Equine Program Overview
Explore the Equine Massage Professional 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.
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 Professional Program is an 11-month, 315-hour professional training course designed to develop competency in equine anatomy, behavior, assessment, massage techniques, and professional conduct.
2027 Cohort Dates & Key Milestones
Applications are open for the 2028 cohort, with early access in late summer 2027. Apply now and save $1,000: accepted applicants who pay the $500 seat deposit by February 28, 2027 secure $5,750 tuition. Tuition increases to $6,750 on March 1, 2027. The January 2027 cohort is full; its wait list remains open. The 2027 schedule below runs from January through December and combines online learning with required in-person hands-on weekends. Here is the overall schedule to help you plan ahead.
Program Begins
January 18, 2027
Students will begin accessing foundational online coursework in anatomy, physiology, equine behavior, professional safety, and bodywork theory as they begin progressing through the Equine Massage Professional Program.
In Person Weekend I
May 21–23, 2027
Foundations of Equine Massage & Bodywork
The first hands-on weekend focuses on building the foundational skills that students will use throughout the program. Students are introduced to body mechanics, professional handling, safety considerations, observation skills, and the core principles of equine massage and bodywork. Students will begin practicing foundational massage strokes, pressure awareness, positioning, and session flow while working directly with horses in a supportive learning environment.
In Person Weekend II
June 25–27, 2027
Palpation, Bone Lab & Session Development
The second hands-on weekend focuses on developing palpation skills, anatomical awareness, and greater confidence in hands-on application. Students begin translating online anatomy knowledge into practical identification of bony landmarks, muscle groups, tissue quality, and regional structures on the horse. A strong emphasis is placed on learning to “read” the horse through the hands while continuing to refine technique, pressure, pacing, and body mechanics.
Students will also begin learning how to organize techniques into a more thoughtful and functional massage sequence rather than viewing bodywork as isolated strokes or routines.
In Person Weekend III
July 23–25, 2027
Advanced Techniques & Specialized Applications
The third hands-on weekend introduces students to more advanced bodywork concepts and specialized techniques used to address tension patterns, compensation, stress responses, and common areas of discomfort in the horse. Students will continue refining palpation and observation skills while learning how different techniques may be incorporated thoughtfully and appropriately based on the individual horse, presentation, and goals of the session.
This weekend emphasizes adaptability, critical thinking, and understanding the purpose behind technique selection rather than relying on formula-based work.
Live Online IV
August 14, 2027
Live Online Business & Professional Foundations Workshop.
This live online workshop focuses on helping students begin building the foundation of a thoughtful, sustainable, and professional equine bodywork practice. Students will explore the type of business and lifestyle they hope to create while beginning to develop vision statements, mission statements, professional values, and a clearer understanding of the equine community they hope to serve.
The workshop will also introduce foundational business and professional concepts including communication, professionalism, scope of practice, client relationships, local market awareness, and long-term career sustainability. This session is designed to help students begin connecting their technical skills with real-world professional application within the equine industry.
Live Online V
August 28, 2027
Live Online Technique Review & Practical Feedback Workshop
This live online workshop provides students with individualized feedback and guided discussion based on submitted hands-on massage videos.
Prior to class, students will film themselves performing approximately one-half of a massage session and submit the footage for review. During the workshop, students will receive constructive feedback on technique application, body mechanics, professionalism, session flow, pressure, pacing, observation skills, and overall handling approach.
Particular emphasis will be placed on developing thoughtful, horse-centered bodywork by evaluating equine responses, communication, consent, comfort, and regulation throughout the session.
This workshop is designed to help students strengthen practical skills, improve observational awareness, and build confidence through guided critique and discussion in a supportive educational environment.
In Person Weekend VI
September 17–19, 2027
Movement, Posture & Functional Assessment
This hands-on weekend focuses on understanding how structure, movement, posture, saddle fit, and compensation patterns influence the horse’s body and overall comfort. Students will explore foundational saddle fitting concepts, conformation analysis, biomechanics, gait observation, and functional assessment skills while learning how these factors relate to movement quality, tissue tension, performance, and bodywork considerations.
Throughout the weekend, students will participate in movement observation, hands-on bodywork application, postural evaluation, palpation exercises, and guided discussion designed to strengthen observational awareness and critical thinking skills. Students will also begin integrating visual assessment, palpation findings, and session planning in order to develop a more thoughtful and individualized approach to equine bodywork and professional decision-making.
In Person Weekend VII
October 15–17, 2027
Session Integration & Practical Assessment
The final hands-on weekend focuses on integrating the knowledge and skills developed throughout the program while preparing students for professional application and practical assessment. Students will continue refining massage techniques, session flow, body mechanics, palpation skills, observation, professionalism, and communication while participating in guided practice sessions and individualized feedback.
Emphasis is placed on thoughtful session organization, adapting work to the individual horse, professional documentation, and developing confidence in practical decision-making and hands-on application. The weekend concludes with the practical examination, during which students will perform a partial massage session and complete professional session notes demonstrating their understanding of technique application, observation, professionalism, and horse-centered bodywork practices.
Live Online VIII
November 20, 2027
Professional Communication & Client Experience Workshop
This live online workshop focuses on helping students transition from student to professional practitioner by exploring the real-world communication, professionalism, and relationship-building skills needed to develop a thoughtful and sustainable equine bodywork practice. Students will review and discuss their 90-day post-graduation business plans while learning strategies for professional communication, client relationships, ethical marketing, barn etiquette, boundaries, and building trust within the equine community. The workshop also emphasizes professionalism, confidence-building, long-term sustainability, and creating a positive client experience both inside and outside of the session environment.
This session is designed to help students connect their technical skills with the practical realities of working professionally within the equine industry.
Live Online IX
December 11, 2027
Graduation!
Dates subject to minor adjustment; enrolled students will be notified in advance.
Begin Your Journey Today
Discover how our Equine Massage Professional Program can transform your passion into a rewarding career.
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.
Why Hands-On Training Matters
Equine massage is a hands-on profession. Online learning can build an excellent foundation in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, theory, and professional practice—but developing skill with a horse requires more than watching a demonstration or completing coursework.
Students need opportunities to feel tissue, practice pressure, develop palpation skills, observe equine responses, and receive immediate feedback from experienced instructors.
During our in-person training, students work directly with horses while instructors observe their technique, body mechanics, positioning, pressure, pacing, handling, and decision-making. Small adjustments made during supervised practice can make a significant difference in both effectiveness and horse comfort.
Hands-on training also teaches something that is difficult to reproduce online: how to adapt to the individual horse. Horses vary in conformation, muscle development, sensitivity, behavior, movement, and response to touch. Students learn that professional bodywork is not simply a sequence of techniques—it requires observation, judgment, adaptability, and communication with the horse.
Our students progressively learn to:
- Locate anatomical landmarks and structures on the living horse
- Develop palpation and tissue-assessment skills
- Apply appropriate pressure and body mechanics
- Recognize and respond to the horse’s feedback
- Adapt techniques to different horses and situations
- Integrate individual techniques into a thoughtful massage session
- Receive instructor feedback and refine their skills before working independently
For this reason, the Academy intentionally combines online academic study with substantial in-person practical education.
Our goal is not simply for students to know what to do. We want them to develop the hands, observation skills, judgment, and confidence to understand how, when, and why to do it.
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: 2028 cohort: $5,750 for accepted applicants whose $500 seat deposit is paid by February 28, 2027. Tuition increases to $6,750 on March 1, 2027. Tuition includes the $50 application fee.
- Application Fee: $50 (non-refundable; included in tuition)
- Seat Deposit: $500 (non-refundable; due upon acceptance and credited toward tuition)
- 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 Professional Program can transform your passion into a rewarding career.