The American Riding Instructors Association (ARIA) will award up to one hundred scholarship grants, for $200 each, to riding instructors wishing to attend either The National Riding Instructors Convention or any ARIA Instructor Certification Test Center to be held during 2007. Scholarships will be awarded based on financial need and expected ability to succeed as an instructor.

Over fifty ARIA Test Centers will be held throughout the US during 2007, with more added regularly. The most up-to-date list can be found at www.riding-instructor.com

ARIA has been certifying riding instructors and stable managers since 1984, and offers certification at 3 different levels and in 14 disciplines: Hunt Seat, Dressage, Show Jumping, Driving, Eventing, Western Pleasure & Equitation, Reining, Mounted Patrol Training Officer, Stable Management, Recreational Riding, Saddle Seat, Distance Riding, Riding to Hounds, and Side-Saddle.

ARIA certification is nationally recognized, and uses a carefully designed and thought-out system of checks and balances to determine certification. A team of evaluators, located in various parts of the country, assesses all aspects of each candidate’s demonstrated knowledge of the discipline he/she wishes to teach, attention to professionalism and safety, and business and personal integrity. Even at the lower level, ARIA certification is hard-earned, which makes it meaningful and important. Several major insurance companies recognize this and offer ARIA instructors a substantial discount on their insurance needs