Essential Information
Equine sports massage certificate programs teach students massage techniques tailored to the unique anatomy and physiology of horses that improve their muscle tone, range of motion, performance and circulatory function. Participants learn how to administer soft-tissue therapy, prevent and treat muscle spasms, alleviate animals' stress and discover tender areas. They also explore common muscle strain and injury-related health conditions. Curriculum combines traditional classes and hands-on training, and can take anywhere from a week to six months to complete. Some lecture courses are available online and through distance learning. While there usually aren't admission prerequisites for these programs, some schools prefer applicants that have human massage therapy experience.
Equine Sports Massage Certificate
Equine massage is considered a holistic field of animal healthcare. Horse massage programs train animal caretakers in techniques intended to minimize pain and strengthen the human-equine bond. Topics of study include:
- Equine physiology
- Fascial release
- Pre-event massage
- Post-event massage
- Proper shoeing
- Stretching
Popular Careers
While there are no formal training or certification requirements to work in the field, equine massage certificate holders may be eligible for employment as:
- Animal caretakers
- Equine massage therapists
- Wranglers
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), animal care and service workers are expected to see a 22% increase in employment over 2019-2029. The mean annual wage for non-farm animal caretakers was $28,380 as of May 2020 (www.bls.gov).
Equine sports massage certificate programs teach students holistic techniques to massage and care for horses. Students can work as animal care and service workers and are expected to have positive job growth.