I’m 23, I’ve been through college and I worked a “real job” for a year, but I found it soul crushing. I’m trying to start a career in horses, even if its only on the side for a while. I’ve investigated some working student positions over the summer, and they didn’t work out, so I think I’m going have to give up my dream of being a trainer. Someone suggested Equissage -specifically this program: http://www.equissage.com/ - to me because I had expressed an interest in saddle fitting, and they thought the two would compliment each other. It doesn’t sound like a bad idea to get started, but most of the horse masusseus that I know are oddballs, and I don’t know how informative a conversation with one about doing it professionally would actually be. So I figured I would ask the internet instead. What are your thoughts on the Equissage part? Saddle fitting is entirely different, and I’ll investigate that more thoroughly when I’m old enough to be taken seriously.
It is a fine introduction, but if you are really serious about looking into equine massage as a career, I strongly advise that you look at a proper school that is modeled on human massage training. Equinology (Calif.) is one of the best ones. The school I graduated from, Equine Muscle/Massage Therapy (SC) is also very strong (and has a saddle fit course, as well), as is Bancroft (Mass.) School of Massage’s animal program. The Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage also has a good program.
These will be more expensive and time-consuming, but will truly prepare you to be a competent entry-level professional upon graduation. Plan on at least annually pursuing some continuing education to keep your skills advancing, as well.
Good luck!
This may be slightly different answer that what you were looking for but not many replies yet, so… A good friend of mine got certified in Equissage and liked it. She then went on to do some advanced Masterson clinics as well. She was getting some horse business but then found that she was so excited by the benefits of massage in general, she decided to get certified in massage for people and has gone on to do advanced training in body work and deep tissue. She now has a massage room set up at her home and has a slew of regular human clients; more demand for people massage than horse, in our area, even though we’re in a very horsey area. She will still do horses but finds she’s generally too busy. So anyway, she’s making good money, working regularly and supporting her horse habit. Just a thought in terms of where starting in equine massage might lead.
