Arizona Plaintiffs Say Horse Massage Isn’t A Veterinary Service
Celeste Kelly, a equine massage therapist in Tucson, was notified by the state in 2012 that she was suspected of providing veterinary services without a license. It was like somebody pulled the rug out from under me.
Horse massage therapist Celeste Kelly gives a treatment to Orion by pulling on his tail which stretches his spinal alignment on the far east side of town. Animal massage therapists have filed a lawsuit against the state’s veterinary board over the interpretation of state regulations regarding the practice. The regulations mandate the therapists must be licensed veterinarians to practice their trade. The therapists feel the regulation is a violation of their 14th Amendment rights and robs them of their ability to make a living. The photo was taken on Thursday, March 6, 2014, in Tucson, Ariz.
- A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily Star
Like all high-performance athletes, horses experience muscle pains that can diminish performance and lead to long-term damage, equine therapists say.
- A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily Star
For many horse owners, equine massage therapy has become an important feature of the care they provide for their animals.
Weve decided that horses should be athletes, and they pay price for it, says Celeste Kelly, a certified equine massage therapist in Tucson with more than 10 years experience who has spent much of her life working with horses.
But Kelly says she fears her livelihood working with the animals she loves could be in jeopardy.
Minimum Education Requirements For Massage Therapy Programs In Arizona
To become a massage therapist in this state, you generally must first earn a high school diploma. However, it is possible to begin professional training during your senior year at the Western Maricopa Education Center in suburban Phoenix. The program entails a competitive admissions process.
A student must receive 700 hours of instruction at an approved massage therapy school. The state board mandates that the following be included in the curriculum: body structure and function, ethics and other professional standards, theoretical knowledge and practical skills, and practical experience.
Beyond the core coursework, individual schools develop their own curricula. Some of them design classes for students seeking to serve certain populations, like seniors. Others provide training in specialized massage therapies and techniques. For instance, there may be specializations in aromatherapy, Tai Chi, or the mind-body connection.
Some students obtain more than 1,000 hours of instruction and training, which can give them more career choices and higher salaries. Financial aid may be available. Those who graduate from a school not recognized by Arizonas board must pass an exam administered by either the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards or the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork.
How To Become An Equine Sports Massage Therapist
Equine massage therapists use their hands to put pressure on a horses skin and muscles in ways that can relax the animal, decrease pain and stress, and assist in injury rehabilitation. In many cases, massage therapists travel to met clients where they live or work they may also meet clients in healthcare settings.
Many people in this field are self-employed, and working fewer than full-time hours is common. Massage therapists may also have irregular schedules. Time spent in between client appointments can be filled with accounting, marketing and other business-related tasks.
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Theres no connection between the regulation and the underlying activity, said Diana Simpson, an attorney with Arlington, Va.-based Institute for Justice. The group filed the suit on behalf of Kelly and fellow animal massage therapists Grace Granatelli and Stacey Kollman.
The complaint accuses the board of violations of the due-process and equal-privileges-and-immunities protections under the Arizona Constitution, saying the plaintiffs were subject to unreasonable application of the states veterinary regulations.
The complaint also says the state violated the due-process clause of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
The plaintiffs argue that the state board would effectively force them to spend years in school and spend money to complete a veterinary sciences program to legally practice a nonmedical form of therapy.
Victoria Whitmore, director of the Arizona Veterinary Medical Examining Board, said Friday that the board had been served with the suit only late Thursday and members hadnt had the chance to review it. Whitmore did provide an emailed statement.
Before 2012, Kelly had no idea she was doing anything potentially against the law. But in late August of that year, Kelly received notice from the boards investigations division notifying her that as result of an anonymous complaint she was the subject of an inquiry.
It was like somebody pulled the rug out from under me, Kelly said.
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Berta Pinonb Delight’d Equine Massage
“What you teach at your school, your massage technique is powerful stuff! …I want to share with you that just 3 weeks home from school and was at the Hollywood Park racetrack massaging racehorses. …I also overheard the trainer tell the owner that he was very impressed with how thorough the massage was. Saying that over the years he had seen many people come in and do massages and that ‘they all seemed to be in a hurry, and the horses never relaxed like this!’ He had not seen anybody take the time that I did and just marveled at how much the horses enjoyed it. So to future students, what you have the opportunity to learn is an amazing and powerful tool that not only can enrich the lives of the horses you work on but your own life as well. And to you, a fine teacher, I will always be grateful that God put that love in your heart for what you are doing, it shines through and through. I am so glad that I chose your school.
Berta Delight Pinon, CESMT
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Start A Small Business And/or Build A Clientele
Many practicing equine massage therapists advertise their services through a personal website that describes what they do and how to make therapy appointments. Certain animal massage therapy schools allow graduates to list their websites and contact information on the schools webpage to help gather potential clients. These same people may also list their services through animal massage organizations.
Success Tips:
- Make professional connections. Networking with other equine and large animal massage therapists can help make a career in the field more successful. Organizations and workshops provide opportunities to connect with other therapists, some of whom may have business and marketing strategies to share.
- Take supplemental courses in other animal therapies. Some animal massage therapy schools offer additional courses in related areas, such as animal CPR and first aid, aromatherapy, and Reiki practice. A massage therapist with training in these areas may draw additional clientele.
Students Identify And Shift
Students identify and shift internal emotional patterns within the psych and deepen their awareness to their individual and collective potential. Because horses are preyed upon in nature, these sensitive creatures have maintained a highly developed ability to respond to subtle changes in stance, muscle tension, breathing and arousal levels of other horses, predators and humans.
It is common language to say “a horse can sense your fear” – however, they are sensitive to all emotions, even slightest incongruence, yet they are exceedingly patient and forgiving as they guide us to deeper levels of consciousness. Equine therapy can be especially valuable as a therapeutic process because it works on a language older than words creating shifts within a mind body approach.
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Cowgirl Hall Of Fame Inductee
“As a result of Geary Whitings massage techniques for both Horse & Rider, I have seen an increase in my strength and mobility as a professional athlete and a competitor in this physically demanding sport. Injuries are a way of life when working horses and cattle, however, Geary is the best in the business! If you are serious about your education in the world of performance horses, Geary would be an excellent choice. Speaking from experience, my body and my horses say thanks to Geary!
Complete Education And Training
Only a few schools offer courses or programs in equine massage therapy. However, some programs in equine science offer massage therapy courses. These courses and programs usually provide students with knowledge of equine anatomy and physiology with special attention paid to muscles and other tissues. Students also learn about body movement through courses in biomechanics and kinesiology.
Hands-on training will allow students to learn how to physically manipulate muscles, ligaments, and joints in ways that promote relaxation and healing. Veterinary programs dont typically cover equine massage, but they do include coursework in broad topics, like large animal anatomy, clinical diagnosis, animal physiology, and medical management.
Success Tip:
- Tailor your curriculum for eventual certification. For those who are interested in becoming certified by the National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage, documentation of completed courses and hand-on training is important. This certification requires applicants to prove theyve completed 200 hours of study in certain areas of the massage therapy field. Some training in human massage may count towards certification.
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Arizona Equine Massage Llc
Hello :)My intention is to help both you and your pet, large or small feel better. Provide a relaxing and feel good session. I play soothing music during all my sessions.I incorporate my 15 years of Reiki experience. I have studied Equine Acupressure. I am a Certified Equine Massage Therapist and an AZ License Massage Therapist.I come to your house or barn. I work the state of Arizona. My fee is $75 plus mileage. I ask that you call me first so we can discuss your animals needs. I also require a signed release which tells me about any medications and issues your animal may be experiencing.I am Retired Army and Law Enforcement. Army 25 years and Law Enforcement 18. A session is anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes, Depending on the animals needs. Figure at least 40 minutes.
I ask that either the owner or handler to be there for all sessions. I ask this for a couple reasons. One is safety. Your horse is meeting me for the first time so its important for him/her to feel safe and comfortable until we connect. Secondly, so the owner can assist in letting me know when he or she is responding to the Reiki, acupressure and or massage.
How do you serve precious pets?
Do you offer online sessions?
What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?
On a scale of snail to elephant, what size animals do you work with?
Proud member of…
- International Center for Reiki Training
Cat-astrophes happen! What is your cancellation policy?
- 24 hours notice required
arizona
2006
Proud member of…
2006
Ultimate Equine Bodywork Certification Bundle
You are purchasing the Equine Myo-manipulative Functional Therapy Certification Course . This course covers comprehensive equine anatomy, introduction to massage, evaluation, preparing to massage and massage foundation strokes, massage techniques and running a business.
*Be sure to check your state laws before practicing animal massage or bodywork!
*This registration fee does not include a $25 certification processing fee that is due when you submit your case studies.
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Building Relationships Based On Trust And Respect
Equine Therapy offers an integrated method to experiential learning teaching students the power of authentic relationship through the guidance of the horse. The central aim of equine therapy is to help our struggling teen girls create healthy relationships based on mutual trust and respect. Many times, the lack of understanding of the importance of trust and respect is the teen’s core issue. Therefore, trust and respect becomes the focal point of the therapeutic goal.
Horses are used for therapeutic purposes because they are exceptional “mirrors” for our young women. Many of our students struggle with emotional control and their verbal and non-verbal communication. Horses sense and reflect these emotions and behaviors. If a girl brings tension into the equine therapy session, the horse will be tense. If a girl has negative body language or acts in a way that breaks the trust of the horse, the horse will respond accordingly.
Equine Massage Therapy Certification Programs
Most horses are athletes. Whether they actually compete in a specific discipline, work for a living or are weekend warriors along with their riders, they need to be comfortable and pain-free to perform. Equine massage offers complementary therapy to help keep horses in top condition. Certified therapists can work in a general practice, or specialize in specific performance animals, such as racehorses, eventers, reiners or hunter/jumpers.
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Asis Statement Regarding Covid
As the situation evolves, we encourage everyone to do their part to plan, prepare, and respond to the public health threat of Covid-19. Follow the recommendations of staying home and away from others when they are sick. Practice good health habits and comply with the CDC or local public health directives to contain the spread of Covid-19. Health and safety precautions may be obtained from the Center for Disease Control at cdc.gov or the Arizona Department of Health Services at azdhs.gov. Please be safe.
Equine Massage Therapy Schools And Learning The True Benefits Of Massage For Horses
Equine massage therapy schools teach the benefits of massage for horses, along with how to massage different types of horses, like racing/sports, show horses, or pregnant, injured, or elder horses.
Some schools provide distance learning certifications, as well as live massage therapy classes in this therapy. There are also a few good massage videos, where you can learn at home.
These are a few of the best Equine massage therapy schools:
Equissagewww.equissage.com
Equissage is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork as a continuing education provider. Both the equine and canine massage programs provide 50 hours of continuing education.
Equissage is the oldest trainer of equine massage therapists in the world. Since 1991, Equissage has graduated more than 10,000 Equine & Companion Animal Massage Technicians, from every state in the US and many countries around the world. Instructors are trained professionals under the leadership of Mary Schreiber, who developed the first certificate program in equine sports massage therapy.
Equissage does not certify its graduates to teach their own programs. However, in order to certify more technicians in the Equissage program, they have created an expansion program, which allows certified graduates to teach the program in certain locations.
- Geary Whiting’s Equine Massage Schoolwww.gearywhiting.com
- Northwest School of Animal Massage
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When Is Equine Therapy Used
When patients come to an impasse that blocks the next step in treatment, a horse can become a therapeutic tool by providing a model of predictable, honest behavior. Patients learn how to be predictable, trustworthy, and communicative from the bond established with the horse. Through interactions between patients and horses, patients learn new ways of dealing with trauma, addictions, and relationships. Trained equine specialists use the interactions to illustrate the relationship patterns patients exhibit with people in their lives.
There is no horsemanship required to participate in Equine Therapy as there is no riding involved. Following the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association methodologies, both therapists and clients can reach new heights of awareness and growth.
Its no wonder many patients say that Equine Therapy is a highlight of their treatment experience.
Teach Lessons That Parallel Life
The Equine Therapy method is an excellent adjunct to traditional “talk therapy” allowing the unconscious systems to regulate and balance. This new internal balance allows cognitive insights to integrate and anchor at accelerated rates. Horses can be “a way in” to students who are simply stuck in unhealthy behavior patterns, trauma, defiance, addiction, depression and anxiety.
The horses are co-therapists in the Equine Therapy process providing unconditional positive regard as well as immediate feedback to a participant’s conscious and unknown emotional states that can impact thoughts and behavior. Our therapists use the fruitful experience between the girl and her horse to teach lessons that parallel the life of the girl herself.
The following are some specific examples of why Equine Therapy is useful and effective for teenage girls:
Many of our girls who have participated in Equine Therapy have enjoyed the following benefits:
- Improved self-confidence
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Check Out Our Money Saving Course Bundles
Once the Equine Myo-manipulative Functional Therapy Certification is successfully completed, students are eligible for membership with the International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork and the International Institute for Complementary Therapists. These organizations provide their members with malpractice insurance options and other resources necessary to guarantee a successful career!
External Programs Continuing Education And Conferences
Course Description
Massage is recognized as an important element in keeping horses healthy and comfortable, as well as improving their movement. It is an important part of the health care today’s horsemen demand, and you can provide such service.
This course teaches more than just the techniques for massaging the superficial muscles of the horse. It is designed to provide students with the knowledge to see the “whole horse” – movement and muscular development, injuries allied to the work performed, outside factors that affect comfort, as well as massage techniques and the actual massage.A complete approach to equine massage, the course details the muscular/skeletal system, correct bio-mechanics, variations and abnormalities, muscle stresses and injuries. Students learn to evaluate the horse, locating problems and formulating a plan for successful massage. There is a lesson on simple exercises to re-program the horse’s movement patterns to loosen muscular restrictions and alleviate soreness.In addition to quizzes, students will have to write reports for lesson assignments and provide videos that show their proficiency in massage techniques and practice. Completion of this course is all that is required by most states to allow the practice of equine massage as a profession. However, laws are constantly under review and you should check with your state to determine requirements.
Course Outline
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