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CanTRA Coach Certification Information

What is CanTRA Certification? The Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association administers an internationally recognized instructor certification program. We train instructors to teach in therapeutic riding centres across the country and offer four levels of certification - Assistant Instructor (CTRAI), Intermediate Instructor (CTRII), Instructor (CTRI) and CanTRA Coach. CanTRA Coach CanTRA has now implemented a fourth level of certification, designated CanTRA Coach. This is available to instructors having a CTRI certification (completion of the Equine Canada (EC) Coach 1 – English or Western – plus the CanTRA portion). A CanTRA Coach certificate will be granted to instructors after completion of a set of tasks which they will be required to accomplish within a maximum 3-year period. Five years experience for a part-time CTRI and 3 years if full time. The CTRI level that is granted by passing the Provincial Basic Instructor level (and the CanTRA exam) will not be eligible for the CanTRA Coach certification. CanTRA Coach will only be granted to those with an EC Coach 1 certificate (English or Western) or International Certification Passport. CanTRA Coach Tasks Mandatory: Select and train therapeutic riding horses Arrange team work with specialists Train potential CanTRA CTRAI’S, CTRII’s and CTRI’s (organizing training clinics and teaching training) Organize updating lectures for your program Interview, or assist with the interviews, of prospective riders Attend updating clinics locally, nationally (internationally). Updating hours for Coaches are 20 hours every 3 years. Additional technical skills: 1 or more of the following: (a) longreining horse and rider for Hippotherapy; (b) driving for persons with a disability; (c) remedial educational voltage Organize competitions, games days (locally and/or provincially) Take an active part in your Provincial or National Therapeutic Riding Association Serve as an ambassador for CanTRA’s aims and objectives Optional: Participate in the administration of a therapeutic riding program. Coach candidates who have not had the opportunity to participate in the administration of a program should present proof of their level of involvement at their centre. Assist new centres to set up their program (this can include on-site training). Further your education by taking additional courses, e.g. sign language, Communication/ Rehabilitation with persons with sight impairment or other courses given by a community college or university. Provide outline of course. Act as a Mentor for Rider Levels 1 and 2. Achieve the EC Coach 2 certificate. Advanced First Aid certificate. What if I Need Help? During the process, if you're having trouble finding someone to give you feedback, mentor you, etc., you can contact the CanTRA office and we'll connect you with someone who can help you. If you are in a remote area, we can also use strategies such as videotaping, so an expert in another part of the country can "watch you" and provide you with feedback and advice. How to Register A CanTRA Coach Task Completion form can be obtained from the CanTRA office and completion of all tasks should be signed by the Program Co-ordinator or Board Member (or a CanTRA Examiner if other not possible). Enquiries can be directed to the CanTRA office, (519) 767-0700 or by e-mail at ctra@golden.net for the attention of the Certification Committee.