No previous massage or bodywork experience is necessary, only a love for horses and the desire to learn!  

The Animal Rehab Institute’s intensive training programs provide students with solid foundations in anatomy, physiology, conformation and biomechanics of the horse. Using the innovative Zahourek System®, students construct the muscles of the animals in clay over specially designed and accurately scaled models. 

 

Course Description:  This 9-day comprehensive certification program begins with a 3-day workshop which allows you to learn the musculoskeletal anatomy of the hose by building the horses muscles from the inside out onto the Equiken (TM) Model.  Participants comprehend form and function while discovering the logic of anatomy and the relationship of structures.  A great learning opportunity to help you visualize the musculoskeletal system of the horse.  Build on your current knowledge or satisfy a desire to learn what makes your horse move.  Half day classroom building muscles and half day hands on in the barn palpating horses.  The next 6-days  instruction provides students the skills necessary  to perform a full body assessment and massage treatment  incorporating effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, friction, vibration, trigger point, stress point, and  myofascial release techniques on the horse.  

Animal Rehab Institutes programs are taught by highly trained equine professionals; this is the only Equine Massage Certification program instructed by a physical therapist who holds a Masters Degree in Animal Physiotherapy.  Courses are limited in size to allow students individual one-on-one time with the instructor.  Skills learned in this program will allow graduated to bring benefit to horses, their owners and their veterinarians.  Upon completion there will be both a written and practical exam.  After passing both exams you will be awarded with a Certification in Equine Massage Therapy (CEMT).

Learning Objectives:

• Understand Anatomical Vocabulary Including Directional Terminology and Veterinary vs. Layman's Terminology
• Master the Equine Skeletal System - Axial Skeleton & Appendicular Skeleton
• Build the Muscle System onto the Equiken (TM)
• Describe and Palpate all Bony Landmarks on Live Subjects
• Outline the Superficial Muscles of the Horse Using Paint Sticks
• Understand the Function of the Reciprocal  Apparatus and Passive Stay Apparatus.
• Perform a Basic Conformation Assessment
• Understand the Application and Theory of Massage.
• Demonstrate Proper Technique when Applying the Different Massage Strokes.
• Discuss Structural and Functional Relationships
• Identify and Palpate Relevant Musculoskeletal Abnormalities
• Safety Issues, Indications and Contraindications for Equine Massage.
• Recognize Normal vs Abnormal Gait Variables
• Discuss the Unique Features of an Equine Massage Therapy Business
  

Cost includes study guide to be reviewed before attending class, course materials and use of the model and clay