The USEA’s Instructor Certification Program (ICP) is designed to prepare and educate would-be trainers and coaches for teaching the foundational principles that every eventing rider should know. The program was created in 2002 and is available for trainers at all levels. Through the process of application, evaluation, workshop, and assessment, trainers remain ICP certified for a four-year cycle. Continuing education is strongly encouraged — there is always new information to learn and other coaches willing to share their knowledge.
Each year, the USEA hosts an Educational Symposium — this year held at Barnstaple South in Ocala, Florida — featuring a guest clinician, demo riders representing multiple levels of competition, and a packed house full of auditors and prospective ICP candidates who wish to soak in the education. This year’s featured clinician is German Olympian Andreas Dibowski. A five-star veteran and three-time Olympian, including one team gold medal earned in 2008, Andreas certainly has plenty of experience to draw on in his teachings.
Andreas Dibowski and It’s Me xx. Photo by Thomas Ix.
Eager riders ranging from Beginner Novice through Advanced are participating in the two day clinic, which began yesterday with dressage and jumping lessons. Today will feature jumping and cross country exercises for the riders, and plenty of teaching pearls for auditors. On Wednesday and Thursday, the Symposium will focus on Young Event Horse and Future Event Horse instruction featuring clinicians Maren Engelhardt, Marilyn Payne, Susan Graham White, and Robin Walker. You can view the entire Symposium schedule (and register to audit) here.
At its core, Andreas’ teaching philosophy appears to be grounded in foundational skills and a true understanding of how our bodies affect our horses’ way of going. Above all, having a happy horse who enjoys his job is the utmost priority.
“You can’t force anything. You have to bring the horse back to happiness. You need to see the whole package.” These words of wisdom and more are ready for your learning and enjoyment in the USEA’s day one report here. Let’s take a look at some of the social media from yesterday’s session:
It's jumping day at the 2020 USEA Educational Symposium ICP Symposium! On-site registration is available so come on down and join us for a day of learning with Olympic gold medalist Andreas 'Dibo' Dibowski 🎓
Posted by United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) on Tuesday, February 18, 2020
