United States Eventing Association

The the USEA Eventing Coaches Program (ECP) Committee is proud to introduce the ECP Ambassador Program, which will launch this summer at an event near you. The ECP Ambassador Program was created with two goals in mind: (1) to increase visibility for ECP-Certified Coaches, and (2) to improve data on the impact of coaching at competitions.

The ECP Ambassador Program celebrates the expertise and dedication to the future of the sport that all ECP-Certified Coaches share. Once a coach earns certification through the ECP Program, they will be eligible to participate. The first aspect of the program that increases visibility of ECP Coaches at events is the official ECP name badges. All current ECP Coaches will receive a copy of the official name badge to wear proudly when they are at an event. This clear identifier will allow them to increase recognition and connect with potential new students.

Next, a “Certified Coaches on Grounds” sign-up sheet will be displayed in a visible area near the secretary’s office, alongside important information like emergency contacts, vet/farrier information, and stabling notes, where ECP Coaches will be encouraged to list their name and contact details. By listing themselves on the sign-up sheet, ECP Coaches are letting competitors know that they are willing and able to be a helpful resource for competitors in need.

Whether you have an equipment question, need guidance on a course walk, or would like assistance in the warm-up, an ECP Ambassador may be on site to help. ECP Coaches have completed comprehensive training, assessments, and ongoing education, and by launching the Ambassador Program, the ECP Committee aims to help them stand out as committed, credentialed professionals at events. At your next USEA Recognized Event, look for the “Certified Coaches on Grounds” sign up sheet to connect with an ECP Ambassador in your Area.

If you have any questions about the USEA Eventing Coaches Program, please contact Nancy Knight, Senior Director of Education, at [email protected], or Executive Administrative Assistant, Brandi Bishop, at [email protected].

About the USEA Eventing Coaches Program (ECP)

Coaches are essential to the training of riders and horses for safe and educated participation in the sport of eventing. The USEA Eventing Coaches Program (ECP), formerly known as the Instructors’ Certification Program (ICP), was initiated in 2002 to educate all levels of eventing coaches with crucial training principles upon which they can continue to build throughout their teaching careers. ECP offers educational workshops and assessments by which both regular coaches, Level I through Level V, Young Event Horse (YEH) coaches, and Young Event Horse professional horse trainers can become ECP certified. Additional information about ECP’s goals, benefits, workshops, and assessments as well as names and contact information for current ECP certified coaches, YEH coaches, and YEH professional horse trainers are available on the USEA website. Click here to learn more about the USEA Eventing Coaches Program.

The USEA would like to thank Marshall+Sterling, Stable Secretary, Strider, and the United States Pony Clubs, for their support of the Eventing Coaches Program.