The Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) International Annual Conference will be held September 22-25, 2005, at Camp Berachah in Auburn, WA. The conference is open to the public and includes mounted workshops for participants, lessons on great performance horses from master level certified instructors, top veterinarians and farriers and much more. An evening Seattle Harbor cruise is also offered.

This event is the only equine conference in the country where the host site provides horses for riding and ground work experience with the experts, such as nationally known clinician Julie Goodnight, who will be presenting on topics such as round pen and leadline work, common equitation problems and solutions, and fear management. Also speaking will be James Shaw on Tai Chi for Equestrians, Dana Boyd-Miller with Andis Clippers on body clipping your horse and many others. Topics include: equine dentistry, ground handling, dressage, reining, hoof care, saddle fitting, setting up an overnight camp, games for students, knots and hitches, equine first aid, driving, leather working, vaulting, working with riders with disabilities, Dutch oven cooking and much more.

Day rate participants do not need to pre-register and the cost is $75 for a full day of seminars and lunch. The full conference in Washington, including most meals and all lodging, is inbetween $250 and $575 for the entire conference, based on the type of lodging and whether the participant is a CHA member. CHA membership is only $35 a year and is not just for riding instructors. Members of the press call for discounted rates.

The mission of CHA is to promote excellence in safety and education for the benefit of individuals and group riding programs. CHA certifies instructors and trail guides, accredits equestrian facilities and provides support and educational resources. For more information on the Certified Horsemanship Association and to register for the annual conference, visit www.cha-ahse.org, email [email protected] or call (800) 399-0138.~~~