About Equine Massage Therapists
Equine massage therapists are used to enhance competitive performance in horses by increasing circulation, removing harmful toxins, decreasing inflammation, alleviating muscle tension, pain and spasms and increasing flexibility and muscle tone. Legal requirements for such massage therapists vary by state, and some states require veterinary supervision. Some schools offer certificate programs in equine massage.
Benefits of Equine Massage Therapy
- Increases performance, competitiveness and endurance
- Prevents debilitating muscular injuries, prevents future injuries and speeds recovery time
- Releases endorphins, helping with pain relief
- Supports the immune system
- Promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety and fatigue
Massage Techniques
- Hydrotherapy: Water treatments can alleviate chronic pain and inflammation.
- Cold Therapy: Used to reduce inflammation and decrease pain.
- Heat Therapy: Heat helps to loosen muscle fibers, tendons and ligaments. It helps dislodge toxins and prepares the muscles for massaging. It lowers blood pressure, raises body temperature and increases metabolism.
- Kinesiology: Helps understanding how the muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments and joints work together.
Education and Certification
- Meredith Manor, Waverly, West Virginia: Offers certificate courses on massage techniques, muscular fatigue and soreness, and horse anatomy.
- Equissage, Round Hill, Virginia: Offers certificate in either equine massage or canine massage, as well as a dual certificate in equine and canine massage.
- Equitouch, Cheyenne and Laramie, Wyoming: Offers a certificate course that combines methods of touch, equine bodywork and massage, and exercise physiology with anatomy instruction.
Upon completion of a certificate course, students can apply for certification from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) or the International Association of Animal Massage & Bodywork (IAAMB).