About Us
Site Map
Our Sponsors
Contact Us

Videos (for Levels II and III)

Your video may be submitted on DVD or standard format VHS videotape. No small tapes without VHS converters, please.

The video must show that the instructor is capable of teaching a safe, organized and appropriate lesson at the level at which certification is sought. At the same time, it must be safe and appropriate for the student(s) and horse(s) selected for the demonstration lesson. This requirement is not to be construed as requiring that students jump a certain height of fence, for instance, but the instructor must select a subject that demonstrates his/her ability to teach at that level. Some specialties have specific requirements for the video lesson. (See the section on Specialties).

Your video is your opportunity to show the Panel just how good an instructor you are. You have time to prepare the lesson and choose the students and horses you will use. The video you submit should be an example of your best teaching.

We are not looking for professional video production, but we are looking for an individual who cares enough to think about his/her presentation and presents his video as required. Please don’t leave anything on this video which you don’t want to have evaluated by the Panel.

About Video production: While we don’t look for professional video production, the panel must be able to see, hear and understand your lesson in order to evaluate it fairly. Tell the camera person to show your student(s) most of the time so that we can see what your student is doing and the effect of your teaching. Taping at dusk or in poor light can make it impossible to see what happens. Wind, traffic noise or other background noise is magnified and can drown out your voice. Review your video and be sure it is clear enough visually and audibly to be evaluated fairly. We recommend that you keep a copy of the video you submit. That way, when you receive your video evaluations, they will be all the more effective and informative. ARICP does not return tapes or converter boxes or DVDs.

Format: In preparing your video, please do not exceed a time of 20 minutes, using the following format:

1. A brief introduction of yourself, the student and the horse.

2. A brief discussion by you, the instructor, giving:

A. Rider’s age, and level of riding ability.
B. Disposition, age and training of horse.
C. Lesson plan for this lesson.

3. A presentation of a mounted riding lesson.

4. A brief evaluation by you, the instructor, of the lesson and plan for the next lesson.

Lesson Topics and Levels: Refer to the section on the definition of levels and choose a lesson topic that will demonstrate that you are competent to teach at that level.

1. Your video must show a lesson at the highest level of certification you are applying for. Be sure your video shows that you are capable of teaching at the upper range of the level you are applying for. A Level III video should show work at the advanced level, and a Level II video should show work at the intermediate level.
2. Your video must show the specialty or specialties (Hunt Seat, Stock Seat, Dressage, etc.) for which you seek certification, i.e. in combined training, you must show a lesson relating to cross country jumping, as well as an ability to relate flat work to jumping.

Video Evaluation Criteria

The ARICP Panel will be looking for the following when evaluating your video:

Safety: Remember that safety is one of the primary considerations and that your video will be viewed with safety practices in mind.

Ability to Teach: The ability to teach riding is the ability to communicate clearly the skills and concepts necessary to ride.

Do you use your voice well?

Are your explanations clear?

Do you recognize your student’s ability and teach to the appropriate level?

Knowledge of the Subject: The Panelists will consider whether or not you have demonstrated a clear understanding of what you have chosen to teach. Please do not attempt to teach beyond your level of competency. Remember, your video and your lesson subject must demonstrate your knowledge of the level to which you are applying—i.e.: an applicant for Level III Hunt Seat must show a lesson relating flat work to jumping, suitable for riders who are capable of jumping 3' to 3’6". (Note: It is not required that riders actually jump 3' to 3’6" in this lesson.) A Level III in Dressage would show a lesson in half-pass, shoulder-in, flying change or other work at 2nd or 3rd level. A Level III candidate in Eventing must show a cross country jumping lesson suitable for Training or Preliminary and must also address importance of conditioning for this level. Level III Stock Seat candidates must show a lesson suitable for riders who are capable of competing in Western Horsemanship, reining or other performance events. (Lesson need not relate to competition, but must be taught to riders at this level.) Candidates for Level III Show Jumping must show a lesson suitable for rider(s) who are capable of competing in the Preliminary Jumper Division. Lesson must include relating flat work to jumping.

Remember that the video is your introduction to the Panelists. It is better to teach a simple concept well than to attempt to teach a more difficult concept not as well.

Work Accomplished: Evaluate your video by considering these questions: What were you trying to accomplish in this lesson? Were you successful? How will you approach your next lesson with this student?

Effect on The Horse: The ultimate objective of any teacher is to teach the rider to improve the horse’s behavior and training and its way of going. The lesson should demonstrate awareness and consideration for the horse and an eye for cause and effect. Does the horse get better or worse during the lesson?

Creativity: We want our lessons to be interesting and fun for our students. Consider the following questions as you evaluate your own video for creativity from the point of view of the Panelists.

Is it obvious that you thought about this lesson and know what you want to accomplish?

Have you provided creative solutions to your students’ riding problems?

Do you demonstrate an ability to communicate your requests and explanations clearly?

Are you a safe instructor?

Suitability for the Job: The Panelists are looking critically at your video to see if you have chosen a topic that is appropriate for your knowledge and abilities. They want to know that you thoroughly understand the concept you are teaching.

Personal Appearance: Your personal appearance reflects your professionalism. Neat, clean and appropriate dress is expected.

Discipline: It is important that you are in control of the class you are teaching. We expect you to provide the leadership your students need.

Remember: Videos must follow format to meet requirements!

We must be able to see and hear you clearly!

Please remember to submit standard VHS tapes or converter boxes with small tapes.