Become a Successful Equine Massage Therapist
To start and grow an equine massage practice, a student must be confident and communicate with equine professionals. A graduate needs to be able to evaluate a horse and effectively treat him / her so that there’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that your work is valuable and effective. The therapeutic approach taught at Langley Equine studies is “Swedish Massage” techniques, a combination of Myo-fascial Release, Neuromuscular, and Structural Reintegration and acupressure modalities. Functional Anatomy, Anatomy of Equine Movement, Pathophysiology of Pain and Fitness are also taught.
The EQMT 302 Online course is an intense study program. It is for the self-disciplined, diligent and highly motivated student. This course specializes in advanced therapeutic rehabilitative treatments and students will achieve a greater level of awareness and communication with the horse. Successful business practices, marketing and record-keeping are also included in the core curriculum.
Scope & Sequence
The 300 hundred hour equine massage programs include instruction related to large animals as follows:
(a) Theory & Practice in Technique: Instruction consists of seventy-five hours in general animal massage techniques. Of those 75 hours, thirty-five of those hours will be practical or hands-on instruction. The instruction will include but not be limited to, the following subjects:
- Technique:
- Stroking including effleurage, and gliding
- Percussions, including tapotement
- Compressions
- Friction, including rubbing, and gliding with pressure
- Swedish gymnastics or movements
- Petrissage or Kneading
- Range of motion and stretching
- Fascial or connective tissue stretching
- Contraindications in zoonotic diseases
- Documentation and record-keeping
- Physiological benefits
- Palpation
- Body-mechanics of the therapist
(b) Kinesiology instruction will consist of sixty hours. Twenty-one of those hours will be practical or hands-on instruction. The instruction will include the following subjects:
- Biomechanics, including range of motion, gait analysis, and muscle actions
- Conformation analysis
- Observation
(c) Anatomy & Physiology: Consists of seventy-five hours of instruction. Twenty-one of those hours will be practical or hands-on instruction.
- The instruction in anatomy and physiology will include the function and structure of the following systems:
- Skeletal
- Muscular
- Nervous
- Digestive
- Circulatory
- Endocrine
- Lymphatic
- Reproductive and Urinary
- The instruction in anatomy and physiology will include the relationship and effect of massage on the following systems:
- Endocrine system
- Integumentary
- Fascial anatomy
(d) Behavior & Handling: Seventy-five hours, with twenty-one of those hours being practical or hands-on instruction. The instruction will include the following subjects:
- Breed characteristics
- Body language
- Social dynamics
- Signs of stress
- Communication
- Methods of restraints
The EQMT 300 series of classes are for students who do not have a human massage license.
Method of Instruction: is instructor-lead, lecture, demonstrator, practical exercise, distance learning, lab, computer-assisted, videos and other media and the self-study method.
Certification Requirements
WA State Students: On-line students are required to take the 50 hour hands on Lab–101, after completing 250 hours of course material.
Out of State Students: On-line students from States or Countries that do not regulate equine massage, includes 40 Lessons and “how to” videos. This option doesn’t require Lab-101 but it is highly recommended. Students will need to be able to send video representation of their massage skills to instructor through-out course, for practical evaluation. This course is an in-depth comprehensive class, requiring considerable effort, time and dedication. A student needs to be self-motivated and study outside of class. Successful students need to prepare to study a minimum of 10 hours outside of class a week to succeed.
LAB Details
LAB – 101 (50 Hours Hands-on) This lab is perfect for students who want extra time on campus to prepare for their year-end final exams, hours that may be needed to qualify for NBCAAM, or students who fly in for a week to polish up their skills for private practice.” “This lab can be customized to meet the needs of each student. Or for any therapist who wants more live one on one instruction, or even as a refresher. Topics covered in this lab are behavior & handling, safety, first-aid, theory & practice foundation “Swedish” massage techniques, kinesiology, anatomy & physiology, gait analysis, conformation, palpation, business practices and record keeping.
LAB – 102 Advance Technique Lab (50 Hour’s Hands-on.) Prerequisite is Lab 101. This Lab is for therapists, who need the additional hours to qualify for NBCAAM. (therapist need 200 hours in animal massage to qualify for the “National” exam). Is also a great CE class for therapist wanting to learn advance techniques; myo-fascial release, structural integration, acupressure, muscle testing, micro current stimulation and red light therapy.
Note on “LABS”: WA State & NBCAAM require a certain amount of hands-on (live) instruction. For students from States that do not regulate equine massage therapy by law, nor require hands on hours, it is not mandatory to participate in the 50 hour hands on-labs, although they are highly recommended for students who can travel to the LES Campus. These Out-of-State students will be provided many LES videos of hands-on training to cover required subject matter of Theory & Practice, Behavior & Handling, Safety and Advance Techniques. These videos consist of live footage of Mary Lou Langley demonstrating and instructing the hands-on portion of the On-campus class with actual students.