Section 4: Maintaining
Current Instructors’ Standing and Updating
Section 4.1 Centered Riding Instructors are required to update in accordance with the following schedule in order to remain current and to be able to apply for upgrading.
Those who have been an active instructor:
From 1 – 6 years, must update every two years. Instructors must complete at least three updates and have paid membership dues for a minimum of six years to move to the next updating interval.
From 7 – 12 years, must update every three years. Instructors must complete at least two additional updates (for a minimum of five updates) and have paid membership dues for a minimum of thirteen years to move to the next updating interval.
From 13 – 20 years, must update every four years. Instructors must complete at least two additional updates (for a minimum of seven updates and have paid membership dues for a minimum of twenty years to move to the next updating interval.)
21 or more years, must update every five years. Instructors must update every five years and pay membership dues every year to remain at this updating interval.
Anyone who upgrades to the next higher level must update within two years of the approved upgrade.
(Update schedule revised from every two years and approved by the Board of Trustees on May 31, 2006 and amended on January 16, 2008 to include the minimum number of updates before progressing to the next level).
Any instructor who has not updated in two calendar years following the year of the initial Instructor Course or last upgrade or otherwise according to the above schedule (approved by the Board on May 31, 2006) shall be placed on inactive status effective January 1 of the subsequent year. While on inactive status all Instructor privileges are suspended, including the ability to advertise oneself as a Centered Riding® Instructor, teach Centered Riding Clinics and state that the instructor is a “Centered Riding Instructor.” In order to return to active status he/she must update and pay dues for the current year. This policy shall commence on January 1, 2000, and shall apply to all Centered Riding Instructors at all Levels. Exceptions to this policy for Instructors outside of North America shall be taken on a case by case basis. The Centered Riding Office will contact delinquent Instructors to advise them of their inactive status. Applications for upgrading will be rejected if the Instructor is not current.
Section 4.2 Instructor Dues
Payment of dues entitles the Instructor to an electronic subscription of Centered Riding® News (available from the website with a password (approved by the Board on March 19, 2008), a listing in the Centered Riding Annual Instructors Directory, and other membership services depending upon the Level. The Directory will list the number of Instructor Update Clinics and the year of the most recent one attended. Failure to pay dues will result in a loss of member services. Instructor Dues are due by November 1 of each year and are payable in US funds. (Following dues amounts voted and approved by the Board on May 31, 2006 and amended on March 19 to eliminate the foreign surcharge and implement a printed documents surcharge, and impose a reinstatement fee for any instructor member who does not pay dues by December 31 of any given year.)
Effective November 1, 2009 , the Dues amount for each Instructor standing are as follows:
- New Level I Instructor: $50
- Renewing Level I: $45 if postmarked by November 1/ $50 thereafter
- Renewing Level II: $60 if postmarked d by November 1 / $65 thereafter
- Renewing Level III: $85 if postmarked by November 1 / $90 thereafter
- Renewing Level IV: $110 if postmarked by November 1 / $115 thereafter
A late fee of $5.00 applies to any membership dues not paid by November 30.
Any instructor not paying membership dues by December 31 will be removed from the website on January 1 of the following year, and will be required to pay a reinstatement fee of $10 to be re-listed as a CR Instructor. There will be an additional charge of $10 for a Level I or II Instructor who wishes to receive a printed Directory. Level III and IV Clinicians will receive a printed Directory included in their membership dues. (Approved by the Board in 2006)
The following membership dues also apply:
- New Business Member: $90
- Renewing Business Members: $85 if postmarked by November 1/$90 thereafter
- New Supporting Members: $35
- New Rider Members: $35
- Rider Members who sign up and pay at a Centered Riding Clinic - $20 for the first year, $35 per
year thereafter. Time spent at the Centered Riding clinic in riding or body/groundwork will be counted towards the first rider achievement award. (approved by the Board on March 19, 2008)
The membership year for a Rider and Supporting Members runs from April 1 to March 30 of each year. Membership dues for Rider and Supporting Members include a printed directory. (approved by the Board on March 19, 2008)
4.2a A printed documents surcharge of $10 for U.S. members, $12 for members from Canada and Mexico and $20 for members from any other country will apply to all members desiring to receive a printed, mailed copy of the member newsletter. (Approved by the Board on March 19, 2008)
4 .2b There will be a fee of $25 (twenty-five dollars), payable in US funds, for any check on insufficient funds submitted to Centered Riding, Inc. Centered Riding Instructor privileges will be withheld until finances are rectified. (Addition approved by the Board on 2/5/2003)
Section 4.3 Instructor Record Books
Each Centered Riding Instructor shall be provided with a Record Book to record dates of updating,
payment of Dues, and other Centered Riding activities. The individual Instructor is then responsible for
keeping track of any activities related to Centered Riding and to get confirmation dated and signed by the
applicable Centered Riding Clinician. Activities should include all clinics and courses that relate to
improving teaching and body awareness. The Book is to be kept current by the instructor and shall contain
proof of dues paid (by applying the current year dues sticker in booklet) and attendance at update clinics
when applying for upgrading. It is the sole responsibility of the individual to obtain, keep, and maintain
his/her Record Book. Any discrepancies with the official database must be resolved by submitting
photocopies of the signed Record Book.
Section 4.4 Instructors Update Clinics
Instructor Update Clinics are four days in length and are designed to refresh and expand the knowledge of
Centered Riding Instructors in their own riding and teaching. Update Clinics provide an opportunity for
Centered Riding Instructors to network with each other and to share new ideas. The structure is the same
as the second half of a Basic Instructor Course including mounted instruction, ground exercises, and
practice teaching sessions. Update Clinics guide the Centered Riding Instructors towards a common path.
Section 4.4a Qualifications to Take an Instructors Update Clinic
Any Centered Riding Instructor who is current with dues payments [passed by the Board on May 31, 2006] may be a participating Instructor at an Instructors Update Clinic.
Section 4.4b Requirements for Satisfactory Completion of an Instructors Update Clinic
- All Instructors wishing to update must participate fully by teaching, riding, or driving (unless medically unable) for a minimum of three and a half of the four days of an Update Clinic. (passed by the Board on 9/12/2002 )
- Payment of dues for the current year. Credit for an update will not be recorded in an instructor's record if dues have not been paid. ( passed by the Board on May 31, 2006 )
Section 4.5 Alternate Means for Instructor Updating
In addition to the Instructor Update Clinics, Instructors are provided with an alternate means to update their
standing. This option may only be exercised every other update because it is strongly felt that the group experience at a regular Update Clinic cannot be underestimated. The alternate update cannot be used for the first update following the Level I Instructor Course or an upgrade to the next higher level. Instructors from all Levels may use the Alternate Update as a means to remaining current. ALTERNATE UPDATES ONLY SERVE TO KEEP AN INSTRUCTOR CURRENT; THEY ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE TOWARDS ANY UPGRADES. Candidates need to demonstrate that they have received the practice and experience equivalent to that of an Instructors Update Clinic in the following areas:
- Riding/integrating the Four Basics and Grounding
- Teaching
- Body work and/or un-mounted exercises
- New material
An Alternate Update form may be obtained from the Centered Riding Office. Send the completed Form to
the Office. The Level IV Committee Chair or designate will approve/disapprove the Alternate Update.
The Office will then send the updating Instructor a sticker to place in their Instructor Record Book as proof
of updating.
4.5a Alternate Update requirements can be satisfied by accruing points as follows:
Riding lessons (minimum of five points) from
a. A Level III Instructor (for Level I and II Instructors), for 1 point per hour with a maximum of 3 points
b. A Level IV Apprentice (for Level I, II, and III Instructors for 1.5 points per hour with a maximum of 3 points)
c. A Level IV Instructor (for all Levels) for 2 points per hour
d. A Clinician other than a Centered Riding Instructor for 1 point per hour with a maximum of 3 points
Level III and IV Instructors MUST receive at least 2 points of riding lessons from a Level IV
Instructor
Teaching Riding (minimum of four points)
a. Assisting at an Open Centered Riding Clinic, for 1 point per day (maximum of 3 points)
b. Assisting at a Centered Riding Instructors or Update Clinic for 1.5 points per day
c. Assisting a Level IV giving private lessons for 0.25 points per hour
d. Current Certification from an outside organization in teaching (for example ARICP, BHGS, EC,
USDF, CHA, etc.) for 2 points (please show proof of current certification)
Bodywork and/or Groundwork
a. Assisting at an Open Centered Riding Clinic, for 1.5 points per day
b. Assisting at a Centered Riding Instructors or Update Clinic, for 1.5 points per day
c. Lessons or workshops in various bodywork modalities (e.g., Alexander, Feldenkrais, yoga, t’ai chi,
etc.), points to be determined on a case by case basis [voted in by the Board on 10/30/03].
d. Attendance at a Centered Riding Symposium, for 1 point per day (maximum 2 points)
4.5b The different requirements (e.g., teaching and bodywork) may be met at the same event (as inassisting at a clinic).
4.5c Please note that the candidate is responsible for making his/her own arrangements with the Level IV Instructor and is responsible for any fees charged or expenses incurred for the time involved.
Sections 4.6 Maintaining Current Instructor Standing
ALL CENTERED RIDING INSTRUCTORS MUST PAY DUES ANNUALLY AND UPDATE ACCORDING TO THE UPDATE SCHEDULE TO REMAIN CURRENT. IT IS NECESSARY TO REMAIN CURRENT TO ADVANCE TO THE NEXT INSTRUCTOR LEVEL AND TO RETAIN CERTAIN PRIVILEGES IN ADDITION. Other requirements are as follows:
4.6a Level III Instructors may utilize a Level III/IV Update in place of an Instructors Update Clinic.
4.6b Level IV Instructors must update at a Level III/IV according to the update schedule, unless using an Alternate Update (see Section 4.5). In order for a clinic to be considered a Level III/IV Update the following conditions must be met:
- At least two Level IV Instructors must participate
- There must be a minimum of three participants total
- The clinic must last four days (this addition voted in by the Board on 9/12/2002)
4.6c Level IV Senior Instructors (those who apprenticed with Sally Swift) retain this standing for life. To remain current, Senior Instructors must participate in the Clinicians Update according to the update schedule unless using an Alternate Update.
Section 4.7 Renewing Lapsed Instructor Standing
If current standing has lapsed, paying Dues for the current year and attending an Instructors Update Clinic (or Clinicians Update as allowed) can renew it.
Section 4.7a Exceptions and Extensions
Current Instructor standing extensions, exceptions to updating requirements, and other exceptions may be
granted by approval of the Executive Committee of the Centered Riding Board of Trustees. Request for
exceptions and extensions must be made in writing.
Section 5: Teaching Basic Instructor Courses and Instructor Update Clinics
Only current Level IV Instructors may teach Instructor Courses and Instructor Update Clinics
Section 5.1 Assisting at a Basic Instructor Course and/or Instructor Update Clinic
The Level IV Instructor may choose any Centered Riding Instructor to be an assistant at a Basic Instructors
Course or Instructors Update Clinic. Permission to assist at a Clinic must be attained in advance from the
Level IV Instructor and the Organizer. All arrangements must be made directly with the Level IV
Instructor. The responsibility for teaching the Clinic remains with the Level IV Instructor.
Section 5.2. Responsibilities of the Level IV Instructor (approved by the Board on January 16, 2008)
- Level IV’s who teach instructor courses and update clinics must be up to date with current information for those courses
- Level IV Instructors who teach instructor courses and update clinics and write letters of recommendation must be available via email in a timely manner and take part in Level IV Committee discussions and voting.
- Level IV Instructors who teach instructor courses and update clinics must submit a clinic report to the office within ten days of the end of the clinic along with new instructor or update applications for each clinic participant. An extension may be granted, if requested, due to personal circumstances or extended travel.
- A report to the Grievance Committee will be filed if a Level IV Instructor fails to file a timely and
complete clinic report within thirty days of the end of a clinic. Repeated referrals to the Grievance
Committee will result in sanctions, including a possible suspension of a Level IV’s ability to teach Instructor and Update Clinics. (approved by the Board on July 16, 2008)
Section 6: Upgrading to Higher Instructor
Standing
Section 6.1 Requirements for Level I
through Level IV Standing
To upgrade to any standing, you must be currently updated and have paid Centered Riding dues for the
current year. Level IV Instructors giving letters of recommendation or evaluation forms must be current for
the year they are giving the recommendation. ALTERNATE UPDATES ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE
TOWARDS ANY UPGRADES; THEY ONLY SERVE TO KEEP AN INSTRUCTOR CURRENT.
6.1a Requirements for Attaining Level
I
Successful completion of the Centered Riding®
Basic Instructors Course (see CR Basic Instructor
Course).
6.1b Requirements for Attaining Level
II
1) Be an active riding instructor whose intent is to spread Centered Riding knowledge and skills
applied to the discipline(s) you teach
2) Have maintained the standing of Centered Riding Instructor Level I for a minimum of two years
3) Have updated at least two times (see Updating)
4) Demonstrate mounted bodywork
5) Demonstrate groundwork
6) Demonstrate application of Centered Riding principles to work with horse and rider
7) Demonstrate application of Centered Riding principles to your own riding, teaching, and use of self
8) Receive letters of recommendation or evaluation forms recommending upgrading from two Level IV Centered Riding Instructors or one Level IV Instructor and one Level IV Apprentice (approved by the Board on January 16, 2008. This change eliminated the exception for European Instructors who were previously allowed to submit only one Letter of Recommencation.
9) Submit an Application for Level II standing, a letter stating why the instructor wants to upgrade to Level II and a typed resume, accompanied by payment of the upgrade application fee in U.S. funds. Documents are to be submitted to the Centered Riding Office, in English, to be processed by the Applications Committee
10) Be approved by a majority vote of the Applications Committee
11) Additional suggestions for education
a) Participate in Open Centered Riding®
Clinics with and/or take lessons from Level
IV Instructors
b) Assist at Centered Riding® Clinics with
Level IV Instructors
c) Study various modalities of bodywork,
e.g. Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais, etc.
d) Study human and equine anatomy and movement
6.1c Requirements for attaining Level
III:
In addition to the above requirements for Level
II, Level III Candidates must meet the following:
1) Have maintained the standing of Level II for at least two years
2) Submit an Application for Level III standing, a letter stating why the instructor wants to upgrade to level III and a typed resume, accompanied by payment of the upgrade application fee in U.S. funds. Letters of Recommendation must be submitted from a minimum of two Level IV Clinicians. Documents are to be submitted to the Centered Riding Office, in English, to be processed by the Applications Committee.
3) Must assist teaching a minimum of two clinics under the supervision of a Level IV Instructor or be observed teaching a clinic by a Level IV Instructor and receive a positive recommendation from the Level IV Instructor
4) Receive a qualifying vote by the Level IV Committee. A minimum of six active Level IV
Instructors must vote in order for an Application to be processed. All Level IV’s will be sent the Applications. A minimum of 75% of those Level IV’s must vote in order for an Application to be processed. For an Application to be approved, 75% of those voters responding must vote affirmatively. (voted by the Board on 9/12/2002) In their decision, the Level IV Committee will include professional conduct in its considerations.
6.1d Attaining Level IV Apprenticeship
To attain the standing of Level IV, the candidate is required to complete an Apprenticeship with two
current Level IV Instructors and meet the following requirements:
1). Have held Level III standing for at least two years, and must have held the standing of Centered Riding Instructor at any Level for a total of six years
2) Have a Level IV mentor
3) Submit an application for consideration as a Level IV Apprentice with a letter stating why the instructor wants to upgrade to a Level IV Apprentice and a typed resume, accompanied by payment of the upgrade application fee in U.S. funds. Letters of Recommendation must be submitted from a minimum of two Level IV Clinicians Documents are to be submitted to the Centered Riding Office, in English, for approval by the Level IV Committee
4) A minimum of six Level IV Instructors must vote in order for an application to be processed. All Level IV’s will be sent applications. A minimum of 75% of active Level IV’s must vote in order for an Application to be processed. For an Application to be approved, 75% of those voters responding must vote affirmatively. (voted by the Board on 9/12/2002).
5) During the Apprenticeship, the following
must be completed:
a) Attend and participate in at least one Clinicians Update .
b) Work under and receive positive recommendations from at least two Level IV Instructors
c) Have personal experience in different modalities of bodywork, e.g. Alexander Techniques, Feldenkrais, etc.
d) Demonstrate proficiency in handling horses
e) Assist in a minimum of ten Centered Riding Clinics (at least thirty Clinic days), including Instructor Courses, Updates, and Open Clinics
f) Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of Centered Riding principles and their applications in various disciplines (both in teaching and in the Apprentice’s own riding and use of self)
PLEASE NOTE: COMPLETION OF CLINIC/TEACHING REQUIREMENTS DOES NOT
GUARANTEE ADVANCEMENT TO THE NEXT LEVEL. SINCE CENTERED RIDING IS A
PROCESS, CANDIDATES FOR LEVEL IV MUST REALIZE THAT THE CLINIC DAYS ARE
BUT ONE REQUIREMENT IN THE COMPLETION OF THE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM.
6.1e Attaining Level IV Instructor
Standing
A minimum of six Level IV Instructors must vote in order for an Application to be processed. All Level
IV’s will be sent copies of the Applications. A minimum of 75% of active Level IV’s must vote in order for
an Application to be processed. For an Application to be approved, 75% of those voters responding must
vote affirmatively. (voted by the Board on 9/12/2002) In its decision, the members of the Level IV Committee will consider but not be limited
to the following:
1) Suitability of the applicant as a representative
and teacher of Centered Riding®
2) Professional conduct
3) Horsemanship
4) Extensive growth and understanding of Centered Riding®
5) Ability to teach riders with a variety
of levels, limitations and interests
6) Ability to teach large groups of riders
effectively
7) Ability to teach and qualify Instructors
to teach Centered Riding®
Section 6.2 Applications
Completed applications for upgrading to a higher Instructor Level must be submitted to the Centered
Riding Office with the required documents and payment of the upgrade fee in U.S. funds. It is the Applicant’s responsibility to acquire the necessary letters of recommendation and
submit them along with the Application. Incomplete Applications or Applicants not in compliance with
Centered Riding Policies and Procedures will not be processed.
6.2a The Centered Riding® Applications
Committee will acknowledge, review, and vote on applications to
Level II. This Committee may authorize upgrading to Level II as applications are received. To be eligible for listing in the Directory, applications for upgrades to Level II must be submitted no later than December 31st of each year. Those instructors who are approved to upgrade to Level II prior to the printing of the Directory will be required to pay full amount of Level II dues. Those instructors who are approved to upgrade to Level II after the Directory has been printed and through August 30 will pay an amount equal to the additional amount due for Level II dues divided by the number of months left in the membership year. (Approved by Board of Trustees on March 29, 2006).
6.2b Applications for Advancement
to Level III, Level IV Apprentice and Level IV will be processed as received. Applications will be sent to all Level IV Instructors. Supportive documentation may be required. To be eligible for listing in the Directory, Applications for Upgrades must be received at the Centered Riding Office by December 31 of each year. Those instructors whose Upgrade Applications are approved prior to the printing of the Directory will pay the full dues amount of the Level for which the upgrade has been approved. Those instructors who are approved to upgrade after the Directory has been printed through August 30 will pay an amount equal to the additional amount due for the dues for the Level approved divided by the number of months left in the membership year.. (Approved by Board of Trustees on March 29, 2006).
Section 7: Instructor Privileges
All active Instructors of all Levels may attend and vote at the Annual Meeting
All active Instructors of all Levels may use the Centered Riding logo (please see below for exceptions and provisions) All active Instructors of all levels may teach and state that they teach Centered Riding Techniques.
Section 7.1 Active Level I Instructors
- May teach and advertise that you teach Centered Riding Techniques
- May not teach or advertise that you teach Centered Riding Clinics. If you teach clinics they must be under your own name, ‘Jane Doe Clinic'.
Section 7.2 Active Level II Instructors
- May give Centered Riding demonstrations and lectures
- May not teach or advertise that you teach Centered Riding Open, Instructor, or Instructor Update Clinics. If you teach other kinds of clinics they must be taught under your own name.
Section 7.3 Active Level III Instructors and Active Level IV Apprentices
- May teach and advertise Open Centered Riding Clinics
- May attend and participate in Clinician's Update Clinics
Section 7.4 Active Level IV Instructors
- May teach Centered Riding and Open Centered Riding Clinics of any length
- May teach Centered Riding Instructor Courses and Instructor Update Clinics
- May take Level IV Apprentices
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