Equine Massage Therapy Training
Equine massage therapy training is offered throughout the United States. Since there is no nationally recognized system of accreditation, training programs vary in their length, training techniques and cost. Equine massage training programs cover equine anatomy, massage techniques and common muscular problems. Some programs also offer business guidelines.
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Considerations
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Equine massage therapists need to be comfortable around horses. Before you choose a training program, you need to consider your goals. Why do you want to learn equine massage? If you simply want to work on your own horses, a short weekend course may provide you with the right tools. However, if you wish to be a professional equine massage therapist, you may need a more in-depth training program.
The National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage recommends that animal massage therapists have a minimum of 200 hours of training.
Don Doran, who oversees the Animal Dynamics training program, suggests prospective students consider instructors' qualifications and the breeds/disciplines of horses used in the program. For example, a potential therapist who wants to create a future business clientele of thoroughbred racehorses may not want to choose a training program that focuses on dressage warmbloods.
Prerequisites
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It can be helpful to have a background in human massage. There is no standard prerequisite for equine massage training programs. Each program has its own standards. Most equine massage therapy training programs prefer students to have some experience with horses. A few recommend that students have a background in human massage therapy.
To save valuable learning time, some programs, like EquiTouch, require students to study the equine skeletal and muscular system before they attend the program. -
On-Site Training
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There are equine massage training programs for almost any budget. Equine massage therapy training programs vary in cost from $1,295 for a week-long session at Equissage in Virginia to as much as $18,000 for a two-year program at D'Arcy Lane in Canada.
Weekend courses are also available if you want to learn how to massage your own horses. Massage Awareness Inc. promotes a one-day clinic for $250. The clinic will teach you basic massage techniques, routines and stretching exercises.
When you budget for training, you should also consider whether the training program is near your home or if you need to add travel and lodging costs to your budget.
Home Study
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Home study programs allow you to learn at your own pace. If you prefer to learn at your own pace or your budget will not allow travel to on-site training, some massage training schools offer home study programs. Equissage offers a home study course for $895 that includes a manual, audio CDs, training DVDs and exams. Massage Awareness, Inc. also offers a 1,000-hour home study curriculum based on author Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt's methods.
Accreditation
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There are no national licensure requirements for equine massage therapists. As of April 2010, there are no state or national license requirements for equine massage therapists. However, the American Veterinary Medical Association has regulations regarding complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM) that vary from state to state. Your equine massage training program should help you figure out your state's requirements.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit racehorse number 1 image by Clarence Alford from Fotolia.com dressage image by Philippe LERIDON from Fotolia.com Massage to the palm of the hand as part of a Thai body massage. image by Deborah Benbrook from Fotolia.com 3D dollar sign with multiple smaller dollar signs. image by Steve Johnson from Fotolia.com computer image by blaine stiger from Fotolia.com united states of america image by Vladislav Gajic from Fotolia.com
