Like many sports, horseback riding and other equine assisted activities provide challenges as well as reward.  For a rider with special needs, these challenges can be even greater.  NARHA (formerly, North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) was formed to establish safety standards, provide educational opportunities, and offer networking for its estimated 60,000 participants at over 800 member centers around the globe, serving riders with disabilities.

In order to ensure that riders at NARHA member centers are receiving safe and therapeutically beneficial riding lessons, NARHA has established a method of certifying each instructor's level of teaching ability through successful completion of a NARHA approved training course.  After completing the training course, candidates will take the NARHA Registered Instructor exam.

Candidates who successfully complete all training course requirements, and pass the NARHA Registered Instructor Examination, will be granted NARHA Registered Instructor status.  The NARHA Registered Instructor level provides certification for teaching riders with physical and cognitive disabilities.

Candidates who achieve a level of NARHA Instructor Certification status will be required to maintain NARHA Individual Membership, submit copies of current CPR and First Aid cards, and complete the required continuing education hours on an annual basis.  An Annual Compliance Form will be sent to instructors by NARHA.

Dream Catcher of L.A. will assist any of their dedicated volunteers by providing program study to achieve Instructor Certification.  The center will also award 1 free NARHA Registered Instructor Certification application per year.

For additional information regarding the NARHA Instructor Certification Program and NARHA Individual Membership, please contact the NARHA office at (800) 369-7433 or write to NARHA at P.O. Box 33150, Denver, CO 80233.  You can also visit them on line at www.narha.org.