The Professional Cutting Horse Trainers Association of
Australia Accreditation Process
To become an Accredited Trainer who will be endorsed by the PCHTA and the
NCHA, and to be eligible to compete at NCHA affiliated events under NCHA rule
dated June 25 2019 (below), you must complete and supply the following
requirements by the start of the NCHA points year 2022.
From the commencement of the 2022 NCHA point score year for a member to
compete on a horse that they, or their direct family (see pg 35 rule 2), do not own
in an NCHA sanctioned event (excluding Youth, Rookies & Snafflebit), they must be
a member of the PCHTA. Exemptions will be granted as deemed appropriate by the
NCHA Board in consultation with the PCHTA accreditation committee.
These examples may include:
a) Exemption for international competitors; and also
b) Exemption for trainers who are age 60 and over who have been training
professionally for a minimum of 10 years.”
There will be two levels of Accredited Cutting Horse Trainers in Australia.
A Professional Trainer & Assistant Trainer
Criteria for each includes:
1. Professional Trainer
You must be operating as a Professional Trainer and have fulfilled one of the
following;
✓ Have worked with a Cutting Horse Trainer (USA/AUS) for 3 years, OR
✓ Have been a Non-Pro who has won over $50,000 LTE, OR
✓ Have recognised prior industry experience (campdrafting/challenging
etc.)
Hold a current NCHA Professional Trainers membership
Complete the HSA Instructor Certificate Course
Complete a Working with Children Check
Hold a current First Aid Certificate
Complete a Judges Clinic every 2 years, sit the exam and achieve a pass mark (You do not have to be a judge on the official Judges List)
Present a Certificate of Currency for Public Liability Insurance appropriate
for a Professional Horse Training Business.
Acknowledge the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 and have read
the NCHA Animal Welfare Policy (pg 32-33 of the Rule Book). You can do this
my sending the secretary of the PCHTAA an email stating you have read it.
Abide by all NCHA policies and procedures
Pay an Annual Membership Fee to the PCHTAA of $250
2. Assistant Trainer
Currently working with or under a Professional Cutting Horse Trainer as
defined above.
Hold a current NCHA membership.
Complete a Working with Children Check.
Acknowledge the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 and have read
the NCHA Animal Welfare Policy (pg 32-33 of the Rule Book). You can do this
my sending the secretary of the PCHTAA an email stating you have read it.
Abide by all NCHA policies and procedures
Pay an Annual Membership Fee to the PCHTAA of $125
3. Exemptions
Exemption for international competitors:
Exemption for trainers who are age 60 and over who have been training
professionally for a minimum of 10 years. If this group of trainers are to
instruct at any NCHA approved youth clinics they are required to have a blue
card and current first aid certificate.
These exemptions are to be to be applied for with the PCHTA
# Snafflebit Events will be excluded from Pro-Trainers Accreditation
Accreditation Courses will be conducted on a needs basis, so please register your
interest with PCHTAA secretary Jackson Gray or PCHTAA president Steve Byrne
membership.pchtaa@gmail.com as soon as possible. The cost to attend the course
will be worked out depending on the number of participants, and is payable to the
PCHTAA prior to your attendance.
You can find the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 at:
https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/inforce/af92116f-7d2d-60a9-
f731-9dacdd705d05/1979-200.pdf
