronizing Horse and Rider
| Days | 6 days |
| Tuition | $1,550.00US / $1,580.00USD outside of U.S.A. |
| # of seats | 6 – 10 students |
| Description | The SCRT 103 continues the in-depth learning of Connected Riding applications. This course adds more horse work: work in-hand and riding. There is more focus on how to teach others how to synchronize horse and rider from the ground and under saddle. |
| Details | Horses and riders must be fit enough to jog in-hand and be able to ride twice a day. It is important that each person has 2 horses available to work with during the course. Includes training workbook. |
| Prerequisites | SCRT 101 and 102: It is expected that each participant has a working knowledge of the concepts and applications from the previous coursework. SCRT 103 is by invitation and application only. This course is intended for serious and advanced riders as well as those who excel in teaching riding who are committed to Connected Riding as their primary mode of riding and teaching. This includes those who are considering the CR instructor path, who value our mission and our code of ethics. |
| Instructor | Peggy Cummings and a CR Certified Instructor |
| Offerings | Check for offerings on the CR website calendar or inquire at info@connectedriding.com |
| Time frame | Course participants practice their teaching skills, do their required CR case studies and prepare for certification course with their mentors. |
SCRT 104: Instructor Certification Exam
| Days | 1 day |
| Tuition | $500.00US / $520.00USD outside of U.S.A. |
| # of seats | 2 students teaching as a team |
| Description | Final exam for certification- taken after case studies are completed, approved, and a recommendation is made for the exam to be given. |
| Details | Must come with a student with a horse for the practical exam. Includes training workbook for the SCR 100. |
| Prerequisites | SCRT 103 course and recommendation of the mentor. |
| Instructor | Peggy Cummings or a CR certified instructor |
| Offerings | Yearly, privately scheduled |
| Time frame | Upon approval of case studies and recommendation of the mentor. |
Post certification
All CR instructors participate in ongoing CR continuing education and mentoring to maintain their teaching and riding skills. Instructors are a part of a close-knit international teaching community with a variety of seasoned expertise under the supervision of Founder, Peggy Cummings.
For more information, please contact info@connectedriding.com.