Centered Riding Instructor Levels - What They Mean

The Levels refer only to the amount of experience an instructor has teaching Centered Riding techniques. A Level I instructor may be very experienced within their discipline but may be new to using Centered Riding techniques in their teaching. Centered Riding is not discipline oriented and we have instructors from most riding disciplines. For a full description of requirements for each Level and their responsibilities and privileges see our Centered Riding Instructor’s Handbook.

Level I

• Has successfully completed the 7-day Centered Riding Instructor Course
• May advertise that s/he is a Level I Centered Riding Instructor and teaches using Centered Riding techniques
• Must pay annual dues and participate in Update Clinics a minimum of every two years to remain current
• Is listed in our Annual Directory and on our website

Level II

• Has been a Level I instructor for a minimum of two years
• Has participated in a minimum of two Update clinics
• Received letters of recommendation from a minimum of two Level IV instructors (or I Level IV and 1 Level IV Apprentice)
• May give Centered Riding demonstrations and lectures to small groups in an informal setting
• May not teach Centered Riding clinics but may teach clinics under own name
• Must pay annual dues and participate at an Update Clinic within two years of Upgrade and then in accordance with CR’s Update intervals to remain current
• Is listed in our Annual Directory and on our website

Level III

• Has been a Level II instructor for a minimum of three years
• Has participated in a minimum of three Update clinics since becoming a Level II
• Received letters of recommendation from a minimum of three Level IV instructors
• May give Centered Riding Workshops and Seminars of any length and give CR lectures and Demonstrations
• May teach Centered Riding Open clinics which are listed on our website
• Must pay annual dues and participate in Update Clinic within two years of Upgrade and then in accordance with CR’s Update intervals to remain current
• Is listed in our Annual Directory and on our website

Level IV Apprentice

• Has been a Level III for a minimum of three years
• Has attended a minimum of two Clinician or All-Level Updates since becoming a Level III
• Must participate in a minimum of one Clinicians or All-Level Update during Apprenticeship
• Is a Level III apprenticing with at least four Level IV instructors
• In addition to the privileges of a Level III, may also provide one of the two letters of recommendation required for Instructors upgrading to Level II
• Must assist at a minimum of 40 clinic days which must include a minimum of two full 7-day Instructors’ courses and two separate Update clinics
• May take 1-2 years to complete the apprenticeship

Level IV

• Has successfully completed an apprenticeship with at least 2 Level IV instructors or with Sally Swift (Senior designation denotes those who apprenticed with Sally Swift)
• Teach Open Clinics, Instructor Courses, Instructor Update Clinics, Advanced Clinics which are listed on our website
• May give Centered Riding Workshops and Seminars of any length and give CR lectures and Demonstrations
• Take on Level IV Apprentices acting as their mentors
• Must pay annual dues and participate in a Clinicians or All-Level Update Clinic within two years of Upgrade and then in accordance with CR’s Update intervals to remain current
• Are listed in our Annual Directory and on our website