Horse Council BC Provincial Recognized Coach/Instructor

This program does not provide certification at any level or discipline. The Recognition is based on merit, success, and/or current certification under existing organizations. Provincial Recognition will not be acknowledged outside of British Columbia.

What is a HCBC Provincially Recognized Coach/Instructor?
Provincial Recognition may be granted to a HCBC member in good standing who applies for recognition and meets the published criteria (see separate document). This coach may be certified/recognized by a number of organizations including EC, CHA, Pony Club, Vault, CANTRA or IGEQ. Recognized coaches may also be uncertified, but recognized by experience, success or other contributing factors (see requirements). Recognized coaches may be on the pathway to certification.

A HCBC Recognized Coach will hold SafeSport and Concussion training, EPIC, and Standard First Aid. Additionally, the coach will be bound by the viaSport Code of Conduct.

Why is HCBC creating Provincial Coach Recognition?
There are many uncertified coaches in BC that are actively working with students as well as taking them to competitions. These coaches, for a multitude of reasons, are not considering certification. To follow the principles of SafeSport and meet any upcoming viaSport guidelines for Coaching and Competition, HCBC is proactively creating a method of identifying and recognizing uncertified coaches. Any coach who is taking part in the Provincial Recognition program will have SafeSport training and screening that is at the National Standard. With this, students, parents and other stakeholders can be assured that the Provincially Recognized coach, although not certified, meets a Provincial Standard of screening.

HCBC would also recognize coaches who are certified by other agencies or disciplines and ask these coaches to also meet the Safe Sport standards. The end goal is to have all BC Equestrian Coaches and Instructors trained and screened in SafeSport principles and ensure that all BC Equestrians have access to quality coaching.

Coaches who already have files at HCBC with certifications such as CHA, Vault or CANTRA will have the opportunity to submit the screening documents and be given Recognized Coach Status. They may choose not to submit the screening documents and they will remain listed on the HCBC site, but they will not have the Recognized Coach logo or status.

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For an application Click here

For information brochure click here