CHA Certification Trial Standards

When going through the CHA certification trials, do you have a set of standards regarding tack and show equipment that is required to be successful? I don't have a lot of money and want to do what's necessary to complete the certification process. A good example would be the type of bit that you may require. I know in western equitation showing I haven't been allowed to use a snaffle bit on a horse older than 5 years. I have more severe curbed bits but I just don't feel the need to use them on my horse-do you require the same strict standards in certification? I typically ride English with a full cheek snaffle...my horse is fairly accustomed to such a bit and using curbed bits is really harsh. I hope my question comes across clearly...thank you for your time.

JW

Showing, show-ring equipment and show ring rules are not specifically or routinely addressed in a certification clinic. As an instructor you are expected to be fully aware of the requirements of any discipline that you teach, at the level that you teach it. If you coach competitive riders, you would be expected to know what the rules and requirements were and address them in your teaching. But the scope of the clinic will be MUCH broader than the show ring and will address, in general, all aspects of recreational riding.

As for the tack used at the clinic, it will depend on the host site. We will be a guest at their facility and will use their equipment and try to treat their horses in the manner to which they are accustomed. We will use whatever tack the horses normally use. If you were teaching an upper level lesson and the curb bit was part of the lesson content, you would be expected to address it, even if the horses were not bridled that way. Most people use snaffles in the arena regardless of the horse's age, but some prefer curbs. The bit is only as harsh or as mild as the hands at the other end. There are many snaffle bits much harsher than some curb bits. What is important is that you know the equipment that you use and why you use it and use what is best for your horse, given the activity that you do. I hope that answers your questions. Good luck at your clinic.