Who/what is Langley Equine Studies?
LES is a Washington State Licensed Vocational College, offering courses in equine massage & body-works. We specialize in two Equine Massage Therapist Licensing / Certification programs. We have alternative therapy certification classes in equine micro-current stimulation therapy and red light therapy.
Where is Langley Equine Studies located?
LES campus is located in Washington State, centrally located in the middle of the State. We are 25 miles north of Moses Lake right off Interstate 90, and a few miles east of Soap Lake.
What are the laws regulating equine massage therapy in Washington State?
In Washington State, the Board of Massage through the Department of Health, regulates the requirements for animal massage therapist. Students who want to practice as an equine massage therapist in the State of Washington need to be aware that Washington State requires a licensure, “Large Animal Endorsement”. And the course of study being from an approved WA State recognized school. Out-of-state students will receive a certification of completion “Diploma” from Langley Equine Studies upon graduation. Each State’s laws governing equine massage differ therefore out-of-state students need to be aware of their states regulations.
Washington State requires current WA State Licensed Massage (human) Therapist (LMT), wanting to add the Large Animal Endorsement, to their existing license, to receive 100 hours of equine massage course of study. Students who do not have a human license (LMT), but want to receive an equine endorsement, 300 hours course of study is required from an approved WA State School in order to practice equine massage as a vocation in WA State.
To start a business in WA., in this career field, you have to hold the proper credentials from the Board of Massage. Working here in WA State with credentials from another State that does not meet the RCW of WA State is illegal.
Upon graduation from approved program, a student then is required to take and pass the NBCAAM (National Board of Certified Animal Acupressure & Massage) associations exam, then you are eligible to apply with the Board of Massage for your license/certificate. Upon receiving your license from the Board of Massage, you are then legal to practice independently.
Animal Massage Therapist by legal definition may not diagnose, prescribe or provide a prognosis for any condition.
Do I need a human massage license before I can be a licensed to massage horses?
It varies from state to state, although most states are still unregulated. Washington State no longer requires that you either work under veterinarian supervision or that you have a human massage license in addition to your animal training. You may now complete 300 hours of training to practice legally in the State of WA. Check with your local legislature for updated information. You can also visit the International Association of Animal Massage & Bodywork website (www.iaamb.org) and view the Animal Massage Laws by State chart and additional information on this site.
What are the enrollment requirements?
Click here for admission information. Certification for massage programs participants have to be 18 and over.
What kind of compensation/income can I expect to earn as an Equine Massage Therapist?
Fees typically range from $75.00 to $150.00 per session. A session will generally last between 1 to 1 1/2 hours. If a track or barn/stable boarding facility, has already been exposed to the advantages of equine sports massage, a fee of $100.00 is easily accepted. A track or barn where the owner or trainers have not yet experienced the benefits of massage, a fee of $75.00 may be in order. As an equine massage therapist, you are offering a valuable professional service. You can expect to be paid as the health care professional that you are. You can build a thriving rewarding equine massage practice that is just as profitable as any human practice.
How much does the LES program cost?
Tuition fees are charged for instruction and vary according to program and format.
Application fee: $100
Course materials & books: $500
Class Deposit: $500 (On-campus students only, applied to account)
EQMT 100 Programs:
EQMT 101: On-campus – $2900 (one day a week class)
EQMT 102: On-line – $2750 (includes practicals)
EQMT 300 Programs:
EQMT 301: On-campus – $8445 (one day a week class)
EQMT 302: On-line – $8245 (includes practicals)
LAB 101 (50 Hours) Hands-on – $1250
LAB 102 Advance Technique Lab (50 Hours) Hands-on – $1350
Financial Aid: N/A (Federal financial aid FASA is not awarded)
VA Chapter 31 benefits can be awarded
Credit for previous training: N/A
Is the LES school calendar on the website?
Yes, see academic calendar page.
When can I enroll?
How long will it take to become certified by LES as an Equine Massage Therapist? Where is the training conducted?
Certification programs at LES, consist of 100 or 300 course hours including a 50 hour "Lab" (which includes your hands on practical), of one week(six days) of intensive hands-on application. 100 hour course is apx 4 months and 300 hour course is apx 10 months. On-campus class size is limited to 10 candidates. Both the classroom and practical application segments are conducted at LES facility in Soap Lake, WA. On-line students class is unlimited. Please see our facility page for more details and pictures.
Is LES a State approved, licensed school?
Yes, we are a WA State Licensed College, licensed through Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board and curriculum approved by the Dept of Health Board of Massage.
What age of students attend LES?
Students for Equine Massage Therapist have to be 18 and over. Non-certification classes, 16 and over with parental consent.
What kind of demand is there for equine massage therapy?
Every equestrian owner, trainer, and rider of horses of all disciplines understands that the horse is the ultimate athlete. A "Healthy Horse is a Happy Horse" is my motto. A pain free happy horse is a willing and generous partner. There is no other athlete that gives more of his heart and soul to his partner and sport. We nurture our human athletes’ muscular systems with sports massage; our horses need the therapy just as much. We, as horse-men, want our horses to have every possible advantage. Massage therapy can help provide that improved performance so desired. Because of the health promoting qualities of massage, as well as its curative and preventable properties, this therapy is being incorporated by knowledgeable horsemen as an integral part of their horses' total and continuous health care program.
What subjects are covered in the curriculum?
Can I bring my horse with me to LES?
You may bring your own horse to any of the equine massage and alternative therapy clinics, but not necessary to have your own horse for the equine massage licensing programs. LES has numerous equine subjects for students to practice on during class hours.
Do I have to bring a horse with me to LES?
No. LES has 5 equine subjects for students to practice on during class hours.
Is massage therapy recognized at racetracks and show barns as valuable to a horse's well-being?
Yes, increasingly so. Just as the popularity of holistic approaches to health care in humans has increased in recent years, so too have these procedures and methods gained acceptance in the care and treatment of animals. In the equine world we have seen the recent advent of professionals like equine chiropractor, equine physical therapist, and equine nutritionist and of course equine massage therapist.
What qualifications or background are considered important for success as an EMP?
The most important qualification for success as an Equine Massage Therapist, is a love and empathy for suffering horses, and a sincere desire to help alleviate that pain. It is not mandatory to have a background in massage therapy, it is helpful, but that is what you are here to learn. Langley Equine Studies Certification Program starts with the basics of massage therapy and thoroughly educates and equips, the student in every aspect of the trade. As a graduate, you will be fully prepared to administer equine massage therapy in an effective, therapeutic, and professional manner.
What is equine massage?
Equine Massage, Equine Body Work or Equine Massage Therapy is a hands on muscular therapy, which uses specific strokes and stretches to assist in obtaining maximum performance and physical conditioning with less chance of injury or pain.
Why equine massage?
Many elite human athletes consider sports massage an essential part of
their training and recovery routine. These athletes report that a sports massage assists them train more effectively, improve performance, prevent injury, and recover quicker. The equine athlete is no different!
What exactly is equine sports massage therapy?
Equine Sports Massage Therapy is the therapeutic application of hands-on massage techniques for the purpose of increasing circulation, relaxing muscle spasms, relieving tension, enhancing muscle tone, and increasing range of motion in high performance horses. So, whether your riding in the Equine Olympics or a local gymkanna, equine sports massage will enhance your horse, to perform at his best. Any rodeo competitor knows TIME is money. Do you want to get to the pay window? It is a powerful modality used to reduce the risk of injury in athletes as well as enhance their recovery after an injury.
