Centered Riding® Instructor Levels
CR® Instruction for everyone !


It takes more than reading the book, taking a few lessons or auditing a clinic to become a Centered Riding® Instructor. The Centered Riding® instructor levels were designed to set a standard for teaching and to provide the public with competent, consistent instruction as well as to carry on the philosophy and ideals of Centered Riding® as it was intended by its founder Sally Swift. Centered Riding®, Inc. is not, however a certifying body and does not examine instructors at the introductory level. Sally Swift's desire, to have as many instructors as possible be aware of Centered Riding® concepts and employ the techniques in their teaching, is the key principle and intent of Level I.

Centered Riding®, Inc.'s, goal is to educate instructors in the use of Centered Riding® techniques rather than judge their performance, and to assist them in gaining that knowledge. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to evaluate whether an individual instructor meets their needs and goals. Centered Riding®, Inc. is fortunate to have a wide variety of excellent and well qualified instructors at all levels and in all disciplines, some of whom are national and international judges, competitors and clinicians in their own right.

Progression through the Centered Riding® Instructor Levels reveals a commitment by the individual instructor to the ideals and principles of Centered Riding®. To advance requires an application from the instructor and a vote by the Board of Trustees of Centered Riding®, Inc.

In order to upgrade, the instructor needs to demonstrate his/her knowledge and understanding of Centered Riding® techniques, the philosophy behind the techniques, the foundations of Centered Riding® in his/her own personal experience and his/her ability to communicate this information. Therefore, advancement indicates the instructor's ability to employ a more in-depth understanding of Centered Riding® techniques in his/her teaching regardless of the discipline, whether it be Western, Dressage, Jumping, Endurance, etc. because he/she understands the foundations of the work.

At the more advanced levels, the Centered Riding® Instructor is not only capable of applying the techniques to individuals but is also able to impart this information in a clinic setting and finally to educate instructors in the use of Centered Riding®. For a copy of Centered Riding®, Inc., Policies and Procedures please contact the office. Centered Riding®, Inc., recognizes the following Instructor standings:

Instructor Level I:

The Level I Centered Riding® Instructor is a riding instructor who has successfully completed a two-part Centered Riding® Instructor Course as a Participating Instructor. The Level I Instructors may teach Centered Riding® as it applies to their own specialty area and state that they teach Centered Riding® Level I. Level I Instructors may not use the Centered Riding® logo or teach or advertise that they teach Centered Riding® Clinics.

Instructor Level II
Intermediate CR® Instructor:

The Level II Centered Riding® Instructor is an active riding instructor who has further experience in applying Centered Riding® principles to his/her own riding, teaching and use of self and has fulfilled the Level II requirements. Level II Centered Riding® Instructors may teach and state they teach Intermediate Centered Riding® at Level II use the Centered Riding® logo, give Centered Riding® demonstrations and lectures. Level II Centered Riding® Instructors may not teach or advertise that they teach Centered Riding® Open, Instructor, or Alumni Clinics.

Instructor Level III: The Level III Centered Riding® Instructor who, through further growth and development has a greater understanding of centering and the mind-body connection, has fulfilled the Level III requirements and has the necessary experience and training to teach clinics. Level III Centered Riding® Instructors may teach and advertise that they teach Centered Riding® and/or Centered Riding® Techniques in their disciplines, teach Open Centered Riding® Clinics use the Centered Riding® logo in advertising, including advertising Centered Riding® Open Clinics, advertise that they are available for lectures and demonstrations in Centered Riding® techniques and have their Centered Riding® Clinics listed in Centered Riding® News and Clinic Schedule. Level III Centered Riding® Instructor may not teach or advertise that they teach Advanced Centered Riding®, Instructor or Alumni Clinics nor take apprentices in Centered Riding®.

Instructor Level IV
Advanced or Senior CR® Instructor:

The Level IV Centered Riding® Instructor is one who has completed an apprenticeship either with a Senior Instructor (denoted by the title Advanced) or Sally Swift (denoted by the title Senior) and fulfilled the Level IV requirements. These Instructors have completed an intensive training and have an in depth understanding of the work. They train up-coming instructors. Level IV Centered Riding® Instructor may Teach and advertise that they teach Centered Riding® at all levels, including Advanced Centered Riding® and Centered Riding® Clinics, use the Centered Riding® logo in advertising, have their clinic schedule listed in Centered Riding® News and the current Centered Riding® Clinic Schedules and included in Centered Riding®, Inc.'s, mailings and publicity. They may also take Level III CR Instructors as apprentices.

Centered Riding®, Inc., describes the different levels of Centered Riding® Instructors, how to attain each level and what the privileges are at each level in Policies and Procedures.

CR® Instruction for everyone!

Centered Riding® is a method of riding that can improve the balance and relaxation of every rider regardless of what discipline they ride. this method has been taught to western, to saddleseat, for dressage and combined training, for hunters, and for the disabled.

Judith Cross has been teaching and following the discipline of Centered Riding® since 1980 when Sally Swift first started teaching in Maine.

Judy has had the good fortune to have been trained by sally swift extensively over the last 15 years and is currently certified as a instructor and clinician the highest level currently available in the discipline of Centered Riding®.

Judy Cross has a B.S. Degree in equine animal sciences and has owned and operated fox run riding school and pleasant river pack trips since 1980. after being certified as a instructor for riding for the disabled in 1984, Judy started Therapeutic Horsemanship, Inc. where she teaches Centered Riding® to those that are both physically and emotionally challenged.

Judy and her students continue to compete successfully in the disciplines of dressage, eventing, jumping, western pleasure, and equitation. she currently rides at second level dressage and training level on her own horse.

In addition to Centered Riding® Judy incorporates t.e.a.m. training techniques into her clinics so that the horses are also more relaxed and balanced. she is trained in massage therapy and can do demonstrations.

Book A Centered Riding® Clinic

JUDY IS AVAILABLE TO TEACH Centered Riding® CLINICS AT YOUR STABLE OR RIDING CLUB.

PLEASE CALL FOR RATES...

A SPECIAL RATE IS AVAILABLE TO INSTRUCTORS OF HANDICAPPED RIDERS

Feel free to call or write if you have any questions

Judith Cross-Strehlke
186 Garland Line Road
Dover-Foxcroft, Maine 04426

Tel: (207) 564-3451
Fax: (207) 564-3451 (Please call before sending a fax)

  Email: ride@mainetrailrides.com


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