While everyone’s heard of massage therapists for humans, did you know that there are equine massage therapists as well?

Unlike most jobs relating to horses, which have been around for decades and even centuries, equine massage therapy is a relatively new career field. In many ways it is a spin-off from human massage therapy, but has been adapted to the unique anatomy of horses.

Typically the goal of this type of massage therapy is to soothe and relax the muscles of the animal, relieve tension, and enhance muscle tone. Other benefits of equine massage therapy are increasing the animal’s range of motion, circulation, and overall health and well being.

People working in this growing and exciting career field are able to work with horses on a daily basis. They also have the benefit of working for themselves and being their own boss, and spending much of their work day outdoors instead of being cooped up in an office all day.

About the Job:

Typically equine massage therapists are self-employed individuals who work in the field, traveling from client to client as needed. Most specialize only in horses, while others also work on other animals – and even humans – to broaden their client base. Many of these therapists also work in conjunction with a stable or a veterinarian, although some vets still haven’t fully embraced the concept of massage therapy as a legitimate form of conditioning and healing.

On a typical work day, an equine massage therapist will find him or herself performing the following duties:

• Assessing and evaluating a horse’s condition, and meeting with and questioning the owner about the animal.
• Helping the horse owner to rectify whatever has caused the problem, and develop a course of treatment, if appropriate.
• Determining if the animal’s problems would be best helped by massage therapy, or a more traditional medical approach.
• If massage therapy is required, providing it to the horse on a one-time or ongoing basis.
• Equine massage therapy, while still a relatively new career field, is showing steady growth as it becomes more accepted by horse trainers and owners.
• At the present time, owners of horses used for racing or dressage are most likely to hire the services of an equine massage therapist.
• The majority of therapists work at this profession part-time, and many spend the rest of their work day attending to human clients as well.

Working Conditions:

Generally, equine massage therapists work outdoors a good part of the time, attending to their equine clients. As a result, they must be able to work in all kinds of weather, depending on the time of year and the area where they work. Most people who work with horses just take for granted that they’ll be spending time out in the rain, the cold, the heat, etc.

Typically people who work in this field are self-employed and spend a good deal of time on the road, traveling from one equine client to the next. You can also expect to work weekends and evenings at least part of the time.

Training and certification:

Currently, equine massage therapy is a non-regulated profession in the US, and there is no national certification or test procedure.

There are a number of schools in the US that offer courses and training in equine massage. Many of these courses lead to diplomas or certificates in this subject.

It’s important to choose the place in which you’ll be studying carefully. Since there’s no standardization in the study of this field, the quality, length and price of courses varies widely. The shorter one or two-week courses might be tempting, but be aware that the longer, more intensive programs will give a more rounded education, and will give you the skills that allow you to administer the type of massage that will truly help the horses in need.

Another route that many take into this career field is by becoming a massage therapist for humans first. That way you’ll be able to broaden your client base by giving massages to people as well as horses.

Top | Home | Site Map | About Us | Contact Us| Privacy Policy

© AnimalCareerGuide.com  All Rights Reserved.