TurnoutHQ+ Newsroom · Published April 10, 2026 · Updated September 8, 2026
Key Takeaway
Seven dressage professionals have earned their USDF Instructor Certification this spring, highlighting a continued national effort to standardize and elevate the quality of dressage instruction in the U.S.
What Happened
The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) has officially announced its newest class of certified instructors following the completion of the spring 2026 certification cycle. Seven professionals from across the United States successfully met the rigorous requirements of the USDF Instructor/Trainer Development Program, earning credentials at the Second Level and the combined Third through Fourth Level.
The newly certified instructors represent six different states, including Arkansas, Ohio, Virginia, Florida, and Maryland. This program is designed to vet the technical knowledge and teaching capabilities of dressage professionals, ensuring they can effectively communicate the principles of the Training Pyramid to their students.
Why It Matters
In the American equestrian landscape, "trainer" is a title anyone can claim regardless of experience. The USDF certification remains one of the few ways for students and horse owners to verify that a professional has been evaluated by a national governing body. By successfully completing this process, these instructors have demonstrated not only their riding proficiency but also their ability to teach safe, correct, and classical dressage.
For the dressage community, the expansion of the certified instructor pool signals a continued push toward professionalizing the sport. As USDF Education Director Kathie Robertson noted, there is an increasing national spotlight on the importance of formal education for those responsible for the development of both riders and horses. For amateur riders, these certifications provide a layer of consumer protection and a benchmark for quality instruction when seeking out a new coach.
Discipline Context
This announcement specifically affects the Dressage community. The USDF Instructor/Trainer Development Program serves as the primary educational pathway for dressage professionals in the U.S. By offering certifications ranging from Training Level through Grand Prix, the program ensures that the standard of excellence remains consistent across all competitive levels. These certifications are particularly significant for Youth and Adult Amateur riders, as certified instructors are trained to prioritize the systematic development of the horse and rider according to the Pegasus-standardized American dressage curriculum.
Quick Facts
- Governing Body: United States Dressage Federation (USDF)
- Announcement Date: April 9, 2026
- New Second Level Certified: Mimi Benton (AR), Rebakah Stought (OH)
- New Third, Fourth Level Certified: Nicole Ardito-Ng (VA), Jaralyn Gibson (FL), Heidi Hauri-Gill (FL), Caroline Stevenson (FL), Noel Williams (MD)
- Primary Program: USDF Instructor/Trainer Development Program
- USDF Headquarters: Lexington, KY
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