About This Activity
Massage is recognized as an important element in keeping horses healthy and comfortable, as well as improving their movement. It is an important part of the health care today's horsemen demand, and you can provide such service. This course teaches more than just the techniques for massaging the superficial muscles of the horse. It is designed to provide students with the knowledge to see the "whole horse" - movement and muscular development, injuries allied to the work performed, outside factors that affect comfort, as well as massage techniques and the actual massage. A complete approach to equine massage, the course details the muscular/skeletal system, correct bio-mechanics, variations and abnormalities, muscle stresses and injuries. Students learn to evaluate the horse, locating problems and formulating a plan for successful massage. There is a lesson on simple exercises to re-program the horse's movement patterns to loosen muscular restrictions and alleviate soreness. In addition to quizzes, students will have to write reports for lesson assignments and provide videos that show their proficiency in massage techniques and practice. Completion of this course is all that is required by most states to allow the practice of equine massage as a profession. However, laws are constantly under review and you should check with your state to determine requirements.
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