Susan Bellinger
Susan Bellinger, owner and trainer of Sunset Farm, is an American Riding Instructor Association member for Level II hunt seat and dressage with A.R.I.C.P certification. Being certified means the instructor considers teaching riding as a professional career choice. You do not go to an unlicensed doctor, dentist, therapist, teacher, lawyer, or tax accountant, so why would you or your children go to an unlicensed riding instructor?
Certified instructors have shown that they are willing to continue their education, so they can continue to further your education. Everyone is always learning something new in riding. There are different ways of explaining the same thing, and other people might have different views. You will never know everything about riding! The qualified instructor has gone the extra mile to be educated. They have taken exams that cover various subjects, to show they have the ability to be a successful, competent instructor of riding and stable management. One very important aspect of certification is SAFETY. The American Riding Instructors Certificate Program prides itself on promoting safe handling and riding of horses. Certified instructors have been tested and have had to show that they practice and teach safely.
A.R.I.A., as with most professional organizations, requires its instructors to periodically retest in order to maintain certification. This assures that instructors are continually striving to improve and stay current in their particular disciplines.
Guest Instructors:
Guest Instructors at Sunset Farm include Myra Wagener and Cammy Miller. Myra and Cammy have both served on the A.R.I.A Panel, and are very active members of the equestrian community. Myra is an A.R.I.C. Level IV Hunt Seat, Dressage, Eventing, and Show Jumping instructor. Myra comes to Sunset Farm to give clinics throughout the year. Cammy is a Level IV Hunt Seat, Dressage, and Side Saddle instructor who gives lessons at Sunset Farm by request.