About the ANRC

Background

            The American National Riding Commission, Inc. (ANRC) was established in 2006 to continue the goals and activities of the Affiliated National Riding Commission, which existed as part of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD) for more that 60 years.  The original purpose was to initiate a standardized method to educate riders in hunt seat equitation and to create a "Rider Certification" system to assess riding ability and knowledge of riding theory.  ANRC continues to support these goals with competitions, clinics, and distribution of educational materials.

ANRC's educational system is based on the teachings of Captain Vladimir Littauer, a Russian who came to the United States in the thirties and established a riding school. His progressive riding system has influenced many professional riders and trainers, including Jane Dillon, George Morris, Joe Fargis, Lendon Gray, Pam Baker and Bernie Traurig.

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of the American National Riding Commission, Inc. is to promote the highest quality of educated riding and related services within schools, colleges, and universities; and in public and private concerns by providing the following programs:

	instructional riding clinics
	a rider certification program called "Rider Certification Levels" to strengthen riding knowledge and skills
	a competitive riding experience through "Equitrials" which are designed to improve a hunter performance and equitation skills
	an apprentice judging program for future ANRC judges and clinicians
	sponsoring the ANRC National Intercollegiate Riding Championships annually
	offering forums and Symposiums on related topics
	publishing the "Riding Highlights" newsletter with information on ANRC activities
	cooperating with other organizations whose purposes are in accord with those of the ANRC

Goals and Objectives

The overall goal of the ANRC is to promote a contemporary, systematic approach to riding, training, and teaching that is appropriate for horses as well as riders at various stages of learning.  Emphasis is placed on developing a cooperative effort between horse and rider, and ultimately achieving a quality level of performance.  These objectives are based on Captain Littauer's Forward Riding System, and are specifically aimed towards riders, trainers, or instructors who want to improve equitation skills, teaching skills, gain a better understanding of riding theory, and want to improve the performance of a field hunter, show hunter, jumper, or pleasure horse.

These goals are accomplished through instructional clinics, rider Certification centers, and hunter competitions called "Equitrials", that are conducted by qualified ANRC clinicians and judges, and designed to provide a positive learning experience.