Course Description -- The purpose of this course is to provide participants with a fundamental understanding of the anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics of the horse as they compare to those of the human patient. Students will be introduced to the core concepts of physiotherapy including integrative therapies, and modalities used in equine rehabilitation. Skills learned in this course will allow graduates to bring benefit to horses, their owners and their veterinarians.

CERT Certification students: This introductory seminar will enable Veterinarians and Physical Therapist students to continue their certification track and enroll in the next two advanced modules: CERA02 Equine Athletics Module and CERT01 Functional Assessment Module.

CERA Certification students: This introductory seminar will enable Veterinary Technicians and Physical Therapist Assistants students to complete their certification track and enroll in the next module: CERA02 Equine Athletics Module

Course fees:

Veterinarians and Physical Therapists:
For Certification students: This Course fee is included in CERT Program cost.
A per diem rate is available for students enrolled in this seminar only.

Veterinary Technicians and Physical Therapists Assistants:
For Certification students: This course fee is included in the CERA program cost.
Full 10 day Seminar cost will be due for students enrolled in this seminar only.

Open Enrollment students:
Full 10 day Seminar fee is due.

Attendance Details:

This is a 10 day seminar where the first 4 days focus on equine musculoskeletal anatomy, basic physiology, basic gait assessment and lameness examination and basic neurology. Veterinarians may opt to skip the first four days if ARI agrees that their equine anatomy skills are sufficient and they will join the seminar on Day 5 where there is a review of musculoskeleton palpation and begin the rehabilitation techniques portion of the course. Physical Therapists have the option to exit after Day 7 if they are competent using electro-modalities and can demonstrate appropriate use on the horse. Physical Therapist Assisstants and Veterinary Technicians must take all 10 days of class.

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Learning Objectives

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Course Outline

Day 1	Basic equine physiology Basic gait assessment Lameness examination Introduction to meurological conditions and basic neuro-examinations
Day 2	Equine Anatomy: osseous structures Lab palpation: osseous structures Equine Anatomy: Building clay
Day 3	Equine Anatomy: Building clay Lab palpation
Day 4	Equine Anatomy: Building clay Lab palpation muscles Basic conformation assessment: (form and function) Basic distal limb angulation assessment
Day 5	Review palpation Range of motion assessment and treatment Conditions appropriate for rehabilitation Introduction to rehabilitation: assessment and treatment
Day 6	Introduction to rehabilitation assessment and treatment: continued half day (response to injury and healing) Using high-speed video as an assessment tool in rehabilitation Regulations surrounding the practice of animal rehabilitation
Day 7	Introduction to rehabilitation assessment and treatment: continued Introduction to manual techniques: Massage, MFR, Cranialsacral, and Stretching Manual Therapy (mobilization vs. manipulation) Therapeutic exercise: Dynamic Stability Exercise
Day 8	Therapeutic exercise continued: Core activation, Proprioceptive facilitation, Ground poles, Rehab riding, Aquatic exercise Designing rehab program and measuring outcomes
Day 9	Modalities: Thermal agents, Laser and LED
Day 10	Modalities: Therapeutic ultrasound, Electrical stimulation (TEN's, NMES, Microcurrent) Pulsed magnetic field therapyl

A written take-home, open-book exam will be given to each student at the close of Day 10.