Catherine Limkeman Achieves Level 4 Equine Facility Manager Certification
Camp Ondessonk proudly announces that our Equestrian Director, Catherine Limkeman, has earned the prestigious Level 4 Equine Facility Manager (EFM) Certification through the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA). This incredible achievement recognizes Catherine’s expertise in equine facility management, horse care, and leadership within the industry.
What is the Equine Facility Manager Certification?
The CHA Equine Facility Manager Certification is a rigorous three-day evaluation program designed to assess participants’ skills and knowledge in equine facility management. Held at commercial equine operations, this certification process ensures candidates are evaluated on real-world equine management scenarios. The program includes:
- Written Exams: A minimum passing score of 80% is required to advance to the next level.
- Skill Demonstrations: Candidates must showcase their abilities in horse handling, safety, husbandry, facility management, and professionalism.
- Comprehensive Assessments: Evaluations are conducted by CHA Certifiers, who determine the level of certification attained based on demonstrated skills and knowledge.
What Does Level 4 Certification Mean?
Earning a Level 4 EFM Certification signifies that Catherine Limkeman has reached the highest tier of expertise within the program. This certification qualifies her as a commercial equine operation general manager with over 35 horses and five or more employees.
Level 4 candidates must demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in:
- Business & Financial Management: Budgeting, strategic planning, and insurance.
- Personnel Development: Staff training, conflict resolution, and leadership.
- Equine Selection & Care: Evaluating and selecting horses for various programs.
- Safety & Disaster Planning: Emergency preparedness for equine facilities.
- Regulatory Compliance: Understanding and implementing federal and local regulations.
A Future Certifier in the Making
Beyond achieving Level 4 certification, Catherine was also invited to apply as an Assistant Certifier Instructor (ACI). This prestigious recommendation reflects her ability to provide insightful and constructive feedback to fellow participants and her deep knowledge of equine care and facility management. Her expertise and teaching style impressed the CHA Certifiers, making her an ideal candidate to mentor future equine managers.
What This Means for Camp Ondessonk
Catherine’s achievement reinforces Camp Ondessonk’s commitment to providing the highest standard of equestrian education and care. Her expertise ensures that our horse programs continue to be safe, well-managed, and enriching for campers of all skill levels.
We congratulate Catherine on this well-earned accomplishment and look forward to seeing her continue to inspire and educate equestrians for years to come!
Click here for more information about our Equestrian programs.