Equine Massage Muscle Therapy Certification Classes

Classes are held as interest warrants to a select group and run over a 6-month period. If you are interested in an intro class, want to become certified, or are a practicing therapist that is looking to learn some advanced work, please email Mike or call 803-422-5894.

Equine anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and massage technique are taught in our classes and emphasized throughout hands-on work. Innovative methods are used to help the student learn, as well as, gait analysis of the horse, in a fun, intuitive and easy-to-retain fashion. The importance of saddle fitting and the effects on the horse will be covered at various times throughout our courses.

Student Commitment

It is strongly suggested (not required) that all applicants attend an introductory seminar such as our “Introduction to Equine Massage/Muscle Therapy” or an intro class offered by another program. Individuals with a human massage background and ample experience around horses have proven to adapt to the rigors of the course more easily.

• Basic understanding of horse anatomy is a must. Before the first day of class, the student must be able to name and locate the general superficial muscle, deep muscles, joints and bony landmarks. Required readings and 1st months preparation material will be sent with confirmation and receipt of application and deposit.
• Experience around horses is required. The student must feel comfortable palpating, grooming, picking up feet, leading and trotting the horse on the line etc.
• If you have no prior experience around horses and want to apply, we may refer you to another school and a shorter program to get you feeling comfortable around the horse. After that you may re-apply.
• Due to the way this program is set up, you MUST have the time to commit and complete the hands on and academic requirements. If you foresee ANY reason that you might not be able to complete the requirements or you are not a self starter or motivated for a course that requires independent study. please do NOT apply.
• We move at a fast pace, explain thoroughly and expect the students to keep up.
• If you cannot find people in your area to intern/extern/observe, please contact us and we may be able to refer you to some.
• The student MUST have access to therapists for hours, horses for case studies, a facility to complete volunteer hours and computer access for student/teacher correspondence and research.

Equine Massage Muscle Therapy Classes

First Session: classes are held in 4-day sessions (3 different meetings) usually held Wednesday-Saturday. Coursework is taught 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, unless noted. This allows for Sunday travel time.

Second Session: A week-long session is held approximately 3 months from the first session.

Third Session: The final session will be approximately 3 months from the second session. Between the meetings, the student must meet course requirements (see table below).

There will be 3 packets sent to the specified instructor for careful monitoring. During specified segments, the requirements will be:

• 17 case studies (total 51)
• 10 intern/extern hours (total 30)
• 5 volunteer hours and research project time (total 15)

Investment: $5,000.00

Payment and Refund Policy

$2000.00 deposit is required at time of application. $1500 is due 2 months prior to the beginning of class and final $1500 is due 30 days before 2nd meeting. In the event that the course needs to cancel (highly unlikely) before the class starts a full refund will be issued.

If you must withdraw up to 60 days before class, you will receive a full refund minus $150.00 administration fee. If you must withdraw within the 2 months before class, you will receive NO refund. If in the event of an emergency, we will make every effort to apply your tuition to an upcoming class that is agreeable to both parties.

We keep the class enrollments small (usually 4 max.) to insure proper attention. For this reason, it is difficult to take people in at the last minute. Please apply well in advance to be prepared. This also makes it difficult if not impossible to fill a slot in the event of someone withdrawing at the last minute.

If for ANY reason a student must withdraw from the class once it commences, there will be absolutely NO REFUND given. If the student needs to make up classes, retest or require any tutors additional time, there will be a fee assessed that will go directly to the instructor.

Life throws many curve balls but this course is designed to cover all material necessary to complete. Instructors are committed only to the time involved during the course.

Please contact Mike Scott directly for the dates and application process.