Equine Therapist Bodywork Therapy for Horse and Rider

The Right Therapist for Your Horse

Academic Training - Clinical Experience are Important!

Many people are unaware that animal massage is not a regulated industry. Though several U.S. schools offer "Certification in Equine Sports Massage Therapy," it's important to understand just how little this designation actually means. Just look in the back of any horse magazine to see the growing plethora of schools offering certification courses.

Unlike in human massage, where standards exist at the national level and licensing is required in most states, the sad fact is that currently in the U.S., there is no governing body to independently certify students, no minimum standards or requirements, and no standardized testing. Such lack of independent standards and oversight makes it difficult for you, the horseowner or trainer to assess quality and depth of an individual's training and experience, or to know whom to hire to work with their animals. To further complicate matters, in several states, hands on therapy is considered "the practice of veterinary medicine" despite the fact that most veterinarians do not offer it as a service. Check your state's Veterinary Practice Act to determine what the laws of your state allow.

That being said, you are best advised to look for certain things in an Equine Therapist before choosing one to work on your horse. While we do not endorse any particular school in the U.S., we feel that some are certainly better than others based on many factors that should be taken into account.

Our general opinion is that those who are serious, wishing to excel as a professional, will not have ended their education with the first and only course taken of short duration (e.g., 5 days!). Taking a one-week course, often under the tutelage of those with no formal training, professional licensing or recognized degree themselves (A large advertising budget does not a credentialed professional make!). Likewise, thinking that because one has learned one and only one "technique," s/he can now administer effective therapy, is not only unsupported in fact, but deleterious to the profession and its perception. This is most likely why the better schools require that the student first be a licensed/registered/certified human massage therapist, having taken several hundred instructional hours covering anatomy, physiology, pathology, theory, ethics, etc. in addition to clinical hours performing massage under the aegis of their instructor(s).

Memorization of a basic "sports massage routine" does not teach one the palpatory skills necessary to detect fascial lesions and muscle spasm, or adequately assess postural and movement distortions, or to recognize when a problem is simply not muscular in nature. Being well-versed in equine musculoskeletal anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, and biomechanics as well as several manual modalities, are all necessary to be of benefit to the horse.

So what should you look for in making your selection? Consider the Guide below as an aid. Another way to separate the professionals from the amateurs is to check whether your equine massage therapist carries professional liability insurance for animals (See below.).

Questions for your Equine Therapist

What is their background & experience with horses?
Where did they receive their training? How many hours was EACH course? What were the qualifications of the instructor?
How have they advanced their training beyond the initial course they took?
Do you know anyone who's used their services? Have you spoken with this person?
Do they have repeat business?
Were you referred by another equine professional such as your vet, equine chiropractor, farrier, saddler, etc.?
Do they offer Clinics and Presentations, confident in their knowledge of equine anatomy & its function?
Do they attend recognized horse shows and industry expos, where you can see what they do?
Do they carry professional liability insurance for horse and rider?
Do they offer a descriptive brochure, a website, or some other means that explains who they are, what they offer, and their philosophy? Or is all they have is a business card? (If they haven't invested in themselves, why should you?)
Are they willing to document their work and follow your horse's progress?

At the initial session:

Did they ask you to fill out a form detailing your horse's health & training history?
Was their demeanor professional; arriving on time or calling ahead if they were delayed?
Did they request that you initially warm your horse up just prior to beginning the session and again afterwards to avoid soreness?
Did they ask to see your horse in motion prior to their hands-on work?
Did they check your saddle's fit? Your other tack? Blankets?
Did they explain what you may reasonably expect from a muscle therapy session?
Did they work to establish rapport with your horse upon their initial visit, or did they "dive right in," in a rush to get done?
What was your horse's reaction to them? Did s/he enjoy their contact with deep breathing, soft eyes and a droopy lower lip? Or were his ears pinned back, with his tail swishing or foot stomping most of the time?
Did your horse seem more physically and mentally relaxed or energized afterwards?
Did they discuss their findings with you and note them for their files?
Did they offer to share their findings with your vet, equine chiropractor, or farrier?
Did they suggest a follow-up regimen for your horse?
Did they make it clear that any underlying issues should be addressed by a veterinarian?
Were they willing and able to answer your questions?
Would you use their services again?

The above list is neither all-inclusive, nor is it the only way to go about things. But we believe that it certainly is a good start!

Don't be afraid to ask questions. We encourage you to do so. Those who are confident in their abilities, understand that you just want what's best for your horse and they should too! Horse Holistics even goes further by offering a graphic Report for you and your vet. Note that if you do not see improvement in your horse's movement and demeanor after 4 sessions not too far apart in time, chances are the problem is not muscle-related and you should consult your veterinarian to discuss other strategies.

Feel free to call or e-mail us with your additional questions on the subject. (Please note that as professionals, we charge a consultation fee based on time beginning with a $35 minimum initial consult, payable by credit card or PayPal in advance.) And don't forget to drop us a line. Let us know if you found this information helpful!

Call Horse Holistics today!
(704) 896-6500

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