How to Maintain Your Instructor Certification and Track Continuing Education Hours

Keeping your certification up to date as an adaptive/therapeutic riding instructor is essential—not just to meet industry standards, but to keep growing in your skills and providing top-notch instruction to your students. But let’s be honest, tracking continuing education hours (CEUs) can feel like a lot, especially if you have multiple certifications to maintain or this is only your first or second time renewing your certification.

The good news? It doesn’t have to be complicated! Here’s how to stay on top of your certification, earn CEUs without stress, and keep everything organized along the way.

Stay in the Loop with Your Certifying Organization

Requirements for CEUs and certification renewals can change, so the best way to stay informed is by checking your certifying organization’s website regularly. Don’t hesitate to reach out directly to the organization if you have any questions. Whether you’re certified through PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship), CHA (Certified Horsemanship Association), or another organization, they will have detailed instructions that outline exactly what you need to maintain your certification, including:

How frequently you need to renew your certification
How many and what types of CEUs are required per renewal cycle
What kinds of education qualify
Submission and renewal instructions

Bookmark these pages and check in every so often—trust me, it’ll save you from last-minute surprises!

What Counts as Continuing Education?

There are plenty of ways to earn CEUs, and finding the ones that fit your schedule and budget is key. For PATH Intl. and CHA, CEUs typically follow a one-to-one rule—one hour of learning equals one CEU.

Some great ways to earn CEUs include:

Attending online courses, webinars, or clinics focused on equine-assisted services
Participating in hands-on workshops about disabilities, mental health, equine care, or teaching techniques
Taking riding lessons or getting coaching to sharpen your instructional skills
Watching educational videos from trusted sources (like the Hoof Falls & Footfalls YouTube channel or Intuitive Instructor Club content)
Engaging in professional mentorship or professional development programs

One thing to note: Reading or listening to audio books is a great learning tool and we should be doing that regularly, but reading time usually won’t count toward CEUs. Always double-check with your certifying body before assuming something qualifies.

Easy Ways to Track Your CEUs

Keeping track of your CEUs as you go will save you so much time and stress when it’s renewal time. To make certification renewal easier, develop a system for tracking your CEUs as you earn them. This prevents scrambling for documentation when it’s time to submit your hours. Here are some simple tracking methods:

Use a Digital Calendar

A quick and easy way to track CEUs is by using a Google Calendar (or any digital calendar) specifically for CEUs. Every time you complete a course, webinar, or workshop, add an event including details like:

Date and type of education (e.g., webinar, in-person clinic, riding lesson)
Instructor or organization providing the education
Location (if in person)
Key learning points
Breakdown of hours by topic (e.g., 1 hour on teaching theory, 30 minutes on equine welfare)

By keeping a running log throughout the year, you can quickly reference your completed CEUs when it’s time for renewal. No more digging through emails to find what you need.

Try an Excel or Google Sheets Tracker

If you like a more detailed system, a spreadsheet template might be a great fit. The Intuitive Instructor Club (IIC) and the Barn Hand planner both offer sample templates to help you track:

Date and type of education
Total hours earned
Content area breakdown
Links or notes for supporting documentation

This method is great for those who prefer an organized, at-a-glance overview of their continuing education progress and ensures nothing gets lost in the shuffle.

Budget-Friendly Ways to Earn CEUs

Keeping up with your certification doesn’t have to cost a fortune. There are plenty of affordable (or even free!) ways to earn CEUs, including:

Utilize free or affordable online resources – Platforms like Hoof Falls & Footfalls’ YouTube channel and IIC’s video library offer educational content that meets CEU criteria.
Look beyond equine-specific courses – Many general education, mental health, and disability-related webinars count as CEUs.
Join instructor groups or mentorship programs – Engaging in instructor development classes or getting professional mentorship can qualify for CEU credit in some cases.
Attend local clinics or workshops – Even if an event isn’t pre-approved by your certifying body, you can still track and submit hours if the content is relevant and meets your organization’s CEU guidelines.

Keep It Simple—Just Stay Consistent

The biggest mistake instructors make? Waiting until the last minute to track and submit their CEUs. Do yourself a favor and log your hours as you go instead of trying to remember everything months later.

Set a reminder on your phone or calendar to review and update your CEU log once a month. This small habit will save you time and stress when it’s time to renew your certification.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining your instructor certification doesn’t have to be a headache. By staying proactive, using simple tracking methods, and taking advantage of affordable learning options, you’ll keep your certifications current without the stress.

Have any favorite tricks for tracking CEUs? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear what works for you!

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Disclaimer: The information provided by Hoof Falls & Footfalls is for educational purposes only and is intended to support instructors in expanding their knowledge and skills. It is not a substitute for professional training, certification, or individual judgment. By choosing to implement any of the ideas, techniques, or practices shared here, you do so at your own risk and accept full responsibility for the outcomes. Hoof Falls & Footfalls and its creator, Saebra, assume no liability for any injuries, damages, or losses resulting from the use of the information provided. Always ensure the safety and well-being of your students, horses, and yourself by following appropriate safety guidelines and industry best practices.