Pre-course reading and course requirements to qualify as an equine therapist
Welcome
Welcome to your first module in this exciting field of study and work. As an equine therapist, your primary focus will be on providing physical and emotional support to horses through various modalities. This can include massage therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, and even emotional healing techniques. By understanding the anatomy and psychology of horses, you will be able to tailor your treatments to meet the individual needs of each horse you work with. Equine therapy is a growing field that offers a unique opportunity to combine your love for horses with the rewarding work of helping them heal and thrive.
In this module you will discover the reference books we recommend (though I also suggest you look for further reference material), the practical work and logging/journaling you are required to submit and a research study you will undertake.
Length of study
You can take up to three years to submit the research study and number of horse visits required and you are then able to undertake the final practical and theoretical examination.
These are usually held at High Coast Animal Academy's base in northern Sweden but arrangements can be made to take the theoretical examinations online and to come to a nearer centre for the practical element if you are significantly far away geographically.
If you need more than three years to complete, you can apply for an extension however there will be a cost incurred for this (unless very extenuating circumstances and evidence are also submitted. e.g. a doctors letter).
70 horses with journal entry for each
To complete the course, you will need to log and submit 70 different horse's treatment sessions, a minimum of 400 hours of direct work with horses (including training, offering therapy, shadowing other therapist and attending live sessions with the High Coast Academy staff).
One of the key skills you will need to develop as an equine therapist is the ability to communicate effectively with both horses and their human caregivers. Horses are highly intuitive animals that can pick up on subtle cues from their environment and the people around them. By honing your observation skills and learning to read the body language of horses, you will be better equipped to understand their needs and provide appropriate care. Additionally, building strong relationships with the horse owners and trainers you work with is essential for ensuring the success of your therapy sessions and creating a collaborative environment for the benefit of the animal.
As you progress through this course, you will have the opportunity to learn about different modalities and techniques used in equine therapy, as well as the scientific principles behind them. It's important to approach your new role with an open mind and a willingness to continue learning and growing in your practice. By staying curious and seeking out new knowledge and experiences, you will be able to expand your skills as an equine therapist and provide the best possible care for the horses in your charge. Get ready for an exciting journey into the world of equine therapy!
Live study sessions
One essential aspect of becoming a successful equine therapist is to engage in 'live' opportunities and 'in person' learning groups. While theoretical knowledge is crucial, there is no substitute for hands-on experiences with horses. These experiences allow you to observe the horses' behaviors up close, understand their body language, and develop a deeper connection with them. By participating in live opportunities, such as grooming, feeding, and interacting with the horses, you can enhance your practical skills and gain valuable insights that cannot be taught in a classroom setting.
Working directly with horses in a live setting also provides you with the opportunity to apply your theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. For example, you may have learned about different horse behavior theories in your coursework, but it is only when you interact with the horses in person that you can truly understand and appreciate the nuances of their behavior. Through hands-on experiences, you can test your understanding, refine your skills, and learn how to adapt your approach based on individual horse temperaments and responses. This practical application is invaluable in honing your abilities as an equine therapist.
Furthermore, participating in 'in person' learning groups allows you to collaborate with peers, share experiences, and learn from each other. The field of equine therapy is vast and diverse, with practitioners from various backgrounds and approaches. By engaging with a community of like-minded individuals, you can expand your horizons, gain new perspectives, and stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the field. Through group discussions, workshops, and hands-on activities, you can enhance your professional network, build supportive relationships, and continue your growth and learning journey as an equine therapist.
You will see dates for practical meet-ups and in person learning opportunities here at the High Coast Animal centre advertised in the Facebook group. These are usually free but any additional costs will be notified before you book to come.
As you progress through this course to become certified as an Equine Physical Therapist or Equiterapeut, there are several key requirements you must fulfill. Firstly, you are expected to complete all quizzes and essay questions to showcase your understanding of the material covered in the course. This will test your knowledge of equine anatomy, common conditions that can benefit from physical therapy, as well as different treatment modalities that can be used to improve the well-being of horses. It is essential to engage with the course material actively and seek clarification on any topics that may seem unclear to you.
Additionally, you are required to keep a detailed journal documenting your interactions with 70 different horses and journalling 400 hours of direct horse contact. In this journal, you should outline the therapy goals set for each horse, how you assessed their condition, and the specific treatment techniques you employed to address their needs. This exercise is crucial as it allows you to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life situations, honing your practical skills and decision-making abilities. By working with a diverse range of horses, each with unique requirements, you will develop a well-rounded approach to equine physical therapy.
Furthermore, part of the certification process involves shadowing four different experienced therapists for at least a full day each. This hands-on experience will provide you with valuable insights into the daily responsibilities and challenges faced by practicing equine therapists. By observing different professionals in action, you can learn various techniques, communication skills, and best practices that will enhance your own practice. Additionally, conducting an interview with an equine veterinarian will offer you a broader perspective on the interdisciplinary nature of equine healthcare and deepen your understanding of how collaboration between different specialists can benefit the overall well-being of horses.
As an aspiring equine therapist, it is essential to understand the importance of hands-on experience in working with horses. Attending live sessions in person with a licensed High Coast Animal Academy professional will provide you with the opportunity to learn direct techniques for manual therapy and training. This practical experience is invaluable in honing your skills and gaining a deeper understanding of equine behavior and response. By observing experienced therapists in action and practicing under their guidance, you will develop the confidence and competence needed to work effectively with horses.
During these live sessions, you will have the chance to witness firsthand the application of various manual therapy techniques on horses. Whether it's performing massage therapy, stretching exercises, or other forms of physical manipulation, seeing how these techniques are carried out in real-time can significantly enhance your learning experience. Additionally, being able to ask questions, seek clarification, and receive feedback from seasoned professionals will further enrich your understanding and proficiency in equine therapy. Remember, practice makes perfect, and there's no better way to refine your skills than by actively engaging in hands-on sessions.
Furthermore, participating in live sessions will also expose you to different horse personalities, behaviors, and responses. Each horse is unique, and being able to interact with a variety of equines will broaden your knowledge and adaptability as a therapist. By observing how horses react to different techniques and learning how to adjust your approach accordingly, you will become a more versatile and effective practitioner. The hands-on experience gained from these sessions is irreplaceable and will ultimately set you apart as a skilled and competent equine therapist.
Equine therapy live sessions are a crucial component of your learning experience as an equine therapist. These sessions are conducted in various venues across Europe, including Germany, Sweden, Scotland, and Spain. Each location offers a unique setting and opportunity to work with different horses, enhancing your skills and understanding of equine-assisted therapy. For example, participating in a session in Scotland may expose you to working with resilient Highland ponies, while a session in Spain could provide insight into the sensitive Andalusian breed. It's important to embrace these diverse experiences to broaden your knowledge and proficiency in equine therapy.
At High Coast Academy, we provide 'equiterapeut live' sessions as part of the course package, ensuring that you have access to hands-on learning opportunities without additional costs. However, it's essential to note that other centers may have varying policies, and extra payments might be required to attend live sessions. To stay informed about upcoming sessions, we regularly advertise them in our exclusive Facebook group and send out notifications via email. By actively engaging with these communication channels, you can plan ahead and make the most of these valuable learning experiences. Remember, the live sessions are not just about observing therapy in action but actively participating and honing your skills under the guidance of experienced instructors. If we bring in a specialist in their field there may also be additional costs, but for the most part, we attempt not to pass costs onto our students.
Participating in equine physical therapy live sessions offers a unique chance to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, gaining valuable insights and confidence in your abilities as an equine therapist. These sessions foster a deeper connection with the horses, enabling you to refine your communication, observation, and intervention skills. Whether you're assisting in a session for a horse with a tendon injury in Sweden or supporting a show jumping competitor in Germany, each experience contributes to your growth and development as a competent equine therapist. Embrace these opportunities with an open mind and a willingness to learn, and you'll emerge as a skilled professional ready to make a meaningful impact in the field of equine physical therapy.
Private study
As an equine therapist, it is essential to stay updated with the latest research and developments in the field. There are several publications that can serve as valuable resources to enhance your knowledge and skills. One such publication is the “Equine Veterinary Journal,” which covers a wide range of topics related to equine health, including diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of various conditions. Reading articles from this journal can help you stay informed about the latest advancements in equine medicine and therapy, enabling you to provide top-notch care to your clients. 'Animal Therapy' magazine is a dedicated online and in person journal for Animal Physical Therapists and is an excellent, friendly and peer reviewed source of articles, research and information about new machines and techniques to help you in your work.
Another recommended publication for equine therapists is “Equus” magazine, which offers a mix of practical tips, training advice, and behavioral insights for horse owners and professionals alike. This magazine provides valuable information on equine behavior, training techniques, and holistic care approaches that can benefit your practice as an equine therapist. By subscribing to “Equus,” you can gain new perspectives and stay inspired to continually improve your therapeutic skills and techniques.
Additionally, textbooks such as “Equine Massage: A Practical Guide” by Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt and “Equine Fitness: A Program of Exercises and Routines for Your Horse” by Jec Aristotle Ballou can be valuable additions to your library. These books offer detailed guidance on equine anatomy, massage techniques, exercise programs, and overall wellness strategies for horses. By studying these texts, you can deepen your understanding of equine physiology and behavior, allowing you to tailor your therapeutic approach to meet the specific needs of each horse you work with. Investing in these publications will not only expand your knowledge but also enhance the quality of care you provide as an equine therapist.
You are required to buy a good visual anatomy book such as Gillian Higgins, Horses inside out
and Kaiser and McCracken 'Horse anatomy, a colouring atlas.'
I highly recommend 'Physical therapy for horses' by Helle -katrine Kleven and '55 corrective exercises for horses' (also by Jec Aristotle Ballou)
Research Study
Undertaking a clinical or literature study is a crucial component of the Equine Therapist course. This research allows you to deepen your understanding of a specific area within clinical practice that interests you. Whether you choose to investigate the effectiveness of a particular therapy on equine rehabilitation or explore the psychological benefits of equine-assisted therapy, the research component offers a unique opportunity to contribute valuable knowledge to our profession. By immersing yourself in a research project, you will not only enhance your own expertise but also enrich the collective understanding within the equine therapy community.
When embarking on your research study, it is essential to approach the process with curiosity and a critical eye. Take the time to review existing literature on your chosen topic to identify gaps in current knowledge or potential areas for further exploration. Consider consulting with mentors, colleagues, or experts in the field to gain insights and guidance. Designing a well-structured research project will enable you to ask relevant questions, collect meaningful data, and draw insightful conclusions that can contribute to advancements in equine therapy practices. Remember, research is a dynamic and iterative process that requires attention to detail and a willingness to adapt as new information emerges.
As you delve into your research study, embrace the opportunity to engage with the broader equine therapy community. Share your findings through presentations at conferences, publications in professional journals, or discussions within online forums. By disseminating your research outcomes, you not only contribute to the collective knowledge base but also inspire others to explore new avenues of inquiry. Collaborating with fellow equine therapists and researchers can lead to valuable discussions, collaborations, and advancements in the field. Ultimately, the research component of the Equine Therapist course empowers you to become a proactive contributor to the evolving landscape of equine Physical therapy and enhances the quality of care provided to equine clients.
The research project will be written up in your own words with references and submitted within two years of commencing this course. (Often students undertake it in their second year to give time to find the area that most sparks their interest.)Your study should be submitted as a word document and contain full references, being of at least 5000 but no more than 10 000 words and should be typed in arial size 14. It may be submitted as a booklet form (pdf) or word document. You are also required to give an online presentation of your study (which is great practice as we are often called upon to offer training to others and present our work to veterinarian teams).
Equine physiotherapy research is a crucial aspect of the field that aims to enhance the well-being and performance of horses through physical therapy techniques. This type of research involves studying the effects of different physiotherapy interventions on the musculoskeletal system of horses. Researchers analyze various aspects such as the impact of specific exercises on muscle strength, flexibility, and overall mobility. By conducting thorough research in this area, equine therapists can continuously improve their practice and provide the best possible care for their equine patients.
One important focus of equine physiotherapy research is the rehabilitation of injuries in horses. Researchers explore the most effective rehabilitation techniques for common equine injuries such as tendon strains, ligament damage, and joint issues. Through clinical trials and observational studies, experts can determine the optimal rehabilitation protocols that promote healing, prevent re-injury, and ensure a successful return to work or competition for the horse. Understanding the latest research findings in this area is essential for equine therapists to tailor their treatment plans according to best practices and evidence-based approaches.
Furthermore, equine physiotherapy research also delves into the prevention of injuries in horses through proactive measures. By studying factors that contribute to injury risk, such as biomechanics, conformation, and training methods, researchers can develop preventive strategies to minimize the occurrence of injuries in horses. Equine therapists can use this research to educate horse owners, trainers, and riders on proper conditioning programs, warm-up routines, and equipment usage to help reduce the likelihood of injuries. Ultimately, staying informed about the latest research in equine physiotherapy is essential for therapists to provide effective care, improve performance, and ensure the welfare of their equine clients.
Here at High Coast Animal Academy we all wish you the very best in your learning journey and encourage you to contact your learning tutor and clinical tutor as soon as possible to set up further learning opportunities.
