Miles of Smiles Instructors & Certification Requirements
     

Meet Our MOS Certified Instructors!

Fall Training Volunteer Flyer

	Sara Brown,  Director of Programs Certified Instructor Sara started with the Miles of Smiles program in the summer of 1997 as an assistant instructor.  She has an Associate’s Degree in Equine Science and a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Elementary Education.  Besides being a certified instructor for Miles of Smiles, Sara is also our Director of Programs and teaches school part-time!  Sara is married to Kirk and they have two children.
Ellen Lynn	Ellen Lynn, Certified Instructor Ellen and her husband, Wayne, are both native Californians from San Juan Capistrano!  They moved to Garden City in 1994, via a few years in Iowa.  Wayne is a cattle buyer for Cargill Meat Solutions.  They have one daughter, Jennifer, who is the Hunt Seat Equestrian Coach for Midway College in Kentucky.  Ellen's equine experience started as a youngster, and continued on with her daughter, who showed on the hunter / jumper circuit.  Ellen became a volunteer with Miles of Smiles and a board member in 1997, and in 2002 completed her instructors certification.  Ellen also enjoys quilting, antiquing, gardening, reading and trying to play the classical guitar!
Jennifer Standley	Jennifer Standley, Certified Instructor Jennifer is a newly certified instructor, but a long time volunteer of the Miles of Smiles Program. She has been involved with the center since 2000 as a volunteer, board member and fundraising chair. Jennifer has a Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness from Kansas State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Fort Hays State University.  She is also a stay at home mom for daughter’s Jessie and Mariah and farm wife to Mike.
Tiffany Schmidt	Tiffany Schmidt, Certified Instructor Tiffany is a para educator by day and one of our certified instructors by night and weekend.  She also helps her parents farm in rural Scott County.  Tiffany's love of horses began at an early age and because of it, she has an Associate's Degree in Equine studies from Colby Community College.  She had an internship in Denmark in which she learned about vaulting and dressage. Tiffany Schmidt currently serves as President of the Board of Directors for Miles of Smiles!

Miles of Smiles is currently taking applications for Physical Therapists, Instructors and Occupational Therapists.  Contact MOS office at 620-260-9997 for more information.

Certification at the Registered Level  (based on NARHA approved training)

 A NARHA Registered Instructor is able to conduct a safe, basic equestrian lesson to individuals with disabilities.  Instructors can be certified at the Registered level through the following method:
 

A NARHA Master Level Instructor has a strong background in horsemanship and teaching.  He or she has a thorough knowledge of the disabilities and their relationship to therapeutic riding. She or he has the ability to step into any instruction situation in the field of equine assisted activities and take charge effectively, with the support of the operating center board or the center management. He or she is capable of training other therapeutic riding instructors. Master Level Instructor Certification is the highest certification level an instructor can achieve through NARHA standards. This program is designed for those instructors with career involvement in therapeutic riding.  Master Level Instructors are looked upon as role models. A master level instructor will promote the dignity of the entire therapeutic horsemanship team.

• Has thorough knowledge of Master Level Instructor Certification criteria

• Maintains professional demeanor in all areas of the equine assisted activities and therapies
  industry

• Possesses communication skills necessary to communicate positively and effectively in a
  multitude of situations

• Demonstrates superior interpersonal skills

• Teaches effectively to a group or to an individual

• Makes effective use of time and resources

• Demonstrates ability to recognize problems and identify solutions

• Demonstrates responsibility

• Is aware of personal and professional limitations

• Demonstrates critical thinking, as well as intuitive and analytical reasoning

• Recognizes own biases and suspends judgmental thinking

• Strives to maintain a sense of humor

• Is open to constructive criticism and can effectively give constructive feedback

• Demonstrates ability to progress a rider to the realistic pinnacle of his/her ability

 Applicant Criteria        

• Required to be a current Instructor Member

• Must be at least 25 years of age

• Required to be a Advanced Level Instructor

• Must have taught at least 400 hours of equine assisted activities

Interactive Vaulting Certification  (based on NARHA approved training)

The purpose of the certification is to determine if a candidate possesses the professionalism, experience and skill level to meet the Miles of Smiles Interactive Vaulting Instructor criteria. 

Criteria have been developed which outline the skills and knowledge an instructor must possess in order to achieve certification as a Miles of Smiles Interactive Vaulting Instructor. These criteria can be found in the Interactive Vaulting Certification Application Booklet.

Prerequisites for Interactive Vaulting Certification Applicants

Certification:    Applicant must be a current certified riding instructor (registered, advanced                
                             or master level)

Age:                    Applicant must be at least 21 years of age

Formal application:    Applicant must submit a completed Interactive Vaulting Instructor Application

If you might be interested in becoming an Instructor or have any questions,
please contact Sara Brown at the Miles of Smiles office  620-260-9997
or email MOS at  miles_of_smiles@sbcglobal.net

DID YOU  KNOW...

Miles of Smiles is a member of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, Inc.  NARHA

DID YOU KNOW...