Program Overview

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.