The American Equestrian Guild's Mission

To create the most trusted pathway for developing complete horsemen and horsewomen in America—combining education, experience, mentorship, and service.

To develop and support horsemen and horsewomen through a lifelong journey of mastery, combining education, experience, and service to honor the horse and advance the future of equestrian sport. 

To promote the welfare of the horse in equestrian sports and American life for the future benefit of generations to come.

To provide a professional association intended for the mutual-aid of equestrian professionals to protect their economic interests, regulate quality standards, and control training within a localized region.

The History behind the Guild

Modeled after Medieval European guilds, which served a variety of purposes, the guild concept provided a way to extensively educate new artisans and practitioners with an advancement structure that standardizes education and establishes benchmarks of knowledge and experience. The goal was to provide a trusted halmark for quality of work and expertise. 

The guild's purpose was also to collectively advocate for the economic and professional interests of its members.

The motto, "Virtus et Solertia" describes the best horsemen and horsewomen's character: solid ethics and virtue combined with practical competence and skill.

How does it work?

The American Equestrian Guild Academy (TAEGA)

We are currently developing a curriculum that is a multi-tiered system by which anyone at any level of interest in the equestrian arts can become educated and certified. The program is rigorous but progressive and covers all aspects of horsemanship, basic veterinary and farrier care, equestrian skills and training of rider and horse. This curriculum will initally be geared towards young people but will be available for anyone interested in becoming a member of the guild. Through participation and achievement of academy standards, members will be issued a passport with certifications that can be presented for employment and verification of knowledge.

The American Equestrian Guild Membership

Equestrians and Equestrian Professionals can become Guild members through 

• Education: Achievement of standards of Certification through TAEGA or other acredited certification programs.
• Work Credits: You must earn a specific number of industry-specific credits, hours, or contracts within a set timeframe.
• Sponsorship: You present official letters of recommendation from current, active members in good standing.
• Initiation Fees: You must pay a one-time entry fee alongside ongoing annual or quarterly membership dues.

Guild Benefits

The American Equestrian Guild is fundamentally about creating a community of horsemen and women who work together to standardize professional practices, welfare of the horse and rider, and economic development of the horse industry.

By becoming a member, one not only participates in a growing community but also becomes involved in actively advancing the equestrian sport for future generations through:

• Contributing knowledge and standardized practices.
• Participation in campaigns for preservation of equestrian venues and green spaces.
• Developing tools and technology for advancement of the horse industry.
• Networking with other professionals for the advancement of the sport.