[dropcap style=”font-size: 70px; color: #052b51; font-family: ‘Droid Serif’, Arial, sans-serif;”] F [/dropcap] or a very long time we’ve petitioned for Equestrian Qualifications to be standardised with a Code of Ethics for all to follow. It seems South Africa is finally heading in the right direction with the introduction of the Council of Equine & Equestrian Professionals South Africa (CEEPSA).

According to CEEPSA’s website they’ll be offering various equestrian professions recognition by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). This will mean you will have a formal qualification that can included on your CV. For the likes of professional grooms or work riders this can greatly benefit them to move ahead in their chosen career.

However, the real benefit is for the general public utilising the services of these equestrian professionals. To receive recognition from SAQA qualifications have to meet standardised requirements and meet a set of criteria. This will ensure that our equestrian education systems come in line. It will also mean that the young girl teaching in her backyard with little to no riding or teaching experience will no longer be able to inflate her relevant qualifications as a recognised organisation can verify the truth in her claims.

Hopefully this will be a fantastic step forward for the equestrian community. Let’s wait and see.