Explore the Equine Massage Certificate Program
Gain a clear understanding of our commitment to training skilled equine bodywork professionals through a comprehensive curriculum and hands-on workshops that prepare you for a rewarding career.



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Explore the Equine Massage Certificate Program
Our mission is to train skilled, ethical, and confident equine bodywork professionals. Through a structured curriculum and hands-on training, you’ll build the knowledge, technical ability, and judgment needed to support equine wellness and performance.
The Equine Massage Practitioner Program is an 11-month, 315-hour professional training course designed to develop competency in equine anatomy, behavior, assessment, massage techniques, and professional conduct.
What the Program Includes
Self-Paced Online Lectures
- Anatomy & Physiology
- First Aid
- Equine Behavior & History
- Professional Practices
In-Person Training
- Swedish Massage Techniques
- Myofascial Release Techniques
- Saddle Fitting Foundations
- Assessment & Evaluation Training
Internship / Case Studies
- Practical application of massage skills
- Instructor-guided case records
Business & Professional Development
- Ethics and professional standards
- Foundations of building an equine massage practice
Upon successful completion, students receive a Certificate of Completion from the Animal Bodywork Academy of New England.
Admission & Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Demonstrate basic horsemanship and safe handling skills, including:
- Comfort retrieving a horse from pasture
- Ability to safely lead, tie, and groom
- Confidence around fractious or nervous horses (with supervision)
- Be physically capable of performing equine bodywork (standing, bending, reaching, applying pressure).
- Maintain balance and body control around large animals.
Essential Physical Requirements
Equine massage requires strength, mobility, and sensory awareness. Students must be able to:
- Walk, bend, kneel, and reach
- Apply and sustain manual pressure
- Read tactile, visual, and auditory cues from horses
Students who cannot meet these requirements — even with accommodation — may not be eligible for enrollment.
ADA Accommodations
The Academy provides reasonable accommodations for classroom and online learning only.
Requests must be submitted at the time of application and include documentation from a licensed healthcare provider.
Possible accommodations may include:
- Captioned online courses
- Visual adjustments for color blindness
- Extended time or oral administration for tests
No accommodations can be made for barn, horse, or hands-on activities.
Tuition and Fees
- Program Tuition: $5,750
- Application Fee: $50 (non-refundable)
- Seat Deposit: $500 (non-refundable upon acceptance)
- Books & Uniforms: ~$200
Students are responsible for travel, lodging, meals, uniforms, and personal equipment.
Refunds follow the Academy’s Refund Policy in the Student Handbook.
Insurance and Liability
Students must obtain liability insurance before their first hands-on intensive.
We recommend ABMP.org (Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals) for student insurance — free with membership and widely accepted. Other policies may be approved upon review.
The Academy and instructors assume no responsibility for injury or property damage during participation.
Attendance and Conduct
Attendance is required for all scheduled classes (both online and in person).
Missed in-person sessions must be made up via private tutoring:
- Tutoring Fee: $40/hour
- Barn Rental Fee: As determined by the hosting facility
All students are expected to maintain professional conduct and safety practices throughout the program.
Legal Standing of Equine Massage
Regulations vary widely by state. Some states allow independent practice; others require veterinary supervision.
Students are responsible for understanding and complying with local laws. A current overview is available at: NBCAAM.org/laws
By applying, you acknowledge:
- The Academy provides education and does not license practitioners.
- You must research and comply with applicable regulations.
- The Certificate of Completion represents training, not licensure or certification.
Begin Your Journey Today
Discover how our Equine Massage Certificate can transform your passion into a rewarding career.

