Equine Massage Therapist

Are you one of those touchy-feely people who always seem to know how others are doing? Do you also love horses? If so, equine massage therapy may be a good career choice for you. The same massage principles and techniques used on people are now being practiced on horses, and anyone who is sensitive to nonverbal cues has an advantage in this field.

Until recently, equine massage therapy has been used primarily on horses in competitive sports disciplines such as thoroughbred racing, where top-performing animals represent millions of dollars in potential purse winnings or stud fees. Massage therapists manually check these horses for signs of injury or soreness and use their skills to address any problems before they become serious to protect the general health and performance ability of the horses.

In the past few years, there has been a growing recognition of other effects of massage treatments, such as improved blood circulation, reduced lactic acid buildup, greater muscle flexibility, and enhanced relaxation. The advantages apply to the equine population in general, and horses outside the high-stakes industries have recently been enjoying the benefits of massage therapy as well. This is fortunate both for the horses and for those interested in becoming massage therapists, as it widens the circle of potential clients and increases the demand for these services.

If you think this might be the job for you, you need to check out the educational requirements for practicing as a massage therapist in your area. In the United States, graduation from an accredited massage therapist certification program is a prerequisite, but every state differs in the type and extent of education required. Considerable physical stamina is required, as massage pressure is applied for the duration of each session, which usually lasts at least an hour. An aptitude for understanding equine anatomy and physiology is also an asset, as is aggressiveness in promoting your services and winning new clients.

Earnings vary greatly, depending upon the needs of the locale and the status of the client. For treating top-notch equine athletes, some therapists can earn $100 for each session, but most practitioners earn anywhere from $40-75. For veterinarians or human massage therapists, certification in equine massage therapy offers an additional source of income.

Pros
Close daily contact with horses
Opportunity for self-employment
Good earning potential
Cons
Educational requirements
Need for aggressive self-promotion to optimize earnings
If self-employed, additional expenses (travel, vehicle maintenance, insurance, etc.)

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