Each week we are teaching, we offer a Dual Program. It is an optional program that gives our students the opportunity to earn certification in Equine and Canine Massage Therapy. Coming through the Dual Program is the only way to obtain hands-on learning and training in our Canine Massage Therapy program.
What exactly is Equine Sports Massage Therapy?
Equine Sports Massage Therapy is the therapeutic application of hands-on massage techniques for the purpose of increasing circulation, relaxing muscle spasms, relieving tension, enhancing muscle tone, and increasing range of motion in high performance horses.
What exactly is Canine Sports Massage Therapy?
Canine Sports Massage Therapy is the therapeutic application of hands-on deep tissue techniques to the voluntary muscle system - for the purpose of increasing circulation, reducing muscle spasms, relieving tension, enhancing muscle tone, promoting healing and increasing range of motion in all breeds of dogs
Who/what is Equissage?
Equissage was formed in 1991 for the purpose of offering massage therapy services to the equine athlete. Founded by two certified massage therapists, the company initially marketed its services at major East Coast racetracks. Prompted by their great success on Thoroughbred racehorses, the staff at Equissage moved on to many of the top-rated show barns in the region. In early 1990 the company began gaining national media attention and was subsequently featured in Sports Illustrated (July 16, 1990), on ABC Television's, National Health Show, and in numerous cable television documentaries. In 1990, Equissage produced a full-length instructional video on equine massage techniques. The video had worldwide distribution and, as a result, Equissage was invited to participate via demonstrations at Equitana '91 in Essen, Germany. Since that time the company has given clinics and seminars nationwide, and has worked as official massage therapists at such notable shows as the Gold Cup at Devon, PA. In 1991, the company introduced the nation's very first training program in equine sports massage therapy. The program has been a huge success, with more than 20,000 therapists who have participated in the Equissage program.
Is massage therapy recognized as beneficial to an animal's well being?
Yes, increasingly so. Just as the popularity of less invasive approaches to health care in humans has gained in recent years, so too have these procedures and methods gained acceptance in the care and treatment of animals. And just as we have witnessed the recent advent of professionals like equine chiropractors, equine physical therapists and equine nutritionists in the horse world, we are beginning to see these same professions develop in the dog "community".
What qualifications or background are considered important for success as an Equine and Canine Massage Therapist?
The most important qualification for success as an ESMT/CMT is a love of animals, empathy for suffering animals, and a sincere desire to help alleviate that suffering. Equissage's Dual Massage Therapy Program starts with the basics of massage therapy and thoroughly schools the student in every aspect of the discipline. As a graduate, you will be confident that you know everything you need to know to provide canine massage therapy in an effective, therapeutic, and professional manner.
How does the course work?
The program is taught with the Equine Sports Massage Therapy program being the main focus. The Canine portion is considered more of a workshop. The Canine portion is taught on Friday afternoon and lasts approximately 2 hours. It is a shortened version as the strokes and sequence are the same as the Equine portion.
How long will it take for me to complete the Equissage Program as an ESMT/CMT?
Equissage's Program consists of one week (five days) of intensive classroom study and individualized practical application. Each daily session is approximately 9 hours long.
What information is covered during the Program?
The major emphasis in the ESMT Program is on the application of massage techniques and massage strokes. Participants will learn the basic physiology of muscles, the location of major muscles and muscle groups. Participants will also learn to be aware of the specific conditions which arise in the horse if those muscles become strained, pulled, tired, tense, sore, or not adequately nourished through blood and lymphatic circulation.
What is a typical week at Equissage like?
Day 1
- Introduction and distribution of Program materials
- The Equine Musculoskeletal System
- History of Massage
- The Mechanics of Equine Sports Massage
- Meet the models (our horses) Safety in the barn
- Evaluation of the Equine Athlete
- the Equissage Massage Sequence
Day 2
- Q&A - Review of material covered
- Hands on Instruction / Practice on the Models
-Review
-More hands on practice/coaching
Day 3
- The Musculoskeletal System
- Review of the prior two days
- Functional Assessment
-Muscular issues and related performance issues
Day 4
-Student / hands on practice
-Review of full massage sequence
-Review of strokes, pressure and sequence
-Hands on practice with coaching
Day 5
-Test on Muscles and Functions
-Developing successful business and marketing plans
-Advertising and promotional guidelines
-Hands on practice/ test preparation
-Review
- Final examination, each student completes a full massage on one of the equine models
-Canine Workshop
-Presentation of Certificate upon successful completion
What information does the Canine Massage Therapy Program consist of?
LESSON I.
Relevant definitions, history of the use of massage, its benefits, and how and why it works.
LESSON II.
The strokes used in Sports Massage...how each is performed.
The objective and function of each stroke.
When and where certain strokes are NOT used. (The caveats).
Adjunctive techniques...i.e. sweating and de-swelling.
LESSON III.
Dog handling.
"Managing" the massage session.
Handling problem canines: the Neurotic, Shy, Dog; the Aggressive Dog; the Vicious Dog.
Setting the mood...when and where to massage
LESSON IV.
Canine anatomy.
Definitions, location of each muscle worked in the massage sequence, and the performance function controlled by each.
LESSON V.
The massage sequence.
Step by sequential step of each stroke application as portrayed in more than 70 photographs and illustrations.
LESSON V.
The massage sequence.
Step by sequential step of each stroke application as portrayed in more than 70 photographs and illustrations.
What is the cost of the Equine and Canine Dual Massage Therapy Program?
The cost of the program is $1895. This fee includes tuition, all materials, and a box lunch, which is provided daily. Travel and lodging expenses are additional and those arrangements are made by the student.
Applications for enrollment must include a $400.00 non-refundable deposit which includes $49.95 for the program's textbook: The (How To) Manual of Sports Massage for the Equine Athlete and the Canine Massage Therapy curriculum. This total deposit is deducted from the total fee of $1895.00. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover are accepted for payment. Cash, a personal check, or money order are accepted as well.
As a graduate of Equissage's ESMT/CMT program, may I use the Equissage name in marketing my practice?
No. Equissage is a copyrighted name and cannot be used in the name which you select for your business. Your earned certificate will show that you successfully completed the Equissage Program.
Selecting An Animal Massage Therapy Program
When selecting an animal massage therapy program, be sure to check the credentials of anyone offering the program. Some questions you might want to ask are:
When you get the answers to these questions, we are sure you will choose Equissage, the nation's oldest and most respected animal massage therapy program.
To choose your week to attend Equissage, please visit our Program Schedule.
Click here to Apply
What exactly is Equine Sports Massage Therapy?
Equine Sports Massage Therapy is the therapeutic application of hands-on massage techniques for the purpose of increasing circulation, relaxing muscle spasms, relieving tension, enhancing muscle tone, and increasing range of motion in high performance horses.
What exactly is Canine Sports Massage Therapy?
Canine Sports Massage Therapy is the therapeutic application of hands-on deep tissue techniques to the voluntary muscle system - for the purpose of increasing circulation, reducing muscle spasms, relieving tension, enhancing muscle tone, promoting healing and increasing range of motion in all breeds of dogs
Who/what is Equissage?
Equissage was formed in 1991 for the purpose of offering massage therapy services to the equine athlete. Founded by two certified massage therapists, the company initially marketed its services at major East Coast racetracks. Prompted by their great success on Thoroughbred racehorses, the staff at Equissage moved on to many of the top-rated show barns in the region. In early 1990 the company began gaining national media attention and was subsequently featured in Sports Illustrated (July 16, 1990), on ABC Television's, National Health Show, and in numerous cable television documentaries. In 1990, Equissage produced a full-length instructional video on equine massage techniques. The video had worldwide distribution and, as a result, Equissage was invited to participate via demonstrations at Equitana '91 in Essen, Germany. Since that time the company has given clinics and seminars nationwide, and has worked as official massage therapists at such notable shows as the Gold Cup at Devon, PA. In 1991, the company introduced the nation's very first training program in equine sports massage therapy. The program has been a huge success, with more than 20,000 therapists who have participated in the Equissage program.
Is massage therapy recognized as beneficial to an animal's well being?
Yes, increasingly so. Just as the popularity of less invasive approaches to health care in humans has gained in recent years, so too have these procedures and methods gained acceptance in the care and treatment of animals. And just as we have witnessed the recent advent of professionals like equine chiropractors, equine physical therapists and equine nutritionists in the horse world, we are beginning to see these same professions develop in the dog "community".
What qualifications or background are considered important for success as an Equine and Canine Massage Therapist?
The most important qualification for success as an ESMT/CMT is a love of animals, empathy for suffering animals, and a sincere desire to help alleviate that suffering. Equissage's Dual Massage Therapy Program starts with the basics of massage therapy and thoroughly schools the student in every aspect of the discipline. As a graduate, you will be confident that you know everything you need to know to provide canine massage therapy in an effective, therapeutic, and professional manner.
How does the course work?
The program is taught with the Equine Sports Massage Therapy program being the main focus. The Canine portion is considered more of a workshop. The Canine portion is taught on Friday afternoon and lasts approximately 2 hours. It is a shortened version as the strokes and sequence are the same as the Equine portion.
How long will it take for me to complete the Equissage Program as an ESMT/CMT?
Equissage's Program consists of one week (five days) of intensive classroom study and individualized practical application. Each daily session is approximately 9 hours long.
What information is covered during the Program?
The major emphasis in the ESMT Program is on the application of massage techniques and massage strokes. Participants will learn the basic physiology of muscles, the location of major muscles and muscle groups. Participants will also learn to be aware of the specific conditions which arise in the horse if those muscles become strained, pulled, tired, tense, sore, or not adequately nourished through blood and lymphatic circulation.
What is a typical week at Equissage like?
Day 1
- Introduction and distribution of Program materials
- The Equine Musculoskeletal System
- History of Massage
- The Mechanics of Equine Sports Massage
- Meet the models (our horses) Safety in the barn
- Evaluation of the Equine Athlete
- the Equissage Massage Sequence
Day 2
- Q&A - Review of material covered
- Hands on Instruction / Practice on the Models
-Review
-More hands on practice/coaching
Day 3
- The Musculoskeletal System
- Review of the prior two days
- Functional Assessment
-Muscular issues and related performance issues
Day 4
-Student / hands on practice
-Review of full massage sequence
-Review of strokes, pressure and sequence
-Hands on practice with coaching
Day 5
-Test on Muscles and Functions
-Developing successful business and marketing plans
-Advertising and promotional guidelines
-Hands on practice/ test preparation
-Review
- Final examination, each student completes a full massage on one of the equine models
-Canine Workshop
-Presentation of Certificate upon successful completion
What information does the Canine Massage Therapy Program consist of?
LESSON I.
Relevant definitions, history of the use of massage, its benefits, and how and why it works.
LESSON II.
The strokes used in Sports Massage...how each is performed.
The objective and function of each stroke.
When and where certain strokes are NOT used. (The caveats).
Adjunctive techniques...i.e. sweating and de-swelling.
LESSON III.
Dog handling.
"Managing" the massage session.
Handling problem canines: the Neurotic, Shy, Dog; the Aggressive Dog; the Vicious Dog.
Setting the mood...when and where to massage
LESSON IV.
Canine anatomy.
Definitions, location of each muscle worked in the massage sequence, and the performance function controlled by each.
LESSON V.
The massage sequence.
Step by sequential step of each stroke application as portrayed in more than 70 photographs and illustrations.
LESSON V.
The massage sequence.
Step by sequential step of each stroke application as portrayed in more than 70 photographs and illustrations.
What is the cost of the Equine and Canine Dual Massage Therapy Program?
The cost of the program is $1895. This fee includes tuition, all materials, and a box lunch, which is provided daily. Travel and lodging expenses are additional and those arrangements are made by the student.
Applications for enrollment must include a $400.00 non-refundable deposit which includes $49.95 for the program's textbook: The (How To) Manual of Sports Massage for the Equine Athlete and the Canine Massage Therapy curriculum. This total deposit is deducted from the total fee of $1895.00. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover are accepted for payment. Cash, a personal check, or money order are accepted as well.
As a graduate of Equissage's ESMT/CMT program, may I use the Equissage name in marketing my practice?
No. Equissage is a copyrighted name and cannot be used in the name which you select for your business. Your earned certificate will show that you successfully completed the Equissage Program.
Selecting An Animal Massage Therapy Program
When selecting an animal massage therapy program, be sure to check the credentials of anyone offering the program. Some questions you might want to ask are:
- How many articles have appeared in national publications about either the course you are considering or the course's chief instructor?
- How many books and videos on animal massage have been authored by the chief instructor?
- How many veterinarians have chosen to enroll in that program?
When you get the answers to these questions, we are sure you will choose Equissage, the nation's oldest and most respected animal massage therapy program.
To choose your week to attend Equissage, please visit our Program Schedule.
Click here to Apply
