How to Become a Rehabilitation Therapist for Horses

Many therapy modalties used on humans also work for horses.

Horse rehabilitation therapists, also known as equine physical therapists, work with injured animals to heal trauma and ease pain. Horse rehabilitation therapists are responsible for assessing injuries and designing treatment plans. Equine physical therapists employ various methods to assist their charges, including ice/heat therapy, massage, ultrasound, hydrotherapy and rehabilitative exercises. Other treatments might include nutrition therapy and acupuncture. There are several steps involved in becoming an equine physical therapist.

Instructions

1. Ensure you have the right personality and demeanor to work as an equine physical therapists. You will need compassion and patience, plus the ability to withstand seeing an animal in pain while trying to help it. You will also need good communication skills when dealing with the horse's owner, and also when interacting with other medical professionals that might be critical to the horse's treatment plan, like veterinarians or equine chiropractors.

2. Complete a program of study that will enhance your chosen career. As of 2011, there are still very few educational programs dedicated solely to training equine physical therapists. Many therapists take a combination of disciplines. For example, you might obtain a bachelor's degree in animal science and an associate's degree in veterinary technology.

3. Consider obtaining a bachelor's or master's degree in physical therapy. Physical therapy programs are usually geared toward humans and must be adapted for horses by equine professionals. Whether or not you obtain additional training in physical therapy, you will require hands-on experience under the guidance of a practicing horse rehabilitation therapist before ever attempting to manage cases on a solo basis.

Tips & Warnings

• Many equine physical therapists are also licensed veterinarians who have pursued additional training. According to Education Portal, veterinarians working as equine physical therapists typically earn less in that capacity.

• The duties of a horse rehabilitation specialist can be physically demanding. There is often heavy lifting involved, such as positioning a horse in equipment or manually manipulating different parts of the horse during exercises. The job can also involve a lot of walking, and might not be a good choice for some.

References

• Education Portal: Horse Rehabilitation Therapist: Salary Info and Job Duties
• Education Portal: Equine Physical Therapist: Job Description and Info About Starting a Career in Equine Rehabilitation
• Education Portal: Equine Physical Therapist: Salary Info and Requirements
• Education Portal: Equine Physical Therapist: Job Description and Info About Starting a Career in Equine Rehabilitation
• Horse Jobs: Rehabilitation Therapist