Equine Massage Therapy by Laura Hudson
Massage Therapy for Horses
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Course I Outline
Introduction and Overview of Massage: the history, uses and benefits.
Understanding the Equine: how to read equine body language and work safely, including the use of proper body mechanics to avoid injury.
Learning Anatomy and Physiology: location of muscles and how they function with the other systems in the equine.
Learning Conformation: how to evaluate equine conformation.
Learning Gait Analysis and Biomechanics: how the equine is designed to move fluidly and efficiently and how to evaluate for stiffness, soreness and lameness.
Learning Palpation Skills: proper methods and techniques to examine the equine for abnormalities in the soft tissues.
Learning Massage Strokes: the names, application and function of massage strokes.
How to Perform a Massage: learning Maintenance, Sports, Swedish and Therapeutic/Rehabilitation massages.
Overview of Breeds and Disciplines: key traits of performance breeds and discipline specific knowledge regarding common locations for soft tissue strain and soreness.
Massaging with Intent: practitioner's ability to prioritize short-term and long-term goals for the equine's well-being. Also contraindications, learning when not to massage.
Learning How to Chart: proper documentation for assessing the equine, the massage work given, the outcome and recommendations for follow-up therapy.
Learning Stretching Techniques: including exercises that the equine owner can perform.
Basic Overview of other Equine Therapeutic Modalities: including Trigger Point, Deep Tissue Massage, Myofascial Release, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Acupressure, Nutritional Therapy, Herbal Therapy and Magnetic Field Therapy.
Best Practices for a Long-Term Successful Equine Massage Business: includes efficient use of social media, how to approach barn and horse show managers, how to arrive prepared and make a great impression during the first visit, how to utilize technology in the digital landscape, creative marketing strategies, patient confidentiality, insurance and how to exceed your client's expectations.
This course will include exams following each unit to show proficiency of topics. After successful completion of course a written final and practical exam are given. Upon successful completion a Holistic Touch Therapy Certification as an Equine Massage Practitioner (EMP) will be issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q
What if I do not test well?A
I am committed to your learning and will answer questions, review information and techniques via email, text, phone or video chat. Responses to students are typically within a few hours.
Q
How long do I have to complete the online course?A
It is a self-paced course that does not have a fixed completion date. I recommend taking the course when you can dedicate time each week to cover the material.
Q
Are there any prerequisites for this course?A
No, however if you have little or no experience with equines you must take the course in person to be certified.
Q
Are learning materials provided for the online and in-person course?A
Yes, they are part of the tuition.
Q
Do I need to have special equipment for the online course?A
You need to have a way to video required course elements with the equine. Smart phones, ipads, and many cameras work perfectly and allow for the easy sending of video.
Q
If I come to Fox Hollow Sport Horses to take the course what type of horses will be available to learn massage?A
Fox Hollow Sport Horses always has well-mannered dressage, hunter and event horses to learn massage and body work techniques. The breeds include Hanoverians, Swedish Warmbloods, Oldenburgs and Thoroughbreds. Occasionally there are Arabians and Western speed event horses to work on as well.
Q
How many hours is the course?A
Students should plan to spend around 40 hours on guided classroom work and 60 hours on clinical work. The best way to learn the hands-on work is to practice!
Q
I do not have a horse so how will I do the clinical work?A
I will reach out to barn owners in your area and find a suitable facility.
Q
Is there an Equine II Course and what material does it cover?A
Yes, it can be taken after completing Course I. Equine II focuses in greater detail on developing an eye for evaluating conformation, movement, and biomechanics with the purpose to improve motion by using massage. Equine disciplines are studied in detail to gain greater insight into the muscle groups, areas and regions prone to stress. This course teaches Deep Tissue Massage, Trigger Point Massage and Acupressure. Using massage therapy for the senior equine is also covered. We will also explore how to grow your brand in the Equine Industry.
