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CERTIFIED
TRAINERS & INSTRUCTORS

Recognizing Dedication, Skill, and our Golden Standard of Excellence here at Smith Horsemanship

OUR LEVELS OF
CERTFIED HORSE TRAINERS

Our certification system measures skill, feel, and awareness, not just hours in the saddle or completion of the program.
 
Only Level 3 and above are officially endorsed by Smith Horsemanship and eligible for the instructors program.

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Level 1 – Apprentice Horse Trainer

Requirements:

  • Completed Smith Horsemanship Essential Series Program

  • Demonstrated safe groundwork and basic riding under supervision

  • Passed theory and practical assessments with a minimum of 60%

  • Minimum age: 18

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Benefits:

  • Eligible to assist in groundwork clinics

  • Listed as “Apprentice Horse Trainer” on official Smith Horsemanship trainer directory

  • Can represent Smith Horsemanship in beginner-level demos or local clinics under supervision

  • Access to Level 2 mentorship program

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Level 2 – Developing Horse Trainer

Requirements:

  • Completed Level 1 certification

  • Completed the Smith Horsemanship full year program

  • Logged 300+ hours of supervised horse handling/training

  • Demonstrated confident groundwork and safe riding

  • Successfully started or assisted with starting at least 2 young/untrained horses under supervision

  • Passed theory and practical assessments with a minimum of 60%

  • Written recommendation from a Level 3+ trainer

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Benefits:

  • Eligible for paid assistant trainer opportunities at Smith Horsemanship events and clinics

  • Access to advanced training modules and content

  • Priority placement for student instructor or internship positions

  • Listed as “Developing Horse Trainer” on official Smith Horsemanship trainer directory

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Level 3 – Certified Horse Trainer

Requirements:

  • Completed Level 2 certification

  • Involved with Smith Horsemanship for more than 1 year

  • Demonstrated ability to train multiple horses independently through the Smith Horsemanship Program

  • Consistent demonstration of calm, effective problem-solving in horses

  • Passed theory and practical assessments with a minimum of 80%

  • Proven ability to mentor and assist fellow students safely

  • Current Code B or EB driver’s license (to transport horses and trailers)

  • Successfully trained at least one client horse.

  • Completion of basic First Aid Course

 

Benefits:

  • Authorized to run Smith Horsemanship groundwork/riding clinics under supervision.

  • Eligible for affiliate trainer status with commission opportunities

  • Access to branded apparel and marketing support

  • Discounted use of Smith Horsemanship facilities (for clinics or training)

  • Publicly endorsed by Smith Horsemanship and listed on official Smith Horsemanship trainer directory

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Level 4 – Advanced Horse Trainer

Requirements:

  • Completed Level 3 certification

  • Minimum 3+ years training experience 

  • Proven ability to start unhandled/wild horses safely and independently

  • Demonstrated ability to retrain problem horses with documented case studies

  • Code 14 driver’s license (for horse transport and logistics)

  • Proven leadership: must have mentored at least one lower-level trainer

  • Clean record of professionalism 

  • Experience at least 3 of the following events: Endurance, Western mounted games, Trail packing, working equitation, dressage, showjumping. 

  • Completion of basic Farriery and Equine First Aid

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Benefits:

  • May independently represent Smith Horsemanship regionally

  • Eligible for leadership roles at official events, camps, and clinics

  • Access to advanced business mentorship and marketing resources

  • Profit-sharing opportunities on Smith Horsemanship-endorsed clinics

  • Publicly endorsed by Smith Horsemanship and listed on official Smith Horsemanship trainer directory

  • Eligibility for Training franchise opportunity

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Level 5 – Master Horseman

Requirements:

  • Completed Level 4 certification

  • Minimum 4+ years of professional horsemanship experience

  • Proven record of starting, finishing, and rehabilitating horses with documented results

  • Demonstrated mastery of both horsemanship and human instruction (students, clinics, or apprentices)

  • Proven ethical and spiritual leadership in line with Smith Horsemanship’s values

  • Must have trained or certified at least two Level 2+ trainers

  • Currently receiving client horses for training professionally.

  • Ongoing commitment to mentor new generations of trainers

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Benefits:

  • Exclusive “Master Horseman” badge and lifetime certification recognition

  • Eligible for national and international clinic representation

  • Revenue share and collaboration rights on Smith Horsemanship projects

  • Access to “Private” group with direct input on curriculum development

  • Can license Smith Horsemanship methodology under partnership agreement

  • Eligibility for franchise opportunity

Our Certified Horse Trainers

Our Certified Students

Meet the horsemen and women who’ve earned official recognition through proven ability and professionalism.

CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS LEVELS

Our certification system measures the results, character, drive and wisdom, not just knowledge and hours in the sun.
 
Only Level 3 and above are officially endorsed by Smith Horsemanship

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Level 1 – Assistant Instructor

Requirements:

  • Completed Smith Horsemanship Full-Year Program

  • Holds at least Level 3 Trainer Certification

  • Demonstrated clear communication, safety awareness, and confidence when assisting in lessons

  • Minimum 30 logged assistant teaching hours under a certified instructor

  • Passed instructional evaluation and theory with a minimum of 75%
     

Benefits:

  • Eligible to assist in groundwork or beginner riding clinics under supervision

  • Access to Smith Horsemanship teaching mentorship program

  • Listed as “Assistant Instructor (In Training)” internally

  • Eligible for paid assistant roles at official events and camps

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Level 2 – Junior Instructor

Requirements:

  • Completed Level 1 Instructor Certification

  • Minimum 100 logged teaching hours under supervision

  • Proven ability to independently lead beginner groundwork or riding lessons safely

  • Demonstrated patience, clarity, and consistency in student instruction

  • Passed practical teaching assessment with 80% or higher
     

Benefits:

  • Authorized to teach beginner students or small groups under Smith Horsemanship supervision

  • Listed publicly as “Junior Instructor” on the Smith Horsemanship directory

  • Eligible for instructor apparel and branding use (with approval)

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Level 3 – Certified Instructor

Requirements:

  • Completed Level 2 Instructor Certification

  • Minimum 1 full year of teaching experience or 250+ logged instructional hours

  • Proven ability to manage both horses and students simultaneously in lessons

  • Consistently demonstrates leadership, clear communication, and brand-aligned professionalism

  • Current First Aid Certificate and valid Code B driver’s license

  • Positive student feedback and instructor evaluations

  • Actively involved in Smith Horsemanship events or programs
     

Benefits:

  • Authorized to run Smith Horsemanship groundwork and riding clinics under oversight supervision

  • Eligible for teaching commissions and affiliate instructor status

  • Access to branded marketing support and event resources

  • Discounted use of Smith Horsemanship facilities for lessons or workshops

Public endorsement on the Smith Horsemanship website and instructor directory

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Level 4 – Senior Instructor

Requirements:

  • Completed Level 3 Instructor Certification

  • Minimum 3+ years teaching/training experience within the Smith Horsemanship system

  • Proven ability to manage larger clinics or educational events independently

  • Demonstrated leadership and mentorship of assistant or junior instructors

  • Proven ability to adapt teaching for diverse student levels and horse temperaments

  • Documented case studies or student testimonials of instructional success

  • Code EB or higher driver’s license
     

Benefits:

  • Authorized to lead regional Smith Horsemanship clinics or programs independently

  • Eligible for leadership roles at official events, camps, and instructor assessments

  • Access to advanced instructional content and business mentorship

  • Revenue share and profit opportunities for Smith Horsemanship-endorsed events

  • Featured on official website as “Senior Instructor”

Eligible for Instructor Franchise or Partnership Opportunities

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Level 5 – Master Instructor

Requirements:

  • Completed Level 4 Instructor Certification

  • Minimum 5+ years teaching and professional horsemanship experience

  • Proven record of developing and mentoring instructors to Level 2+

  • Demonstrated mastery in equine education, human psychology, and leadership communication

  • Proven ethical, spiritual, and professional conduct aligned with Smith Horsemanship values

  • Ongoing contribution to the development of the Smith Horsemanship curriculum or teaching framework

  • Receives consistent 5-star student and client reviews
     

Benefits:

  • Exclusive “Master Instructor” badge and lifetime certification recognition

  • Eligible for national and international teaching and media representation

  • Revenue share on Smith Horsemanship Instructor Programs

  • Authority to certify new instructors (Levels 1–3)

  • Access to “Instructor Council” for strategic input and mentorship

Eligible for Instructor Franchise and international teaching partnerships

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