Equine Massage Therapy Certificate

What can you expect from this course?

The Equine Massage Therapy Certificate has been developed to promote and provide standardization within the industry. Students will learn theory and gain hands-on experiences to allow them to be employed in the Equine Massage Therapy field. The Equine Massage Therapy Certificate will provide students with a certificate in Professional and Continuing Education. 

Delivery: Olds College Campus

Fees:

• Application Fee: $500 + GST
• Semester 1 Tuition: $3500 + GST (due one month before semester start date)
• Semester 2 Tuition: $4000 + GST (due one month before semester start date)

Students wishing to access stand-alone courses would be charged $899 + GST per course plus any horse-related costs providing space is available.

Program Dates:

• 2022/2023 Program:
  Semester 1: September 6 - December 16, 2022
  Semester 2: January 9 - April 28, 2023
• 2023/2024 Program:
  
  Semester 1: September 5 - December 15, 2023
  Semester 2: January 8 - April 26, 2024

Credential: Non-credit. Graduates will receive an Olds College Continuing Education & Corporate Training Certificate in Equine Massage Therapy.

Registrations: Registrations are accepted as long as seats are available, however it is recommended that you register early as this class is limited to a small number of students to ensure your safety and an optimal learning experience. Apply now to avoid disappointment.

Admission Requirements: Students must have basic horse knowledge be comfortable working in and around horses.

Graduation Requirements: Students are required to perform massage routines on 50 horses before being eligible to take the exams. Students will be required to have their logbook signed off by the client guaranteeing they have successfully completed the routine. Students will also need to pass a written and practical exam.

What will you learn?

In the first semester of Equine Massage Therapy students will learn about important aspects of equine anatomy and physiology, they will gain knowledge about equine nutrition theories and practices. Students will learn how to do an initial horse assessment to find areas of pain  and create a mindset for critical thinking and problem solving when it comes to evaluating  the horse’s situation. Finally, students will be introduced to the industry's scope of practice,  basic business practices, and the importance of professional communication techniques.

In the second semester of Equine Massage Therapy students will be familiarized with  common infectious diseases and parasites in horses. They will learn different approaches and treatments for the horse’s health. Students will dive more in-depth into equine neurology and the different affect neurological problems and diseases can have on the horse. Students will gain knowledge on approaching different types of injuries learning modalities, stretches, and other treatments that can improve the horse’s condition. Furthermore, they will learn how to perform a pre and post-performance massage along with the biomechanics that goes with equine massage therapy.

Course Details

Semester 1:

Equine Anatomy and Physiology | EQN 7050
Dates: September 6 - December 16, 2022
Prerequisites: None
Registration: Closes August 1, 2022

This course will focus on the anatomical makeup of the horse's body by system including the integumentary,  musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and urinary systems with physiological applications related to its function and management.

Equine Nutrition | EQN 7052
Dates: September 6 - December 16, 2022
Prerequisites: None
Registration: Closes August 1, 2022

This course introduces students to the theory and practice of feeding horses to ensure their wellbeing and maximum performance and of managing pastures effectively. Students will recognize and evaluate various feedstuffs and common pasture plants and will formulate rations for different classes of horses.

Barn Management and Horse Care | EQN 7065
Dates: September 6 - December 16, 2022
Prerequisites: None
Registration: Closes August 1, 2022

In this course, students will demonstrate skills in stable cleanliness and organization, haltering and handling horses, and fitting and using blankets appropriately. Students will also be responsible for identifying normal horse behavior and well-being.

Introduction to Equine Massage Therapy | EQN 7040
Dates: September 6 - December 16, 2022
Prerequisites: None
Registration: Closes August 1, 2022

This is an introductory course that will teach students to assess the horse and identify areas of soreness and muscle  fatigue. Students will learn introductory massage strokes and stretch used on the different areas of the horse. They  will be introduced to a critical thinking process that will help them in the future to build routines that are specific  to that horse's needs and the discipline that horse is used for.

Equine Massage Therapy Business and Relationships | EQN 7041
Dates: September 6 - December 16, 2022
Prerequisites: None
Registration: Closes August 1, 2022

In this course, it will help students to understand the guidelines encompassing Equine Massage Therapy.  Students will gain knowledge as to what is part of the scope of practice and what is classified in another equine profession's area of practice. Students will be practicing to better the quality of life for the horse rather than diagnosing illness or lameness. This course will also provide basic knowledge for running a business and  communicating with clients and other industry members.

Semester 2:

Equine Health Management | EQN 7051
Dates: January 9 - April 28, 2023
Prerequisites: None
Registration: Closes December 1, 2022

Students will be familiarized with common infectious diseases and parasites, gain an understanding of the different types of medications, and how to use them safely and effectively, and be introduced to equine first aid protocols and wound management procedures. Finally, students will learn about horse conformation, along with recognizing the symptoms of lameness conditions in the horse.

Equine Neurology | EQN 7055
Dates: January 9 - April 28, 2023
Prerequisites: None
Registration: Closes December 1, 2022

Students will dive more in-depth into the nervous system of the horse. They will focus on symptoms of  neurological problems and how to identify neurological issues in horses. Students will gain the ability to put a  massage routine together that will benefit horses with neurological effects. 

Massage Care for Injury | EQN 7042
Dates: January 9 - April 28, 2023
Prerequisites: None
Registration: Closes December 1, 2022

This course teaches students how to tend to different injuries, they will learn techniques that mobilize limbs, joints, and the scapula. Furthermore, they will be taught swelling reduction techniques, how to identify scar tissue,  tendonitis, and fascial release techniques. Students will gain knowledge in understanding other forms of treatment and be able to provide recommendations best suited for that particular horse.

Pre and Post Performance Massage | EQN 7043
Dates: January 9 - April 28, 2023
Prerequisites: None
Registration: Closes December 1, 2022

In this pre and post-performance massage course, students will study how to maneuver the horse to have it accept treatment before and after the performance. They will focus on mobilization techniques and how to identify swelling caused by performance and activity.

Equine Biomechanics | EQN 7056
Dates: January 9 - April 28, 2023
Prerequisites: None
Registration: Closes December 1, 2022

In this course, students will be exploring in-depth biomechanics on the horse along with gaining an understanding of how tissues are released. By the completion of this course, students will be able to identify different drainage patterns and perform different modalities and stretches best suited for muscle release.

Supply List:

• Suitable attire for weather  
• Leather work gloves 
• Appropriate barn footwear for handling horses

Technology Requirements:

It is required that you come to Olds College with the following technology:

• A laptop capable of running Microsoft Office programs