EQ100E:  EQUINOLOGY® EQUINE BODY WORKER (EEBW) CERTIFICATION COURSE

Join us for our signature certification course, which offers a unique blend of equine sports massage, soft tissue release, stretching and point therapy.

The course emphasizes correct and safe techniques that are all anatomically referenced. It covers assessment of the entire horse including conformation and gait evaluation and introduces saddle fit and dentistry. The programme stresses ethics and underlines marketing as well as documentation, to accentuate working within the professional equine healthcare industry. The class is presented with loads of practical sessions, specimens, illustrations, live horses and of course our renowned "painted horse." 

This course has evolved as the profession has expanded over the past years. We don’t know of a better course currently offered and we are proud to continue to present it, and of the 250 graduates we produce annually. There is more to sessions with horses than just a recipe 'routine'. The practitioner needs to look at the whole animal, understand what is being observed and utilize the taught skills. Equinology INC ® is not for everyone. Equinology INC ® is for serious students, those who strive to be leaders in their profession. 

This 9-day, 97+hour course (actual course contact hours, independent evening and off-day assigned studies), for a total of 300+hours with the compulsory pre-course study and post-course externship, and is taught by one the following international authorized instructors:

Debranne Pattillo,  Equinology Master Equine Body Worker®, course author 

Sarah Weldon, Equinology Equine Body Worker®, BSc (Hons) Ost., (osteopath)

Ruth Mitchell Golladay, Equinology Equine Body Worker®, PT

Megan Kanz, Equinology Master Equine Body Worker®

Tina Watkins, EST    

Dr. Mila Speciani (veterinarian) 

This course is designed for students wishing to pursue a career in the field of equine bodywork, but is also regularly attended by veterinarians, physical therapists, chiropractors, human massage therapists, equine massage therapists from other programmes, trainers and yard managers who would like to enhance their skills or continue their education within their profession. After completing the course and required externship, the student will be able to confidently apply a complete professional sports massage.

Externship and case studies are required in all of Equinology’s courses to ensure that students have consolidated the enormous amount of material presented in class. This way we can fine-tune students’ practical sessions. Equinology staff members are able to answer questions for the participants should these arise during this externship period. Equinology’s reputation stands tall due to the fact we test our students before issuing certificates. Our participants are so well prepared that we have a 98% pass rate for those presenting the externship. 

The Externship:

For this particular course there are an additional 100 hours of guided study once the student leaves the class. Participants complete 20 sessions on at least 5 different horses using all of the techniques taught during the course. The externship also includes a home review portion on muscle function, muscle identification, point location and gait evaluation to enhance the material that is taught and presented in class. Once this is completed a video is sent by the student to Equinology to review, evaluate and expand upon the student's work. 

Course Outline:    

• Application of a full sports massage session as well as targeting specific areas
• Additional specialized Equinology techniques for use during sessions 
• Deep and superficial muscle location and isolation
• 80 point locations
• Veterinary vocabulary and terminology
• Benefits of sports massage
• Contra-indications of sports massage
• Bony landmark/surface anatomy identification
• Stretches for the session
• Relaxation exercises for the session
• Professional ethics
• Documenting of sessions
• Conformation and gait analysis
• Injury and sports massage
• Exercising the horse after a session
• Introduction to dental issues
• Introduction to saddle fitting issues
• Marketing
• Session evaluation and observation forms included for business use

Students attend class daily from 8:00am to 5:30pm and have up to three additional hours of evening studies. The fifth day of the course is spent out of class for independent study. This is an intensive course! There are two other versions of this course spread over a longer number of days. The extended two week version (EQ101) is offered every year in Petaluma, Northern California, and the extended three week version (EQ102) is offered in the USA only at The Sea Ranch on the California North Coast. 

Students will find that this foundation course ensures that they understand the techniques they will be using as professionals. Additionally, it helps to prepare students for further studies in other Equinology INC ® courses. 

Tuition includes: manual, supplies, business documents and handouts. Certification of Achievement upon successful completion of the course and externship. 

Prerequisites:

Each student must have a good understanding and knowledge of directional terms, veterinary vocabulary and anatomy. You will need to register well ahead of your EQ100 course start for the EQ50: Equine Anatomy Pre-course Distance Study. This can be found on the Equinology, Inc. website on page http://www.equinology.com/info/course.asp?courseid=73. TheEQ50 pre-course distance study tuition carries an administrative fee of $20USD. You can register for this course at any time even if you are not attending the Equinology Equine Body Worker certification course. If you have a thorough understanding of this material, especially those professionals already in the health care industry such as veterinarians, please contact the Equinenergy course office (office@equinenergy.com) to waive the EQ50 prerequisite.

We expect students to spend 100 hours reviewing the precourse distance study material before attending the EEBW certification course. While it is not necessary to complete the entire EQ50 course by the time you attend this EQ100 course , you should be very familiar and comfortable with the terminology and skeletal system. However, for those participating in the EEBW certification course, the EQ50 final exam must be completed before your Equinology Equine Body Worker certificate is released.

Participants must have good horse ground handling skills and be thoroughly comfortable working around horses before attending this course. Students must be confident and secure picking up horses' legs and must be comfortable around all types of horse personalities and dispositions. If not, we suggest you spend some time taking horsemanship lessons prior to enrolment for this course.

Required Reading:

Equine Precourse Anatomy Study (EQ50): Students must read and understand the veterinary vocabulary and terms, skeletal anatomy and bony landmarks of the precourse study material (EQ50). It is imperative that the student plans to spend at least 100 hours on this material prior to class start.  Register for EQ50 through www.equinology.com.     

Practical Guide to Lameness in Horses by Ted Stashak and Cherry Hill. This text is used for the course in addition to the actual course manual and it must be taken to class. The book can be ordered through the Book Shop page on www.equinenergy.com. 

EQ103E:  ADVANCED EQUINE SPORTS MASSAGE TECHNIQUES

Course Outline:

• Review the full massage routine

• Review the deep and superficial muscle location

• Review and palpation of the 80 point locations

• Contraindications for massage review

• Bony landmark/surface anatomy identification review

• Stretches and ROM for the massage foundation routine review

• Subjective conformation and gait analysis review
  

Students attend class daily from 8:00am to 5:00pm and have additional 3 hours of evening study.

Tuition includes: manual, supplies, business documents and handouts.
Certification of Achievement upon completion of class and externship.

Prerequisite:
Students who have not yet completed their Foundation course externship for certification are more than welcome to join in!

This course is presented by either Dr. Hilary Clayton, PhD, MRCVS, specialist and researcher in equine biomechanics and lameness and author of The Dynamic Horse, Conditioning Sport Horses, Equine Locomotion and Clinical Anatomy of the Horse, or by Dr. Barb Crabbe, DVM, lameness specialist, judge and author of numerous publications in leading horse magazines and specialized texts. This 4-day course is offered through a classroom and hands-on approach. These topics are important for anyone in the equine health care field and equine performance as well as in training to truly understand the horse.

In the USA this course is presented at Michigan State University’s McPhail Equine Performance Center where Dr. Clayton has access to all her research equipment used with her studies!

Learn to recognize irregularities and gait abnormalities through a variety of formats utilized in today’s industry. Ever wondered what your vet is looking for? Now you can hear the doctor think and explain out loud. Understanding gait diagramming and where the limbs are placed throughout individual gaits enables you to visualize which joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles are utilized for the movements.

This course does not attempt to replace the veterinarian expertise; however it will teach you better assessment skills and a develop a sharper eye. Surface anatomy and palpation of joints, tendons and ligaments are also included.

Class Outline:

• Gait analysis and evaluation guideline

• Conformation evaluation

• Locating palpation points

• Causes and symptoms of the lame horse

• Analysis of conformation: limb deviations, rotations and determination of symmetry

• Basic anatomy and terminology

• Preventing lameness

• Defining and diagramming the basic gaits

• History of biomechanics

• Biomechanical techniques

• High-speed cinematography

• Equipometry discussion

• Measuring horses

• Stay apparatus: structure, function and palpation of the forelimb

• Reciprocal and stay apparatus: structure, function and palpation of the hind limb

• Structure and function of the head and neck

• Sports analysis/video presentations and problem solving for various disciplines 
  
     

Tuition:  Includes course hand-outs and supplies

Required Text: The Dynamic Horse by Dr. Hilary Clayton. This text is available through various online bookstores or through the Equinenergy course office.

Please lightly read through the text a few tmes before course commencement. Students are not expected to know the material, but reading it first of few times pis a preparation for the lectures and the practicals.

Prerequisite:

A good knowledge of veterinary vocabulary, anatomy and horse handling skills is required (an equine massage or anatomy course of at least 150 hours will usually cover this material). Participants of the Equinology Equine Body Worker® Certification course will be well prepared even if the externship has not yet been completed. Students new to Equinology or new to equine anatomy and vocabulary should register for the EQ50: Precourse Distance Anatomy Study. Please register for the precourse study to give yourself plenty of time to go through the material.

Suggested Reading: as for Equinology Equine Body Worker® Certification Course

This course is required for completion of the Equinology Equine Body Worker® Level II certification.

To continue to one of the next progressive certification levels, this course is also required for the EMEBW and ESEBW certifications.

This twp-day course offers a complete stretching routine and specific applications for targeting muscle groups. If you can only baby your horse one way because of limited time, stretching is what you need to learn. Equinology® feels that stretching should be a part of every trainer, owner and equine health care specialist’s repertoire. It is important that stretching is done properly to avoid risk of injury, not only to the person applying the technique but also to the horse. Applying stretches should be done in a progressive manner to ensure confidence and security for the horse. Be aware that there are current published articles and some books that offer examples that are not safe or correct for either.

Please Note: This class is open to everyone in good physical condition. For those students who have begun study with Equinology® after November 2002, this material is divided between the Equinology Equine Body Worker® Certification and EQ103: Advanced Equine Massage Techniques Level One courses. You do not need to take this course unless you are looking for a review. This course is required for those students who took the above courses prior to November 2002 and wish to study for the Equinology Equine Body Worker® Level II Certification.

Course instructors vary according to location:
US, Australia and New Zealand: Debranne Pattillo, EMEBW 
UK and Brasil: Nicole Rombach, PG AM, APM, MEBW, CCBW
Canada : Tracy Starr EEBW 
South Africa : Megan Kanz BSc (Hons), EMEBW

Course Outline:

• The mechanics of stretching; essential limb placement and handling

• The full stretching routine

• Manual stretching exercises

• Range of motion exercises

• Suppling exercises

• Proper body mechanics  

Cost: includes manual and handouts.

Prerequisites: This class is suitable for those just beginning their studies. However, horse handling skills and a thorough understanding of equine safety are a must!

Required Reading: none

Suggested Reading:
Coloring Atlas of Horse Anatomy by Krainer and McCracken or
Illustrated Atlas of Equine Anatomy and Common Disorders by Reigal and Hakola
Physical Therapy and Massage for the Horse by Denoix and Pailloux
The Horse in Motion: The Anatomy and Physiology of Equine Locomotion by Pilliner, Elmhurst and Davies

Let the clinician demonstrate the need for specialized equine dentistry and why it is often indicated over regular floating. Morning lectures will cover topics such as dentition, skull structure and function, common dental problems, problems associated with teeth concerning health and training and assessment of dental conditions. During the afternoon hands-on portion,  participants will assess the dental condition of several horses and learn what problems to look for in the mouth. This course is great anyone in the equine health care field as well as owners and trainers.

Prerequisites: none

Required reading: none

This course is required for Equinology Master Equine Body Worker® certification

To complete the EMEBW certification students must have passed the Equinology Equine Body Worker® Level II Certification.

This course is a must if you plan to be serious about your work. It is impossible to separate saddle fit from bodywork sessions when evaluating the ridden horse. For owners, this is a prime opportunity to learn exactly how a saddle should fit instead of listening to marketing gimmicks and misinformation.

Our instructor for this course, Dr. Kerry Ridgway, DVM, is a household name worldwide and is also certified by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. He presents this 4-day clinic with slides, examples of trees, pads, saddles, shoes, wedges, measuring devices, templates, demonstrations and a variety of horses with saddle fitting and shoeing issues. Saddle fit topics and practicals encompass 85% of the course. The remainder of the course addresses farrier topics. These includes issues we should look for in the foot and how they can also affect saddle fit.

Because most of us cannot run out and buy a new saddle if it no longer fits, Dr. Ridgway addresses this common problem by offering ideal, existing, and temporary solutions.

Course Outline (2 Parts):

Part 1, Saddle Fitting: 

•   Indirect problems caused by poor saddle fit (behavioural, performance and referred pathology issues)
•   Direct problems caused by poor saddle fit (trauma to muscles and skin)
•   Anatomical and physiological signs of poor saddle fit 
•   Correct placement of saddles 
•   Saddle fit pertaining to the static posture (standing still) 
•   Saddle fit pertaining to the dynamic posture (movement) 
•   Correlation between the static and dynamic fit 
•   Existing and ideal solutions for saddle fit 
•   Actual science of saddle pressure and fit 
•   Evaluating the horse’s back 
•   Correct palpation of the back 
•   Correct reflex testing 
•   Evaluating the saddle off the back, then the correlation of the saddle on the back 
•   Evaluating the saddle with the rider up 
•   Fitting and measuring the saddle using various current methods 
•   Pros and cons of various measuring devices 
•   Instruction on making templates for use 
•   Saddle pad materials and functions

Part 2, Farrier Issues: 

•   Anatomy and care of the feet 
•   Normal functions of the foot 
•   Pastern/hoof axis 
•   Balanced shoeing and trimming 
•   Location and causes of lameness 
•   Reading the breakover 
•   How shoeing/trimming affects the performance of the horse
•   The balanced hoof

In the farrier portion of the course, Dr. Ridgway relates the lower leg conformation and shoeing techniques to the effect of  the work of the equine carer, equine massage therapist, chiropractor and acupressure/acupuncture therapist as well as the effects on equine myofascial system.

Prerequisite: Horse handling skills and a thorough understanding of equine safety a must! Knowledge of veterinary vocabulary and anatomy strongly suggested or completion of EQ100, 101, 102 or comparable programme.  

Required Reading: None  

Suggested Reading and Viewing: 
Saddle Fitting A to Z: DVD by Dr. Kerry Ridgway
The Horse's Pain-Free Back and Saddle-Fit Book by Joyce Harman, DVM 
Saddle Fit A-Z DVD by Dr. Kerry Ridgway, DVM 
The Horse in Motion: The Anatomy and Physiology of Equine Locomotion by Pilliner, Elmhurst and Davies

This course is required for the Equinology Equine Body Worker® Level II certification.

To test for the EEBWII certification you must have passed the Equinology Equine Body Worker® or comparable certification course, first although subsequent courses can be taken in any order.

EQ800E:  Equine Acupressure Level I

Acupressure techniques are simple to learn, but using them effectively requires a good understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This seven-day class (three days on, one day off, three days on) will provide you with a solid foundation in the theory and application of this three thousand year-old massage method. Learn the meridian pathways with lots of hands on time to REALLY be able to find these unique acupressure points and apply the techniques!

Author, clinician, certified massage therapist and horsewoman Diana Thompson has spent a lifetime refining these techniques for their accuracy and value. She has spent countless hours researching her acupressure charts and text to stand as one of the most precise references available to those seeking to learn this modality. In addition, Diana lectures internationally in  horsemanship with a good relationship as the intended outcome, massage and Bach Flower Therapy for horses and dogs. You will find Diana enthusiastic, energetic, gentle and extremely knowledgeable. Diana was the founder of the Whole Horse Journal - Guide to Natural Horse Care and Training. During The Journal’s first three years, Diana served as Editor-In-Chief, guiding the publication to eight national media awards and an international readership. You will recognize her name behind numerous articles on massage and alternative training appearing in Horse and Rider Magazine, the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) Endurance News, The Anvil Magazine and Ride! Magazine. Currently, she is featured with her monthly column in Southern California’s Riding Publication Magazine.

During this course students learn to effectively and professionally use acupressure on horses to strengthen correct flows of qi in order to create optimum equine health, where appropriate.

OUTLINE OF COURSE:

An overview of the Traditional Chinese Medicine approach to health . Acupressure principles and hands-on techniques to include:

•   functions of the twelve organ systems and two extraordinary flows of Classical Chinese Medicine as they apply to optimum physical and emotional health in the horse;

•   location of the twelve energetic pathways (meridians) and two extraordinary flows on the horse;

•   location of over 120 equine acupressure points;

•   exercises to feel qi energy and improve acupressure effectiveness;

•   basic anatomy and bony landmarks;

•   incorporation of a variety of acupressure techniques in other types of bodywork modalities.

COURSE SUMMARY:

The student will learn how to apply acupressure and lifestyle management in order to support the correct flows of qi in the horse. From the Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, strengthening the correct flow of qi supports the optimum physical and emotional health of the horse including:  

•   the lungs and other structures of the respiratory system;

•   overall immune function;

•   the digestive system;

•   the heart and blood vessels of the cardiovascular system;

•   urinary tract system including the kidneys and bladder;

•   the reproductive system;

•   the muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints of the horse;

•   the sensory organs such as the eyes, nose and ears;

•   the mind and spirit; how to help the horse maintain a calm spirit and the ability to think clearly.

LEVEL ONE COURSE REQUIRED MATERIALS:

1) Acupressure Point Charts for Horses

An Illustrated Guide to 128 Point Locations and Uses, Diana Thompson, author

ISBN #978 0-9816741-0-0     (272 pages)

2) All of Chapter One, and Section One and Section Three of Chapters Two through Chapter 15 of the course manual written by Diana Thompson

Working Title: Acupressure for Horses

A Comprehensive Guide to Traditional Chinese Medicine   (441 pages)

3) Workbook of Learning Activities, quizzes, worksheets

Prerequisite: Students must complete the pre-course study guide designed for the course prior to course commencement. Please register early to give yourself 60-90 days prior to the course to absorb the information. Students wishing to move on to Level II must complete the EQ800 Equine Acupressure Level One course and its externship.

EQ810E:  Equine Acupressure Level II

This seven-day class (three days on, one day off, three days on) builds on the EQ800: Equine Acupressure Level One course. Students are required to have completed EQ800, including the set externship, before registering for the  Level II course.

Author, clinician, certified massage therapist and horsewoman Diana Thompson has spent a lifetime refining these techniques for their accuracy and value. She has spent countless hours researching and refining her acupressure charts and text to stand as one of the most precise references available to those seeking to learn this modality.

In the Level II course, students will deepen their understanding of the Level I material whilst learning how to carry out a thorough Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment of the horse and how to identify incorrect flows of qi (also known as “the pattern” or “patterns of imbalance”). Once the pattern is identified, students will learn how to formulate specific acupressure point combinations and lifestyle management adaptations to address the imbalances and related health issues.

OUTLINE OF COURSE:

An overview of the Traditional Chinese Medicine approach to health. Acupressure principles and hands-on techniques to include:

·    functions of the twelve organ systems and two extraordinary flows of Classical Chinese Medicine as they apply to the lack of optimum physical and emotional health in the horse;

·    identification of the incorrect flows of qi (known as the pattern or patterns of energy imbalance) using the Eight Principle and 12 Internal Organ systems of energy assessment;

·    acupressure point combinations and lifestyle changes to address specific patterns of imbalance;

·    exercises to feel qi energy and improve acupressure effectiveness;

·    location of the twelve energetic pathways (meridians) and two extraordinary flows;

·    location of over 120 equine acupressure points;

·    incorporation of a variety of acupressure techniques in other types of bodywork modalities.

COURSE SUMMARY:

From the Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, the correct flow of qi creates and supports the optimum physical and emotional health of the horse. The student will learn how to assess the horse to identify and address incorrect flows of qi in order to improve the physical and emotional health of the horse. The imbalances that will be addressed include:   

·          respiratory infections, fever, exercise intolerance, recovery from performance stress, choke;

·          poor immune response or stressed immune function;

·          digestive issues including colic, loose stool, diarrhea, constipation, ulcers, bloating;

·          problems of the heart and blood vessels of the cardiovascular system;

·          urinary tract issues;

·          tension, injury and performance stress of the muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints;

·          problems with the sensory organs such as the eyes, nose and ears;

·          reproductive issues such as a lack of fertility or mares who display tension or aggression during their heat cycles;

·          fearful, nervous and angry behavior, lack of clear thinking or poor ability to follow training cues.

LEVEL II COURSE REQUIRED MATERIALS:

1) Acupressure Point Charts for Horses

An Illustrated Guide to 128 Point Locations and Uses, Diana Thompson, author

ISBN #978 0-9816741-0-0     (272 pages)

2) The entire text manual written by Diana Thompson    (441 pages)

Working Title: Acupressure for Horses

A Comprehensive Guide to Traditional Chinese Medicine

3) Workbook of Learning Activities, quizzes, worksheets

EQ820E:  Equine Acupressure Level III

This seven-day class (three days on, one day off, three days on) builds on the EQ810: Equine Acupressure Level II course. Students are required to have completed EQ800 and EQ810 including the externships, before attending the Level III course.

There are 8 flows of energy known as the extraordinary vessels. Two are included in the Level One and Level Two courses. Level Three will focus on the location and used of points on the six additional flows. In addition, participants will delve into additional Traditional Chinese methods of assessing energetic imbalances such as the 5-element theory.

Author, clinician, certified massage therapist and horsewoman Diana Thompson has spent a lifetime refining these techniques for their accuracy and value. She has spent countless hours researching and refining her acupressure charts and text to stand as one of the most precise references available to those seeking to learn this modality.

LEVEL THREE COURSE REQUIRED MATERIALS:

1) Acupressure Point Charts for Horses

An Illustrated Guide to 128 Point Locations and Uses, Diana Thompson, author

ISBN #978 0-9816741-0-0     (272 pages)

2) The entire text manual written by Diana Thompson    (441 pages)

Working Title: Acupressure for Horses

A Comprehensive Guide to Traditional Chinese Medicine

EQ830E: Advanced Equine Acupressure