How to Apply
Begin Your Journey in Horse-Centered Bodywork
Small cohort. Hands-on mentorship. Science-backed education taught with compassion and clarity.
We are accepting applications for the wait list for January 2027 cohort.
Application Steps
Follow this detailed guide to complete your online application for the Equine Massage Practitioner Program seamlessly.
Step One: Review the Application Information
Before starting the online form, review all Application Information.
You will Need:
ADA accommodations Info
Background and experience details
Reference contact information
Step Two: Complete the Online Application
Click Start Your Application to access the form through our system.
You will enter:
Contact details
Equine experience
Personal Essay
Reference Contact information
Step Three: Review, Submit and Confirm
You will receive an on-screen confirmation message.
Review your Application
Click Submit
Confirmation Message Appears
Step Four: Pay the Application Fee
Pay the non-refundable $50 application fee.
Wait 7-10 days
References Contacted
Acceptance letters Send
Apply Now to Advance your skills
Ready to take the next step? Be sure to review the Application Information and have your materials ready —
Animal Bodywork Academy of New England
Equine Massage Practitioner Program Application Information
The Program includes:
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.
Self-Paced Online Lectures:
Anatomy & Physiology, First Aid, Behavior & History
In-Person Training:
Massage Techniques, Saddle Fitting, Assessment Training.
Professional Development
Ethics, Building Your Business
Assessment & Observation
Practical application of massage skills
Graduates receive a Certificate of Completion from the Animal Bodywork Academy of New England.
Why We Keep Cohorts Small
We intentionally limit enrollment so students receive individualized feedback, meaningful hands-on support, and the opportunity to build confidence gradually in a safe learning environment.
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
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.
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.
Tuition and Fees
- Program Tuition: $5,750- Until September 2026
- 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.
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.
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.
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
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
- Phone number
- Length of acquaintance
- Nature of relationship
Family members are not accepted.
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
Apply Now to Advance Your Skills
Ready to take the next step? Be sure to review the Application Information and have your materials ready — the form must be completed in one session.
Enrollment is intentionally limited to support a small, hands-on learning environment.