This certification is not for those, weak at heart. It requires a lot of
time, money, and energy for completion and success. But, its not
impossible, their standards are just very high.
For all interested, for 1996 they are offering more test centers, in order
to accomodate it closer to your home. The 1996 test centers are as follows:
Thursday, Jan. 18 Atlantic City, NJ
Saturday, Jan. 27 West Palm Beach, FL
Saturday, Feb. 3 Ft Washington, PA
Saturday, Feb. 10 Laconia, NH
Saturday, April 13 San Diego, CA
Saturday, April 13 Mount Pleasant, Michigan
Monday, April 15 Kent, CT
Wed, April 17 San Antonio, TX
Saturday, April 20 SpringField, ILL
Saturday, April 27 Denver, CO
Saturday, May 4 Hopkins, SC
Friday, May 17 Columbus, OH
Saturday, June 1 Laconia, NH
Wednesday, June 19 San Francisco, CA
*Tuesday - Sat., Nov 12- 16th Cherry Hill, NJ
Saturday, Dec. 14 Richmond, VA
Obviously, from the above list, its not just in NH any more.
I recommend that, if at all possible to attend the session in November. You
can attend as an auditor, for 1,2, or 3 days and meet and absorb valuable
information from top riders and people in the field. This year they hosted,
George Morris, Denny Emerson, Sally Swift, Linda Tellington-Jones, Jane
Savoie, and so many more, I could go on.....
This was my second year, I attended and it is quite the seminar, even if you
do not go for certification. I believe the cost for an auditor for the 3
days is $395, but don't quote me on it, if you are going for certification,
it is $695. Then, you have to consider your vacation time, and travel
expenses into the figure.
Not an easy task, financially, or time wise.
I, less recommend the one day testing for those of whom are unfamilar with
ARICP, as the comraderie, and experience you get in the November seminar, is
just as valuable as the certification.
I've connected with a national "horse attorney", whom works with my local
attorney to cover my "butt". I've meet instructors from all over the US and
all over the world. And, instructor friends that I keep in contact with for
info, ect.
What does the testing involve? There are many parts to the testing; Two
parts are take home tests - each test (one on General Horsemanship, one on
Teaching Philosophy) are 10 questions each, for a total of 20 written essay
questions. You have approximately two weeks to complete and send them back.
You must provide an organized video of yourself teaching at the level, you
are testing for.
At the test center, you will take a minimum of 3 additional tests or as many
as 7 or 8 depending on the level you are testing for. These tests involve
Horse knowledge, General Horsemanship, and a specialty area(s). There are
many specialty areas - Hunt, Dressage, Vaulting, Saddle Seat, Driving,
Distance Trail, ect. You also, have a personal interview.
I, hope this has answered some questions about ARICP and the program.
Please don't hesitate to forward more questions, I'll be glad to help out.
For ARICP information, write to ARICP, PO Box 282, Alton Bay, NH
03810-0282, or (603) 875-4000, tell Charlotte Kneeland, I sent you.
Celeste Othmer Brown
Pine Meadow Farm
(Promoting Morgans in Dressage & Competitive/Endurance Trail)
13 Veterans Road
Amherst, NH 03031
(603) 673-6311
email: cbrown@aimtech.com