By Paige Cerulli, Certified Equine Massage Therapist
Did you know? Dr. Pat has been a successful chiropractor for 29 years and was certified by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association in 1994. She has invented various massage tools and is considered an expert in her field. Does this type of career appeal to you? Being able to perform an equine massage is a great skill to have. You can help to solve physical problems, reduce pain in your horse, and can even help to keep your horse feeling great. But if you want to take things one step further, you might be thinking about attending an equine massage school.
Attending an equine massage school can be a great experience, but it needs to be the right decision for you.
Your Goals and Potential Schools
Before you start looking at massage schools, think about what your ultimate goals are. Do you want to improve your knowledge and understanding of equine massage? Or are you hoping to make a career out of equine massage? Both goals are common, but the type of school that you attend to achieve each goal is different.
Equine Massage Therapy as a Career
A quick note about equine massage therapy as a career: It’s a rewarding but challenging field. Before you start making plans for your career, do some research. Equine massage therapy has become highly popular, and because of this popularity, some areas are becoming saturated with equine massage therapists.
You’ll also want to consider who your potential customers would be. If you’re in an area where riding and competing is highly popular, then you’ll likely have many clients who would be grateful for your services. But if you’re in an area with relatively little equestrian activity, it may be necessary to relocate in order to make a full-time career in equine massage.
It’s a great idea to try to find an equine massage therapist who already practices in your area. Ask them about their take on the field and what they would suggest to someone just starting out.
Different Program Types
The great thing about equine massage therapy is that there are many different programs you can take to expand your knowledge. Some programs are shorter, consisting of a weekend or a week, and serve to provide you with a good foundation about massage. Other programs are much more involved, taking multiple years to complete, and are designed to provide you with the knowledge you need in order to start out in equine massage as a profession.
While programs are located all over the country, a quick internet search should reveal plenty in your area. To get started, consider looking at Equissage, Equinology, and Equine Sports Massage.
The Importance of Research
Do your research before enrolling in an equine massage program. Be sure that you understand what is contained in the program, and compare it with other programs to make sure that you’re making the right choice. Don’t forget to compare pricing, too. Finally, ask if you might be able to speak with any current or former students in the program to get a true sense of what is involved.
We wish you the best of luck with your equine massage studies, and don’t forget that we’ll continue to bring you tips and information to build your knowledge base.