The Equine Massage Practitioner Program is an 11-month, 315-hour professional training course designed to develop the knowledge, technical skills, and ethical standards necessary to practice equine bodywork safely and professionally.

The Program includes:

• Self-Paced Online Lectures: Anatomy & Physiology, First Aid, Behavior & History
• In-Person Training: Massage Techniques, Saddle Fitting, Assessment Training
• Internship / Case Studies: Practical application of massage skills
• Business & Professional Components: Ethics, Building Your Business

Graduates receive a Certificate of Completion from the Animal Bodywork Academy of New England.

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Admission & Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
• Demonstrate basic horsemanship and safe handling skills, including:
  • Retrieving a horse from pasture
  • Safely leading, tying, and grooming
  • Confidence around fractious or nervous horses (with supervision)
• Be physically capable of performing manual equine bodywork
• Maintain balance, coordination, and safe body mechanics around horses

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Essential Physical Requirements

Equine massage requires physical ability, balance, and sensory awareness. Students must be able to:

• Walk, bend, kneel, and reach
• Apply and sustain manual pressure
• Perceive tactile, visual, and auditory cues

Students who cannot meet these requirements—even with accommodation—may not be eligible for enrollment.

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ADA Accommodations

The Academy provides reasonable accommodations for classroom and online components only.

Requests must be submitted at the time of application and include documentation from a licensed healthcare provider.

Possible accommodations include:

• Captioned online courses
• Visual adjustments for color blindness
• Extended test-taking time or oral test administration

No accommodations can be made for barn or hands-on activities.

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Tuition and Fees

• Program Tuition: $5,750
• Application Fee: $50 (non-refundable)
• Seat Deposit: $500 (non-refundable; due upon acceptance)
• Books & Uniforms: ~$200

Students are responsible for travel, lodging, meals, uniforms, and personal materials.

Refunds follow the Academy’s Refund Policy in the Student Handbook.

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Insurance & Liability

Students must provide proof of liability insurance before attending hands-on classes.

We recommend ABMP.org (Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals) for complimentary student insurance.

The Academy and instructors assume no responsibility for injury or property damage during participation.

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Attendance & Conduct

Attendance is required for all scheduled online and in-person sessions.

Missed in-person classes must be made up via private tutoring:

• Tutoring Fee: $40/hour
• Barn Rental Fee: Determined by facility

All students must maintain professional conduct and follow safety protocols.

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Legal Standing of Equine Massage

Regulations vary by state. Some states permit 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, not licensure
• You must research and follow applicable regulations
• A Certificate of Completion represents training, not legal authorization

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References

Applicants must provide two (2) references who can speak to:

• Character
• Professionalism
• Experience with horses, animals, or related fields

Each reference must include:

• Full name
• Email
• Phone number
• Length of acquaintance
• Nature of relationship

Family members are not accepted.

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Policies & Acknowledgments

By submitting your application, you confirm that:

• You have read and understand the Essential Physical Requirements and ADA policy
• You agree to follow all Safety Protocols and Code of Conduct
• You understand that equine massage involves physical activity and working with large animals
• All information submitted is accurate and complete