Frequently Asked Questions

Will I receive a certificate at the end of the course?

Yes. You will get a certificate stating you are “now a certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist.” Keep in mind this is not a government regulated profession so anyone can legally call themselves an equine massage therapist if he or she is certified, registered or not! Being certified or registered will help give you credibility with clients.

After only 4 days I can charge for doing this? Will I be good enough?

In the 4 days I teach basic anatomy, confirmation and movement. You will do hands on each day and there is a lot of individual attention. I will make sure you are confident with all the information I have provided so you can finish 4 days with confidence. Many of my students have been amazed with the course and leave feeling good about going out to work with customers.

Are there any “up date” courses in the future?

I am continually taking courses myself and learning more information, it is possible in the future I will offer more specific courses on anatomy and confirmation in much more depth than what I can get thru in the 4 day massage course.

At this point I have always told my students, if you feel you need a “refresher” you are welcome to come sit in on one day of another course at no charge or call me and I will personally set up a one on one date to review the information you need. Not many of my students have felt the need for this. If there is a large number at a time then I will look into offering this more specifically.

Could I hurt a horse with massage therapy?

No! This is why I am confident with teaching a 4 day program and have students go out and work. When working on a horse they will not let you go as deep with the massage as it would take to do damage to their soft tissues. If you pay attention to your horse the massage will benefit no matter if it is very light pressure or deep.

There are 2 year programs and 4 day programs, I do not know which one I should look into.

The 2 year programs are based on the same 2 year program designed to become a therapist for people, which is government regulated. In 2 years you will learn anatomy in more depth, physiology, myology, and neurology to name a few. Humans have a lot more health concerns than horses, for instance Hi blood pressure, hi cholesterol, diabetes, ect… Horses do not suffer with near as many ailments. A 2 year program is imperative for humans so the therapist has a complete understanding of the body and what they are dealing with. Horses are much simpler if you have a basic understanding of anatomy, confirmation, movement and the theory of massage the most important is getting lots of hands practice so you can feel the muscles and pick up on where the spasms and trigger points are and getting them to loosen off.

Is there accomodation nearby?

The farm is located only 15 min. from Orangeville. There are a few motels there.

Can I bring my horse?

Some students have requested to bring their horse especially if they have a problem then I can spend some time with them to help you out. The cost is $75 this includes bedding and hay.