PLN
You are looking for a place to learn to ride. You browse yard websites, read descriptions and everywhere you see “experienced instructor” or “qualified coach”. The problem is that in Poland literally anyone can use both titles, because neither is legally protected. Before you sign yourself or your child up for a first lesson, it is worth knowing what to look for and what to ask.
My name is Aleksandra Ławniczak. Day to day I work as a sales expert, but I am also a PZJ Basic Training Instructor (Instruktor Szkolenia Podstawowego PZJ), and over my years in equestrian sport I have seen how many people choose where to learn to ride completely at random, without knowing what to look for. This article is here to change that.
Key takeaways
- In Poland the titles “instructor” and “coach” in equestrian sport are not legally protected. Anyone can call themselves that.
- The Polish Equestrian Federation (PZJ) runs its own system of training levels: from PZJ Recreation Instructor to PZJ Master Class Coach.
- For leisure riding, a PZJ Recreation Instructor, a PZJ Basic Training Instructor or an experienced instructor with IRR qualifications is enough.
- Before you choose, check qualifications and the approach to horse and rider, not just price and location.
- A good instructor asks about your goals, and a good coach builds a plan to reach them.
Table of contents
- Why “instructor” and “coach” can be misleading
- The PZJ system: what are the instructor and coach levels?
- Recreation instructor (IRR): what it is and when it is enough
- Sport instructor and coach: when you need them
- Who to choose: leisure, children, competitions
- What to look for when choosing an instructor
- Most common mistakes when choosing an instructor
- Frequently asked questions
- Summary
Why can “instructor” and “coach” be misleading?
In Poland the profession of sports instructor and coach has been partly deregulated. This means there is no single regulation defining who may use the title “riding instructor” or “equestrian coach”. In practice, anyone can call themselves that.
That does not mean all instructors are the same. It means that, as a client, you need to know what to look for instead of relying only on the title written on a yard's website.
There are two main qualification routes: the PZJ (Polish Equestrian Federation) and IRR (recreation instructor qualifications issued by private training companies). Each offers different possibilities and carries a different reputation in the equestrian world.
There is one exception: training linked to competing may only be given by a coach or instructor holding a valid PZJ licence.
The PZJ system: what are the instructor and coach levels?
The PZJ awards levels according to its Instructor and Coach Training System (2026 edition). From the lowest level up, the hierarchy looks like this:
PZJ Recreation Instructor (Instruktor Rekreacji PZJ): the first level. Teaches the basics of riding at leisure level, runs individual and group lessons, including at riding camps. Does not provide sport training.
PZJ Basic Training Instructor (Instruktor Szkolenia Podstawowego PZJ): the second level. Teaches the basics, prepares riders for PZJ riding badges (Jeżdżę Konno, Bronze, Silver) and for first starts at unaffiliated and regional shows. The former PZJ Riding Instructor level is equivalent to it.
PZJ Sport Instructor: provides sport training and prepares riders for competitions. For junior riders under 18, they can sign licence applications and be named as their coach in show entries.
PZJ Class II Coach: runs long-term sport training. It requires at least 5 years of work as a Sport Instructor.
PZJ Class I Coach: trains riders within PZJ competition, including national squads.
PZJ Coach Educator (Trener Wykładowca): provides specialist training and continuing education for instructors and coaches.
PZJ Master Class Coach: the highest level, awarded for pupils' results at championship level.
The level is permanent, but to work as a PZJ coach you also need a PZJ coaching licence. It is issued for 3 years, and to renew it the instructor must complete 3 licence training courses and hold third-party liability insurance. The PZJ publishes a list of licensed coaches with their level and licence expiry date.
Recreation instructor (IRR): what it is and when is it enough?
IRR stands for the qualification from riding recreation instructor courses (Instruktor Rekreacji Ruchowej). Until 2013 it was issued by the ministry; since the profession was deregulated, the courses have been run by private training companies outside the PZJ system. Do not confuse IRR with the PZJ Recreation Instructor: they are two different qualifications. A person with IRR can obtain the PZJ level after passing an exam.
An instructor with IRR qualifications can teach leisure riding lessons. They cannot, however, run exams for PZJ riding badges.
When is IRR enough? If you are looking for leisure lessons for yourself or your child, with no competition ambitions, an IRR instructor with good practice and experience can be perfectly sufficient. What matters most is the approach to the rider and the horse, not just a certificate on the wall.
Sport instructor and coach: when do you need them?
If your child has competition ambitions, if you want to compete at regional level or higher yourself, or if you train intensively in a specific discipline (show jumping, dressage, eventing), you need someone with higher qualifications than a recreation instructor.
A PZJ Sport Instructor can provide sport training and prepare riders for competitions. They know the PZJ rules inside out, understand the class system and know how to build a training plan around specific competition tasks.
Class II coaches and above usually work with riders at national and international level. For leisure riding and first regional starts a Class II coach is not necessary, but if one is available at your yard, it is a clear sign of quality.
Who to choose: leisure, children, competitions
If you ride for pleasure: a PZJ Recreation Instructor, a PZJ Basic Training Instructor or an experienced IRR instructor. Check their approach to riders, the condition of the horses at the yard and the atmosphere in lessons.
If you are signing up a child for riding lessons: a PZJ or IRR instructor is the minimum. Check whether the instructor has experience working with children. A good approach to children and a calm, suitable horse matter more than a coaching level.
If you plan to compete: you need a PZJ Sport Instructor or a coach with a valid licence. Ask directly whether the person you will work with can prepare riders for competitions and knows the current PZJ rules.
What to look for when choosing an instructor?
Qualifications: ask directly about their PZJ level or type of qualification. A good instructor will have no problem with this and will show you their ID card.
The first conversation: a good instructor asks about your experience, goals and any concerns. If they lead you straight to the horse without any conversation, that is a warning sign.
Matching the horse to the rider: the horse must suit the rider's level. A horse that is too difficult at the start is not a challenge, it is a training mistake.
Explaining, not just giving orders: a good instructor explains why you are doing an exercise, rather than just saying “sit up straight” and “heels down”.
Safety: is a helmet compulsory in lessons? Does the instructor wear one too? Is a body protector used for more advanced work, and for children, is it required? You can read more about the rules in the yard in our guide to safety around horses.
Most common mistakes when choosing an instructor
Choosing only by price and distance. First check qualifications, horses and atmosphere, and only then compare prices.
Trusting the title on the yard's website. Ask about their level and check the name on the PZJ list of licensed coaches.
Signing up without watching a lesson. Before you buy a block of lessons, watch one session from behind the fence.
Skimping on safety equipment. A helmet from the very first ride, and for children a body protector too.
Red flags: warning signs
- The instructor cannot (or will not) tell you what qualifications they hold.
- Lessons start without any conversation about your level and expectations.
- The horse is clearly unsuitable for the rider's level: too nervous, too difficult.
- Helmets are not required, or the instructor does not wear one.
- There is no training plan at all, and every lesson has looked the same for months.
- The instructor criticises other instructors or yards instead of talking about their own work.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a riding instructor and a riding coach?
An instructor teaches the basics and runs leisure or basic training. A coach (Class II and above) runs long-term sport training, and reaching that level takes years of work as a Sport Instructor.
Does an instructor need PZJ qualifications?
For leisure lessons there is no legal requirement, and IRR can be enough. PZJ qualifications are awarded by the national equestrian federation and the licence has to be renewed regularly, which gives you extra assurance.
How can I check whether an instructor has a valid PZJ licence?
The PZJ publishes a list of licensed coaches on its website, with their level and licence expiry date. The licence is issued for 3 years, and renewing it requires licence training courses and liability insurance.
Can an instructor without a PZJ licence prepare me for competitions?
No. Training linked to sport competition may only be given by a coach or instructor holding a valid PZJ licence.
Can I change instructors partway through?
Yes, and there is nothing wrong with that. If you feel you are not making progress, communication is not working or you simply lack motivation for lessons, changing instructor is a sensible decision.
Is an instructor with a higher level always better?
A higher level means broader qualifications, but it does not guarantee a better approach to the rider. A basic-level instructor with passion, experience and good communication can be a better choice for a beginner than a Class I coach with no patience for novices.
Summary
Instructor and coach in equestrian sport are levels in a qualification system that define what a person is trained to teach.
Before you choose a yard and an instructor, ask a few specific questions: what qualifications they hold, how long they have worked with riders at your level, how they match horses to riders. The answers will tell you more than any title written on a website.
- For leisure riding: a PZJ Recreation Instructor, a PZJ Basic Training Instructor or an experienced IRR instructor is enough.
- For a child: check the approach to the child and to the horse, not just the certificate on the wall.
- Always: a helmet is compulsory, a body protector is compulsory for children too and recommended for adults.
If you are looking for equipment for your first or next lessons, visit the Equishop store at ul. Oświęcimska 9 in Ruda Śląska. We will help you choose a helmet, a body protector, breeches and gloves suited to your level and discipline. Any questions? Get in touch via our contact page.
