There are two levels of certification for the rider who is committed to working this way and would benefit from some structure in making progress in his or her work. The certification is an acknowledgement of scholarship, practice and curiosity.

Introduction to French Classical Riding Certification takes about a year and gives you a good grounding in the work.

Advanced Practice Certification is a longer commitment, and may be repeated over the years as there’s never a time when we’re “done”. This work gets deeper, finer, lighter, and more delightful the longer you engage with it!

For a rider interested in becoming a professional, the trainer’s certificate demonstrates that this person has learned how to work with many different types of horses. The concept of training itself is what is being explored. This is for people whose focus is on the horse itself, on learning aspects of developing a great riding horse. Trainers learn not only how to bring along a good horse to help make it a great one, but about starting young horses, recovering older horses, and helping rescue injured or traumatized ones.

This is the most involved certification. The teacher’s certificate includes the concepts involved in both the rider's and the trainer’s certificates, but you are now learning deeply about working with both the horse AND human species. Instructor’s certification is earned through work directly with one of the certified instructors, such as Mary Anne, or at other facilities run by FEA certified teachers. Your skills are evaluated both through your work with horses and through observation of lessons taught, as well as evaluation of students you're coaching. The teacher’s certificate indicates that the rider has a deep and clear comprehension of the work, is successfully training others towards high levels in the work, and is capable of improving each horse and rider that he or she works with.  The certified instructor will be as passionate about learning how to teach effectively as they are about riding. 

After twelve years of practice in this art the certified French Classical trainer and teacher can apply for their accreditation as a clinician. This is the highest level of accreditation, and these instructors are exceptional.