If you have participated in Horse Boy Method 2. Read below to find out what you need to do to become a 1* STAR HORSE BOY METHOD PRACTITIONER.

• When a Practitioner has completed all requirements for the Independent 1* Star Horse Boy Method Practitioner he/she can advertise that he/she is offering one-family Horse Boy Sessions. Please see our advertising guidelines for details.
• Currently Basic Independent Horse Boy Practitioner
• Completed Horse Boy Method 2 – Preparing the back-riding horse – course live or online. Must participate as RIDER
• Sign up for the HBM2 Evaluation Course

1* Star Horse Boy Method Practitioner Evaluation Phase

Here is an overview of what we will be requesting from you:

Videos to be submitted:

We will evaluate you on your environment and how you have implemented Horse Boy Method within your environment. Don’t worry about if your horse is sparkly or a bit dusty. Happy pasture ponies are difficult to keep clean, it goes without saying of course that we won’t be able to accept videos however of horses that are emaciated, starved or are lame. Of course there are days where our ponies are off. However we cannot accept videos of a horse that is clearly lame or in pain. Please check our code of conduct for horse care requirements. All videos will only be evaluated if they are within 10 seconds of the requested time and proper equipment and safety gear is used.

The minimum is what you have to supply to qualify to be listed on our website. If you submit all videos with “featured” requirements we will feature your listing through our website.

• Lunging:
  minimum – show your horse is nicely lunging at walk trot and canter in loose but engaged side reins. (30 sec)
  featured – submit 3 videos 1 of a young/green horse you are starting to lunge with help from an outside side walker, 2: a horse with muscled top line lunging in side reins or Vienna side rein; 3: a well educated and muscled horse being lunged in Valenca or lunging apparatus equipment with smooth transitions from at all gaits. (1:30min)
• Basic in hand:
  minimum – show jaw flexions, yielding of pole, yielding of quarters (30 sec)
  featured – show above plus shoulder in and traver (1:30min)
• Countdowns & canter transition:
  minimum – walk and trot countdowns with turn on the haunches to change direction (30 sec)
  featured – show the above plus nice walk to canter transitions without losing connection or rhythm in the canter. Canter 4 strides than halt. Show at least 5 consecutive walk – canter –halt – walk sets. (1:30min)
• Neck-reining:
  minimum – show your horse can walk around an obstacle course while turning only through neckreining. Only one hand allowed on reins at all times. (30 sec)
  featured – show above plus do the obstacle course at a trot. (1:30min).
• Freddy
  minimum – one handed walk and trot countdowns while riding in western saddle with Freddy the Teddy (30 sec)
  featured – show above plus walk canter transitions and 4 strides of canter. Show at least 3 consecutive sets.(1:30min)
• Trail Ride
  minimum – walk and trot over rough terrain. Choose the steepest slopes you have (within the normal safety precautions. Don’t risk a slope don’t feel comfortable with!) (30 sec)
  featured – above plus small jumps or large trotting poles on trails. (1:30min)

Written evaluation:

• Please submit a detailed bio of each of your horses, including it’s previous training, breeding, where it came from, difficulties and strength.
• Please submit a equipment list
• Please provide a detailed description with photos of your riding environment (i.e. arenas, trails, etc.). Please point out what the areas are you are considering for canter work.

If you have participated in Horse Boy Method 3. Read below to find out what you need to do to become a 2* STAR HORSE BOY METHOD PRACTITIONER.

• When a Practitioner has completed all requirements for the Independent 2** Star Horse Boy Method Practitioner he/she can advertise that he/she is offering one-family Horse Boy Sessions and multi-family Horse Boy Playdates. Please see our advertising guidelines for details.
• Currently 1* Star Independent Horse Boy Practitioner
• Completed Horse Boy Method 3 – Environment, Sensory & Tribe – course live or online.
• Applicants must have been a 1 Star Practitioner for at least one year prior to application.
• Start HBM3 Evaluation Course

2** Star Horse Boy Method Practitioner Evaluation Phase

Here is an overview of what we will be requesting from you:

Videos to be submitted:

We will evaluate you on your environment and how you have implemented Horse Boy Method 3 within your environment. Don’t worry about if your horse is sparkly or a bit dusty. Happy pasture ponies are difficult to keep clean, it goes without saying of course that we won’t be able to accept videos however of horses that are emaciated, starved or are lame. Of course there are days where our ponies are off. However we cannot accept videos of a horse that is clearly lame or in pain. Please check our code of conduct for horse care requirements. All videos will only be evaluated if they are within 10 seconds of the requested time and proper equipment and safety gear is used.

The minimum is what you have to supply to qualify to be listed on our website. If you submit all videos with “featured” requirements we will feature your listing through our website.

• Kids Zone (1:30 second video of you taking us on a tour of your kids zone)
  Minimum – show that you have an autism friendly and safe kids zone.
  Featured – show us that you have adapted your kids zone so that it is free from bad sensory triggers. Show us the good sensory triggers in your kids zone. If you have an indoor area show us how you have adapted this into a Horse Boy environment.
• Activities (1:30 second video of you taking us on a tour of your playdate activities)
  Minimum – show that you have at least two activities to offer in addition to the horse. These may include a small animal petting zoo, play equipment, arts and crafts, water games etc.
  Featured – show that you also offer educational activities. Take us through an example educational game that you have created.
• A Playdate in Action (1:30 second video of a playdate at your facility)
  Minimum – show that you can cater for two families at a time. Show that your shadowers are well trained and that you have one shadower per child with autism. Show that you have a variety of activities on offer.
  Featured – show that you can cater for three or more families at a time. Show that your shadowers are well trained and that you have one shadower per child with autism. Show that the siblings needs are taken care of as well. Show that you have variety of activities on offer.

Written evaluation:

• Please submit a detailed list of activities that you offer during playdates alongside photographs of these activities.
• Please submit copies of your parent information packet, playdate application form and volunteer application form
• Please submit copies of your horse, small animal and kid logs.
• Please fill out the attached Volunteer/Staff checklist for bios on your staff members and key volunteers including their training, experience and role within a playdate.

Case Studies

• Please submit at least two case studies of children/young adults that you have been working with. Each case study should include the individual’s application form, the goals that you set for the individual and a copy of their log. The case study should also include a written explanation (please no more than 2 pages) explaining why you set the goals that you did, strategies you have use to complete those goals and future ideas. Each case study should also include a testimonial from the parents or individual (if they are able to) and their contact information so we can follow up if needs be.

If you have participated in Horse Boy Method 4. Read below to find out what you need to do to become a 3*** STAR HORSE BOY METHOD PRACTITIONER.

• When a Practitioner has completed all requirements for the Independent 3*** Star Horse Boy Method Practitioner he/she can advertise that he/she is offering one-family Horse Boy Sessions and multi-family Horse Boy Playdates. Please see our advertising guidelines for details.
• Must currently be a 2** Star Independent Horse Boy Practitioner
• Completed Horse Boy Method 4 – Rule based games and the work at the canter – course live or online. Must participate as RIDER
• Applicants must have been an Independent 2** Star Practitioner for at least one year prior to applying.
• Start the HBM4 Evaluation Course

3*** Star Horse Boy Method Practitioner Evaluation Phase

Here is an overview of what we will be requesting from you:

Videos to be submitted:

We will evaluate you on your environment and how you have implemented Horse Boy Method 3 within your environment. Don’t worry about if your horse is sparkly or a bit dusty. Happy pasture ponies are difficult to keep clean, it goes without saying of course that we won’t be able to accept videos however of horses that are emaciated, starved or are lame. Of course there are days where our ponies are off. However we cannot accept videos of a horse that is clearly lame or in pain. Please check our code of conduct for horse care requirements. All videos will only be evaluated if they are within 10 seconds of the requested time and proper equipment and safety gear is used.

The minimum is what you have to supply to qualify to be listed on our website. If you submit all videos with “featured” requirements we will feature your listing through our website.

• Lunging:
  minimum – 3 phase lunging warm up of well muscled horse: 1. no side reins 3 gaits to let horse play – horse must respect circle; 2. engaged side reins/other training aid showing horse working with engage topline flexed to inside, inside hind crossing, clean transitions up and down; 3: Side reins released horse in stretchy walk and trot clearly reaching long and low. (30 sec each)
• In hand:
  minimum
  show jaw flexions, yielding of poll, yielding of quarters, shoulders-in, traver, 3-5 steps of trot in hand with rider at shoulder(30 sec)
  show Valenca 1 and 2a at walk (30 sec)
  featured
  show above plus renver & half pass, 10 steps of trot in hand at riders walking pace with rider walking at shoulder (1:30min)
  show above plus Valanca 2b
• Ridden:
  minimum – 10m of shoulder-in and traver on straight line at a walk. (30sec)
  featured – above plus 10 m of shoulder-in and traver on straight line at trot; 10 m of renver on straight line & half-pass in walk (1:30min)
• Canter work:
  minimum – 4 canter transitions from collected trot/jog to canter and back to collected trot/jog after 4 strides of canter; 4 canter transitions from collected walk to canter and back to walk after 4 strides of canter; transitions need to be clean and not running. All exercises to be shown two and one handed (3:00min)
  featured – above plus 4 canter transitions from halt to canter back to halt after 4 strides of canter; 3 sets of 4-5 terre a terre steps
• Rule Based Games at Canter
  minimum – tag at a semi collected canter one handed with Freddy with clear stops and clean transitions from one canter lead to the other through trot or walk. No running transitions. (30 sec)
  featured: above plus two additional rule based games at the canter must display very collected or Terre a Terre canter (1:30min)
• Trail/Jumping
  minimum – trail ride at canters with few ground poles or small jumps. Trail must also include steep slopes. (1:30min)
  featured – show above 3′ jumping course with at least 5 obstacles (1:30 min)

Only individuals that have completed all the requirements to become as Independent Horse Boy Method Practitioner are allowed to advertise that they are offering Horse Boy Services according to the guidelines below. You are an active, certified Independent Practitioner as long as you are listed on this section of our website. If you feel you are wrongfully not please listed or are listed with the wrong ranking please contact us and we will try to solve the situation as quickly as possible. It is important for us to ensure that families know what level of service they are getting when they are visiting an Independent Horse Boy Method Practitioner, to help us ensure families receive the services they expect please follow the list below for your advertisement:

Each Practitioner has to comply to the Horse Boy Code of Conduct, must be an active Gold Member on NTLS.com, must have completed and passed all exams and required material for each level, and must participate in Mandatory Continuous Education (MCE) by joining in at least two teleconference or webinars specified as Horse Boy MCE courses per year. Violation of the Code of Conduct or not completing these other requirements will disqualify the Practitioner from being listed on NTLS.co and therefore will prevent them from being an active and recognized Practitioner.

Independence of businesses and liabilities

All Practitioners are independent and Horse Boy cannot guarantee any of the services rendered. Practitioners, as well as volunteers and staff of Practitioners will indemnify and hold Horse Boy harmless from all liability and other claims. Practitioners are not licensed to teach Horse Boy Method. Please check out our Instructor requirements (below) if you are interested in becoming a Horse Boy Instructor teach Horse Boy Method 1 to professionals or parents.  Practitioners and Mentors are certified to work with families and offer Horse Boy Method services according to their star ranking. 

Horse Boy Method Practitioner Advertisement Guidelines, Star Rankings & Badges

Independent Basic Horse Boy Method Practitioners

• Please use this badge on all your marketing materials.
• REQUIREMENT: Has completed Horse Boy Method 1 and it’s Evaluation Phase
• ADVERTISING RULES:  Can advertise that he/she is an Independent Basic Horse Boy Method Practitioner and can advertise that he/she is running Horse Boy Method Sessions with one family at a time. CANNOT advertise that he/she is running Horse Boy Method Playdate with more than one family or camps applying Horse Boy Method or Independent Horse Boy Camps or trains people in Horse Boy Method.

Independent 1* Star Horse Boy Method Practitioners

• Please use this badge on your marketing materials.
  • REQUIREMENT: Has completed Horse Boy Method 2 and it’s Evaluation Phase
• ADVERTISING RULES: Can advertise that he/she is an Independent 1* Star Horse Boy Method Practitioner and can advertise that he/she is running Horse Boy Method Sessions with one family at a time. CANNOT advertise that he/she is running Horse Boy Method Playdate with more than one family or camps applying Horse Boy Method or Independent Horse Boy Camps or trains people in Horse Boy Method.

Independent 2** Star Horse Boy Method Practitioner

• Please use this badge on your marketing materials.
  • REQUIREMENT: Has completed Horse Boy Method 3 and it’s Evaluation Phase;  Has been 1* Star for at least 1 year prior to applying
• ADVERTISING RULES: Can advertise that he/she is an Independent 2** Star Horse Boy Method Practitioner and can advertise that he/she is running one family Horse Boy Method Sessions and multi family Horse Boy Method Playdates. CANNOT advertise that he/she is running camps applying Horse Boy Method or Independent Horse Boy Camps or trains people in Horse Boy Method.

Independent 3*** Star Independent Horse Boy Practitioners

• Please use this badge on your marketing materials.
  • REQUIREMENT: Has completed Horse Boy Method 4 and it’s Evaluation Phase; Has been a 1** Star for at least 1 year prior to applying
• ADVERTISING RULES: Can advertise that he/she is an Independent 3*** Star Horse Boy Method Practitioner and can advertise that he/she is running one family Horse Boy Method Sessions and multi family Horse Boy Method Playdates. CANNOT advertise that he/she is running camps applying Horse Boy Method or Independent Horse Boy Camps or trains people in Horse Boy Method.

It is the responsibility of Independent Horse Boy Practitioners to represent the Horse Boy Methods to the highest degree of accuracy possible.

Star Ratings

Details of the levels within Horse Boy are listed on our Star Rankings page. See above

The next few paragraphs have been covered there in detail. They are important enough to us to make sure you read them at least once, so here they are again.

Horse Boy certifies independent people in Horse Boy Method. Individuals and groups of people that fulfill all requirements (evaluation and continuous education) are authorized to advertise themselves Independent (Basic, 1*, 2**, 3***, 4****) Horse Boy Method Practitioners depending on the courses they have participated in and the requirements they have fulfilled in evaluation phase and continuous education phase. This does not mean that a center will only offer Horse Boy Method, but it means that a certain individual or group of individuals a center are authorized to offer Horse Boy Services (according to their level of qualification). These services are intended to be as close as possible to the core values of Horse Boy but each Practitioner will use Horse Boys stages and guidelines to the degree suitable for them. 

Independent Practitioners that are forming a center together are called Independent Horse Boy Tribes.

Each Independent Practitioner will have to comply to this Horse Boy Code of Conduct, must be an active Gold member on NLTS.co, must have completed and passed all exams and required material for each level and must participate in Mandatory Continuous Education (MCE) by joining in at least two teleconference or webinars specified as Horse Boy MCE courses per year. Violation of the Code of Conduct or not completing these other requirements will disqualify the from being listed on NTLS.co and therefore will prevent them from being an active and recognized Independent Horse Boy Practitioner.

Independence of businesses and liabilities

All Practitioners are Independent and solely responsible for their actions. Horse Boy strives to ensure excellent services being delivered by each Practitioner but is not responsible for any Practitioners actions. Complains about Practitioners can be submitted to info@horseboyworld.com and we will evaluate if this Practitioner has violated Horse Boy policies and procedures and should be removed from our list of Practitioners, however Horse Boy cannot and will not attempt to recover damages for you and you agree to hold Horse Boy harmless by engaging with Practitioners in any activity.

Individuals not listed on our Independent Practitioner list on the website are not authorized to advertise Horse Boy Services of any kind and should be reported to Horse Boy immediately.

Practitioners are not licensed to teach Horse Boy Method certification courses.

Minors

Practitioners must be 18 years or older. Minors are allowed to participate in Horse Boy Method Method workshop and will receive a certification of participation but will not be able to register as Horse Boy Method Practitioner. Minors are allowed to be Tribe members of Independent Horse Boy Tribes. All minors activities must at all times be supervised by qualified adults certified in Horse Boy Method within the Independent Horse Boy Tribe and these adults must take full responsibility and liability of the minor’s safety and well-being as well as their actions.

Annual Review of All Star Ratings

Star ratings can either move up or down based on participation in new courses and completing other requirements. If you think you have fulfilled all requirements for a higher level, please submit your application to us by email at info@horseboyworld.com

What if my rating is not displayed properly on NTLS.co?

Contact us at info@horseboyworld.com and we will review if your information and education is all completed and fix the error as soon as possible or inform you about the requirements currently not met.

Continuing Education

Each active Horse Boy Method Practitioner and each member of an Independent Horse Boy Tribe needs to participate in 2 Horse Boy Method/Movement Method Continuous Mandatory Education phone or online seminars annually.

What and where can I advertise?

Only if you are an active Gold Member on HNTLS.co, in good standing with Horse Boy LLC and current on all mandatory continuous education and exams are you legally allowed to promote yourself as an Independent Horse Boy Method Practitioner of a certain Star Ranking.

In all materials it must be made clear that you are an INDEPENDENT Practitioner  and that Horse Boy accepts no liability and cannot guarantee quality of your service. You also need to display what Star Ranking as Practitioner you have accomplished.

What Can I say I’m offering?

Practitioners:

Good:

• If you are a Basic Independent Horse Boy Method Practitioner you can say “I am a Basic Independent Horse Boy Method Practitioner and I am offering Horse Boy Method Method Sessions*”
• If you are a 2 Star (or higher) Independent Practitioner you can say “I am an x Star Independent Horse Boy Method Practitioner and I am offering Horse Boy Method Sessions* and Horse Boy Method Playdates*”
• If you are a 4 Star (or higher) Independent Horse Boy Method Practitioner you can say “I am an x Star Independent Horse Boy Method Practitioner and I am offering Horse Boy Method Sessions*, Horse Boy Method Playdates*and Independent Horse Boy Camps”

Bad including but not limited to:

• I teach classes in Horse Boy Method
• Smith Stable offers the Horse Boy Method Program
• We are a Horse Boy Facility
• I offer Horse Boy Workshops
• We are offering working student positions for Horse Boy Activities
• I am training volunteers for Horse Boy Method/Sessions/Camps etc.

Official (Training) Centers:

If you are an Official Horse Boy Center you can say “We are an Official Horse Boy (Training) Center and are offering Horse Boy Session*, Playdates*, Horse Boy Camps* and Horse Boy Workshops* (for training Centers only)”

*Horse Boy Activities definitions

• Session: One family at a time participating in Horse Boy Activities like environment activities, sensory, back-riding or long lining
• Playdates: Multiple families at the same time with large and reliable group of volunteers adhering to safety and playdate regulation and rules taught in Horse Boy Method 3.
• Camps: Multiple families at the same time with large and reliable group of volunteers adhering to safety and playdate regulation and rules taught in Horse Boy Method 3 & 5. Families overnighting together at dedicated location for up to 3 nights.
• Workshops: teaching participants in aspects of Horse Boy Method

What Needs to be included in my advertisements?

  Use the badge appropriate to your Star Ranking and make sure to specify in any advertisement that you are a Basic/x Star Independent Horse Boy Method Practitioner. This allows your families to appreciate the level of service, experience and ongoing commitment to quality and excellence that earning this status has involved.

Titles on all advertising and correspondence should read as: Independent Basic Horse Boy Method Practitioner, Independent 1-Star Horse Boy Method Practitioner, Independent 2-Star Horse Boy Method Practitioner, Independent 3-Star Horse Boy Method Practitioner, Independent 4-Star Horse Boy Method Practitioner, Independent 5-Star Horse Boy Method Practitioner. 

If you are bringing Rupert or any other Horse Boy Staff Member in for an event please use one of the following logos. Do not use these logos unless you are organizing an official Horse Boy event with Rupert or the Horse Boy Team in attendance.

Facebook, Twitter, Blogs and other Social Media

We strongly encourage you to be an active participant in the social media platforms. Please be professional and make sure that whenever posting anything involving Horse Boy you are within our Code of Conduct which includes a moratorium on defamation of character, slander, libel, and anything else that your mom would not be happy to see or that might embarrass her. When advertising Horse Boy related activities, please make sure you stay within our advertising rules. Finally please desist from entering into social media conflicts. However please do retweet and share any and all official Horse Boy posts, tweets and other social media outreach. Remember humans are 9 times more likely to say something negative than something positive, please try to work hard on breaking that rule for the better!

Articles

All Independent Practitioners are encouraged to write articles, blogs, etc about personal and student stories. Practitioners and Tribes are not authorized to write educational pieces that could be read as them teaching Horse Boy Method. If this article is about Horse Boy Activities (Sessions, playdates,  camps, ect.), please include your star-rating or tribes level as well as the appropriate badge and a link back to www.ntls.co for more details and information about Horse Boy Method. We are happy to review an article for you before you send it out and are also happy to supply you with a few photos to use in your article. Copyright to these photos will remain with Horse Boy.

More FAQ regarding advertisements

Why can’t I say my facility offers Horse Boy Method?
Because trademark rights are very specific and improperly use may damage the rights that Horse Boy has acquired in the Marks, Horse Boy must be careful in how the Marks are used.

Can I train others in the Horse Boy Method once I am trained?
No, only Official Horse Boy Training Centers can offer this training and certification. We have spent years developing this technique and part of our ensuring it is properly and safely taught is to do so ourselves.

Can my stable have a FaceBook page or website announcing our scheduled Horse Boy Method Workshop?
You may say that a workshop is taking place once it is scheduled with Horse Boy. Terms regarding signups are negotiated on a workshop per workshop basis and questions should regarding registration should be send to info@horseboyworld.com 

Can I accept payment from people attending the Workshop at my stable?
No, only Horse Boy may accept reservations for workshops and it will collect all payments, unless otherwise agreed on in writing.

Can I work with autistic children and horses using the information I have learned from my Horse Boy Method Workshop?
Of course, as long as the guidelines above are followed and this Code of Conduct is followed. The Horse Boy Method Workshop is an intro into the methods including but not limited to back-riding. We do NOT suggest that you go home and start back-riding, long-lining or doing sensory work with children. Practice, practice, practice! Seek professional advice from your trainers to deepen your skills as a rider and horseman/woman. Take lessons! Again, after the workshop you are probably NOT ready to ride with a child. Practice until you, your horses and your property are ready for back-riding and your professional trainer says you are ready! HORSE BOY LLC, IT’S MEMBERS, OFFICERS, TRAINERS ETC ARE NOT LIABLE FOR ANY INJURY, DEATH OR DAMAGE CAUSED BY YOU BACKRIDING WITH A CHILD OR PRACTICING ANY OTHER PART OF HORSE BOY METHOD. You are only authorized to advertise your services once you have completed a the evaluation phase for becoming a Practitioner or Mentor.

Liabilities, customer relations and complaints

Liability Agreement/Insurance

Every Independent Horse Boy Method Practitioner is required to hold Equine Professional Liability and other appropriate insurance to cover their activities. It is the Practitioners responsibility to provided Horse Boy with a copy of current liability insurance. Failure to hold all necessary insurance will lead to disqualification from the program
You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Horse Boy including but not limited to it’s officers, staff, trainers, and directors from any loss, liability, damage or cost you or any participant of you program might incur.
IMPORTANT: You must make sure EVERY participant signs a release form the first time they come for a session, playdate or camp or otherwise attend activities at your facility or the facility you are renting for your services. It is important that you retain these in your permanent files. You are responsible for creating your liability release form – Horse Boy LLC does not have a standard form, due to varying requirements around the world.

Talk to US!

Practitioners and Tribes are expected to communicate with Horse Boy. Let us know what you are up to, what you concerns are and where we can help. If you don’t tell us that you have a concern or are stuck somewhere, we can’t help. We try our best to help you out where possible.

Complaints/Accidents/Investigations

It is critical that the Horse Boy knows of complaints or accidents involving the Practitioner. Please report complaints or accidents with a written report via e-mail as soon as possible for insurance and legal documentation.
We understand that accidents are going to happen, but we do need to keep track of them. That’s why it’s important that all incidents have a full report so that the real reason for the accident can be established.

If complaints from families/clients come to our attention your listing on our website and with that your status as Independent Practitioner or Tribe will be immediately revoked until you have in writing or by email resolved the matter. With that you will have to remove any online or written advertisements of you as a certified Independent Horse Boy Method Practitioner or Tribe as well as cease to offer Horse Boy Sessions or Playdates.

A high level of horsemanship is essential to all Horse Boy programs. If it comes to our attention that you are being investigated or prosecuted for Animal Cruelty or neglect related charges your listing on our website and with that your status as Independent Practitioner or Tribe will be immediately revoked until you have in writing or by email resolved the matter. With that you will have to remove any online or written advertisements of you as a certified Independent Horse Boy Method Practitioner or Tribe as well as cease to offer Horse Boy Activities (Sessions, Playdates, Camps, etc.).

If it comes to our attention that you are being investigated or prosecuted for any crime including but not limited to DWI, child related charges, animal related charges, assault and battery your listing on our website and with that your status as Independent Practitioner or Tribe will be immediately revoked until you have in writing or by email resolved the matter. With that you will have to remove any online or written advertisements of you as a certified Independent Horse Boy Method Practitioner, or Tribe as well as cease to offer Horse Boy Activities.

Your Programs Fees

You are an Independent Practitioner or Tribe. You are responsible for setting your prices and charging families. If you have charged a family and do not refund their money to them according to your cancellation terms and it comes to our attention your listing on our website and with that your status as Independent Practitioner or Tribe will be immediately revoked until you have in writing or by email resolved the matter. Horse Boy is not liable or responsible for refunds to families you serve. You agree to hold Horse Boy harmless and agree to dissolve these matter professionally and promptly as they occur. If any such matter arise please inform us by email about them.

Be nice to each other!

Remember our purpose is to help families that are having a tough time. The last thing they need is to have to work their way through backbiting and gossip within Horse Boy Method Practitioners. So be nice and supportive with each other. And remember we serve these families best if we serve a few families really well rather than large amounts of kids coming through our program and there is sure no shortage of autism families and kids that need your help. So support each other and refer people to each other. You are not only a Tribe within your barn you are also a part of the general Horse Boy Tribe and let’s try to be as functional of a Tribe as we can be.

Non-Horse Boy Practitioners advertising Horse Boy sessions

We want to help as many families out there as we can. As a result all our Methods are freely available on the Internet. We are very happy if somebody goes onto our website reads about it or buys our training DVD and starts applying some of the learned concepts. However unless a person is a certified Practitioner or Tribe following the above outlined standards and requirements, they don’t have permission to advertise themselves as offering Horse Boy Method (camp, sessions etc). If you come across somebody, please report them to info@horseboyworld.com . Horse Boy’s rankings and levels are here to give families an idea of the service they are receiving. The Horse Boy Mark means nothing regarding the level of service if not everybody that advertises themselves as a Practitioner actually went through the required workshops and training. So it’s in the best interest of the families we serve to keep a watchful eye on that. Also don’t forget Horse Boy is a trademark and can therefore not be used by anybody other than those authorized by Horse Boy.

If in Doubt About Anything

ASK! We are here for you, and to help you have a successful business! Any questions or suggestions are welcome. Please contact us at info@horseboyworld.com at any time. YOU are responsible for making sure that there is a 2-way communication happening!

Commitment to Continuous Education

By calling yourself an Independent Horse Boy Method Practitioner or Tribe you commit to following our instructions on continuous education to make sure that your standard of service remains at its optimum.
Also if Horse Boy asks you to follow certain horse training guide lines seek out specific instruction follow our horse and rider fitness guidelines or any other Horse Boy request. You acknowledge that these requests come from the desire to help you offer the best service you can and that ignoring of or refusal to follow these guidelines will therefore risk forfeiting your good standing with Horse Boy and could result in your Level or Star Rating being revoked.
Please do as we ask.
A few tips on how to make sure your relationship with us, other Horse Boy Method Practitioners and the families you serve are as good as they can be:

• Be positive
• Try to find a creative, kind and constructive solution as quickly as possible
• Don’t take shit personally
• Don’t take shit too seriously
• Do as you promised
• Remember it’s families first, everything else second
• Continuously improve your horseman skills, inter personal skills and personal development
• Have fun with what you do!

If you have been a Practitioner for an extended period of time and would like to become a Trainer offering our Certification courses to parents, teachers or therapists, read below for requirements and details of our Train the Trainer program. 

We frequently get asked what it takes to become a Horse Boy Trainer so here are our guidelines on becoming a Horse Boy Method 1,2 and 3 Trainer. We know it sounds demanding, but what it basically is asking for is a really solid background as horseman and rider. Remember if you become a Horse Boy Method Trainer you will be teaching other people how to keep other peoples’ kids safe up there. If you are full time working on Horse Boy related activities and are a very experienced rider it will probably take you a year couple of years to get these requirements fulfilled. If you have questions or would like to become an trainer please email us.

Must have completed these courses:

• Horse Boy Method (HBM) 1, 2 , 3 & each Evaluation Phase
• Movement Method  (MM) 1, 2 & each Evaluation Phase
• Completed Train the Trainer Program (all other courses must have been completed previously)

General pre-requisites:

• Complete a background check and Horse Boy Application
• Active Independent Practitioner for at least 2 years.
• Organize HBM1 workshop for HB staff at Practitioners center
• Gold Member and in good standing with Horse Boy
• Assisted HB staff in at least 5 HBM1 workshops
• At least 15 years active riding experience. Must have a background in teaching riding lessons. Discipline doesn’t matter but the lessons must be at walk trot and canter mounted. Please provide at least 5 references with details of your students and what they have been working on as riders. Please also submit at least 5 references of horses you have trained for other people and what these horses have learned in the time they were with you.

Homework/Course work to provide

• Kids logs, Horse logs, small animal logs, volunteer logs – to be provided by Horse Boy and to be submitted to Horse Boy quarterly
• Monthly photos and videos blog of activities on Horse Boy World Blog
• Testimonials from at least 10 families that you have worked with for at least one 12 week set of sessions.
• Quarterly activity document. Format to be provided by Horse Boy

Horses

• Quality of horses to be assessed by Horse Boy at first workshop at your place which will be run by HB staff
• Approved horses only approved for certain activities and only to be used in those activities within the workshop
• Quarterly Video updates on each horse

Instructor qualification requirements

• Qualification: show all ridden exercises of HBM 1 plus countdowns, plus collected canter on their horses, teach 10 people HBM 1 exercises plus count downs and canter transition
• Horsemanship evaluation:
  • Produce HB horses to our specs and prove it
  • Show 4 horses that can do sensory work
  • 5 basic tricks reliably
  • Count downs
  • Canter transition (halt/canter)
  • On the bit
  • No barging, no biting, no kicking i.e. proven ground manners, no bucking
  • Proven bomb-proved: tarpaulin: walk on, thrown at on head, loud noises, flag,bicycles, balloons, toy swords, wheel chairs
  • Long line quietly at collected trot
  • Long line trail ride
  • Quite trail ride without other horse present
  • Quiet when playing mounted games
  • Quite if trail ride and other horses leave
  • Quiet in arena if other horses come/go
  • Quiet in field if other horses are near by or are taken away
  • Must lunge quietly in side reins or Vienna in rhythm while build the topline
  • Must except to be ridden with dressage stick. Must be desensitized to dressage and lunge stick
  • Must be able to be ridden with Freddy or a child one handed
  • Must be able to give safe, quiet trail ride at walk and trot to beginning rider
  • Must be safe at collected canter on trail
  • Stand still when mount dismount
  • Tie up quietly and safely
  • Neck reins and can be ridden one handed
  • Good top line
  • Basic in hand work (yield jaw, pole, quarters, shoulder in traver at walk and trot)
  • Ridden walk, trot, canter, and all laterals at walk and trot (i.e. leg yield, shoulder in, traver, renver, shoulder out, half pass)
  • Sound
    • If soundness issues a game plan for maintenance that HB approves and they prove that they stick to.
    • No back issues
  • Equipment
    • Must go in bridle with bit
    • Must be comfortable lunging in side reins or Vienna
    • Must be comfortable being ridden with German Martingale/Market Harborough
    • Must be able to wear large western saddle

Apprenticeship: The Train The Trainer Program

• @New Trails 7- 10 days on the ground
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the horse training system and teach staff/clients under HB staff supervision
  • Assessment of horses and creation of training schedule for horses.
  • Host a fake training for our staff
  • Participate at a HB camp in TX or at other approved location. 
• @home: 2 weeks on the ground
  • At very end of requirements
  • Final ok/tweak, final evaluation of horses
  • A small workshop organized and run by you
  • Organize a HB camp while HB staff is with you

Timeframe

• 420h of families served (e.g.  OR 10h per week for one year)
• Provide HB w logs kids/volunteer/horse
• Detailed session log and video/photo blog of selected children (3 minimum)
• HB will survey/ask for feedback of parents before and after each 12 sessions
• Parents in direct contact with HB

Structure of workshops if approved

• All registrations will always be handled through HB
• Trainers to receive up to 60% paid through HBLLC (that is if there are two of you – if it’s just one we need to send a second trainer in who will receive part of the 60% commission)
• Max # of trainees: 5 for first year, 8 for second year.
• Trainees to fill out feedback form provided by HB
• Required at least 2 HB approved riding instructors

Continuous education

• Quarterly report
• Survey /feedback of all trainees
• 4 days per year at NT or other approved HB training facility
• 4 days per year HB approved trainer at Practitioners Location for workshops, improvement of horses/environment etc.

Horse Boy Method 3

Horse Boy Method 3 and Movement Method 3 are the same course. There are two different routes to get to this course. Either you have taken HBM 1 & 2 or Movement Method 1 & 2. We have combined this course because it’s contents are relevant and important or both HBM and MM. It deals with running multi-family playdates and creating curriculum and goals for the families you work with.  

Courses to taken:

Emphasis on Horse Boy Method

• Horse Boy Method (HBM) 1, 2 & 3
• Movement Method  (MM) 1 & 2
• Completed Train the Trainer Program (all other courses must have been completed previously – see Apprenticeship section below)

Emphasis on Movement Method

• Movement Method  (MM) 1, 2 & 3
• Completed Train the Trainer Program (all other courses must have been completed previously – see Apprenticeship section below)

General pre-requisites:

• Complete a background check and Horse Boy Application
• Active Independent Practitioner for at least 2 years.
• Organize MM 1, 2 & 3 workshop for HB staff at Mentor’s center OR Organize HBM 1, 2 & 3 workshop for HB staff at Mentor’s center
• Gold Member and in good standing with Horse Boy
• Assisted HB staff in at least 3 HBM/MM 3 workshops
• Background any of the following:
  • Bachelor degree in education or psychology
  • Therapy degree
  • Equivalent experience e.g. 5 years in education field (can include homeschooling).

Homework/Course work to provide

• Show your environment includes play equipment, educational materials, educational games
• Assessment of your environment: pros and cons; what bad sensory triggers are still in your environment and why have you not remediated them; best thing you implemented that surprised you with its effectiveness
• Show 3 environments that your MM1 & 2 or HBM 1 trainees have implemented
• Goal creation for families: 3 case studies that show goals and curriculum creation for children of different ages and in different subjects
• Records of playdate checklists, volunteer and parent packages
• Description of your volunteer orientation program
• Kids logs, small animal logs (if applicable), volunteer logs – to be provided by Horse Boy and to be submitted to Horse Boy quarterly
• Monthly photos and videos blog of activities on Horse Boy World Blog
• Testimonials from at least 10 families that you have worked with for at least one 12 week set of sessions.
• Quarterly activity document. Format to be provided by Horse Boy

Apprenticeship: The Train The Trainer Program

• @New Trails 10 days to 2 weeks on the ground
  • Host a fake training for our staff
  • Orient volunteers at New Trails
  • Goal and curriculum creation for 1 family 
• @home: 2 weeks on the ground
  • At very end of requirements
  • Final ok/tweak, final evaluation of horses
  • Take HB staff through your volunteer orientation 
  • Take HB staff through 2 new children and the current status of goal and curriculum creation for that child

Timeframe

• 420h of families served (e.g.  OR 10h per week for one year)
• Provide HB w logs kids/volunteer
• Detailed session log and video/photo blog of selected children (3 minimum)
• HB will survey/ask for feedback of parents before and after each 12 sessions
• Parents in direct contact with HB

Structure of workshops if approved

• All registrations will always be handled through HB
• Trainers to receive up to 60% paid through HBLLC (that is if there are two of you – if it’s just one we need to send a second trainer in who will receive part of the 60% commission)
• Max # of trainees: 5 for first year, 8 for second year.
• Trainees to fill out feedback form provided by HB
• Required at least 2 HB approved riding instructors

Continuous education

• Quarterly report
• Survey /feedback of all trainees
• 4 days per year at NT or other approved HB training facility
• 4 days per year HB approved trainer at Practitioners Location for workshops, improvement of horses/environment etc.