Professional Certification in Equine Remedial Myotherapy and Myofacilition
Prior to this course’s inception here in Australia in the late 1980’s where it was formerly known as ‘EMT’, time was spent to ensure the course was specifically tailored to the equine structure. Communication with Veterinarians and other equine professionals, equine necropsy analysis, were all a part of the equine specific guidelines with proven evidence-based treatment outcomes, that would see this course standout and stand the test of time.
The highly anticipated professional certification launching in 2026 has been developed specifically to equine anatomy and is designed for all those with a love of horses and an interest in improving their health, wellbeing, movement, performance, and quality of life at every stage of their life.
The Musculo-tendinous system in the horse, is the system that provides structure, support, and movement of the skeleton, therefore any horse in any form of work, sport, activities involving a human, should be considered an athlete. Horses were not designed to carry a human, yet this amazing, majestic prey animal is heroically documented throughout history as one of the greatest living marvels consisting of enormous strength and stamina to work alongside humans.
Nothing about the horses Musculo-tendinous system of movement has changed, but the demand on a horse’s power, speed and agility has increased worldwide and across many disciplines. Horses have the capacity to provide quite the income for humans, yet it is still unfortunate that so many horses go without the true consideration of care that a human athlete needs to maintain such function of their body, including ongoing health and wellbeing.
In short, when we ignore muscle-tendon dysfunction, we are also ignoring the body’s overall balance and function to do the physical activities to their best capabilities, this inevitably places unnecessary added dysfunction and stress on joint function as well.
Therefore, by focusing on the equine anatomy and physiology, we are also able to understand how muscles move the skeleton and activate joint function, in conjunction with the importance of nerve receptors within the muscle cells and the overall neurological relationship and positive influence that remedial Myotherapy and Myofacilitation can stimulate, so that the body can fully reap the benefits of each treatment, this enables positive treatment plans to become constructive resolutions.
Students will learn to identify why positive physiological effects are so important to initiate and aid in the healing processes on a cellular level by stimulating and re-educating muscle memory patterns.
Every horse is different; therefore, every remedial treatment is tailored to meet the needs of each individual horse. With so many activities that horses are involved in today, and the many styles of saddles that also contribute to neuromuscular injuries. It is vital to identify and work to reduce Musculo-skeletal compensation patterns and improve the horses ‘whole-body-balance’ as best we can.
All theory components are delivered online.
All initial practical units are supported via video and will include one-on-one tutoring via video calls. This is when your lecturer can guide you on your application of the techniques and discuss the comparisons of tone, texture, depth, duration and outcomes. This is a relaxed and easy way to practice the application of the techniques with one-on-one guidance, highlighting the positive outcomes and any aspects of what to practice before the next tutoring video call.
After all online components, including the video calls, have been assessed, students do have an opportunity to attend a two-day concentrated ‘in-person’ practical workshop, where the lecturer can answer questions and give further tactile guidance where required.
Upon graduation, this course will enable the certified student to work as a professional with Industry Association Accreditation and insurance. The student will understand the rationale behind the correct application of all Sports and Remedial Myotherapy and Myofacilitation techniques, and why negative kinetic forces throughout the horses’ body can contribute to pain and dysfunction. Every student will learn the ‘why and how’ to stimulate positive physiological responses that are required for each individual horse, along with the understanding of what is required to reduce the numerous skeletal impactions including saddle fit dysfunction.
Subjects Included:
- 13 units of Foundational Anatomy and Physiology.
- Equine Superficial and Deeper Muscles.
- Equine Skeletal System.
- Muscle Actions and Origin/Insertion Points.
- Directional and Latin Terminology.
- Contraindications to Massage.
- Fundamentals of Muscle Injury.
- Muscle Physiology.
- Exercise Physiology.
- Visual Observations: Static and Dynamic Gait Analysis, Biomechanical Function/Dysfunction.
- Tactile Observations: Soft Tissue Assessment.
- Massage Techniques: including clinical, remedial, therapeutic and sports massage, myofascial release, trigger points, stress points, muscles spasm release, deep tissue release, muscle-tendon junction release, soft tissue mobilisation, muscle facilitation.
- Rehabilitative Physical Therapy: Equine Proprioceptive Pole Therapy Exercises.
- Hoof and Leg Biomechanics.
- Saddle Fitting: including identifying saddle fit dysfunction, muscular and skeletal compensation patterns, saddle support area (SSA), shoulder angulation and scapula retraction.
- Occupational Health & Safety.
- Clinical Case Report Writing
- Clinical Massage Case Studies
