Trainer Certification: Building a Safer, Smarter Future

Trainer certification is one of the most complicated—and most important—topics in our sport. At UDJC, we believe that trainers should be properly educated and certified. This isn’t about bureaucracy or titles; it’s about protecting riders, protecting horses, and setting the sport up for long-term success.

We want to start by saying this: most trainers out there are doing a fantastic job. They are passionate horsemen and women who dedicate their lives to teaching, mentoring, and keeping riders safe. Without them, none of us would be here. We deeply appreciate the countless hours they put in—the long show days, the lessons in all weather, the responsibility of caring for both horse and rider. These trainers are the backbone of the equestrian community, and UDJC has enormous respect for their work.

But here’s the truth: not everyone teaching lessons today should be doing it. Some lack the necessary depth of experience. Others may have gaps in their own education that show up in their students’ riding. And in a sport as dangerous and complex as ours, that’s not acceptable. When you’re putting kids on thousand-pound animals, there is no room for unqualified instruction. The consequences are too high.

That’s where certification comes in. For us, it’s not about punishing the good—it’s about identifying and helping those who need more education, while setting a clear standard that everyone can trust. The goal is simple: raise the floor without limiting the ceiling. Great trainers will continue to thrive, and those who need development will have a path to grow. But if someone refuses to learn or isn’t capable of providing safe, correct instruction, then we have to be honest—they don’t belong in the role of trainer.

Of course, in these first seasons of UDJC shows, there are no “UDJC-certified” trainers yet. It would make no sense to exclude dedicated horsemen just because the system is still being built. That’s why our first step is the UDJC Approved Riding School program. This brings structure and accountability into lesson barns and ensures that kids learn in environments where standards matter.

From there, the path gets bigger. Step two will be structured trainer education and certification. Over time, we’ll introduce multiple levels—beginner instructor, advanced competition coach, and eventually, UDJC Master Trainer through a three-year professional academy. The model is clear: just like in Europe, where professional trainer education has raised the bar for generations, we want to create a system here that is respected, consistent, and accessible.

Certification will mean more than passing a test. It will mean being part of a living, breathing network of professionals. Trainers will be supported through clinics, mentorship, workshops, and continuing education. They will grow together and keep each other sharp. A “UDJC Certified Trainer” won’t just be a title—it will be a seal of quality, a reassurance to riders and parents that they are in the best possible hands.

We know this won’t be built in a day. It’s a long-term project, and we’re committed to doing it the right way. But if we want our sport to thrive, if we want safer barns, better horse welfare, and more educated riders, then change is not optional—it’s necessary.

Most trainers are great. They deserve recognition and respect. But for the future of equestrian sport, we also need accountability. We need a system that makes sure every rider, no matter where they start, gets the kind of education that sets them up for success—not just for today, but for a lifetime with horses.