Equine Massage Is Considered To Be “Maintenance Care”.
Healthy animals do not require a veterinary referral for maintenance care, however, any animal, including healthy ones, must be registered with a veterinary surgeon, and referred to a vet at the first indication of any symptoms, or signs, that may suggest underlying health issues. Only Veterinary Surgeons are legally able to diagnose and investigate any clinical problems.
Massage therapy is the manual manipulation of soft body tissues, muscle, connective tissue, tendons and ligaments to enhance health and well-being.
It involves manually working on the horse's body with pressure, structured or unstructured, stationary, moving, tension, motion or vibration.
Massage therapists work to reduce pain, improve movement and restore normal function in animals as a result of musculoskeletal conditions or as part of a maintenance fitness/general health programme.
In competitive or working animals, massage may be used as an intrinsic part of the development of the animal athlete. Helping to minimise the risk of injury and optimise performance and potential.
By analysing and assessing posture, movement and skeletal function, Equine Massage Therapists can help develop holistic treatment plans alongside veterinary treatment. These can often be accompanied by exercise and rehabilitation programmes.
Equine Massage Therapists are required to work as part of the veterinary team. They are required to work closely with the veterinary surgeon and other industry para-professionals. Horse massage may only be delivered by a competent massage therapist with the prior consent of the treating veterinary surgeon.
If you are passionate about the physical well-being of horses and enjoy interacting with animal owners, trainers and the veterinary profession, this course qualifies you for an exciting, challenging and rewarding career. On completion of the course, successful graduates will receive a certificate of Equine Massage and this will entitle you to join IAAT and other relevant organisations.
