07/27/2026
There is something that has been weighing heavily on my heart, and for a long time I wasnāt going to say anything. However, I feel itās important to share my perspective on a topic that continues to generate a lot of discussion within the equine industry.
Equine Bodyworkers and Their Credentials
Yes, I said it.
Am I an equine bodyworker? Yes, I am.
Am I writing this to defend myself? Absolutely not.
Iām writing this to support all equine bodyworkers who have invested their time, energy, and finances into their education, while also encouraging horse owners to make informed decisions when choosing someone to work with their horses.
The reality is that the equine bodywork industry is not directly regulated in many areas. Because of that, virtually anyone can call themselves an equine massage therapist, bodyworker, nutritionist, or other equine professional, regardless of whether they have completed formal education.
That can be concerning.
As horse owners, wouldnāt you feel more confident hiring someone who has completed a specialized program focused on equine anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, pathology, handling, ethics, and safety rather than someone with little or no formal training?
There is often confusion surrounding the words certificate and certification, so letās clarify.
A certificate is awarded after completing a course or educational program. It recognizes that you have successfully finished that training.
A certification generally refers to a credential that demonstrates competency, often by meeting specific standards or successfully completing an examination established by the organization offering it.
In a regulated profession, certifications are often recognized by governing bodies or licensing organizations. Because equine bodywork is largely unregulated, the meaning and requirements of a ācertificationā can vary significantly between educational providers. There is no single governing organization that oversees all equine bodyworkers.
That doesnāt mean education isnāt valuableāquite the opposite.
Every reputable program has its own curriculum, standards, and areas of focus. Some emphasize massage therapy, others myofascial release, biomechanics, craniosacral therapy, rehabilitation, or other modalities. Some programs are hundreds of hours long, while others are much shorter.
As horse owners, you absolutely have the right to ask questions.
Ask where someone received their education.
Ask what their program included.
Ask about continuing education.
Ask whether they carry professional liability insurance.
Ask about their experience and whether they work alongside veterinarians, farriers, chiropractors, or other equine professionals when appropriate.
Those are reasonable questions that help you determine whether someone is the right fit for your horse.
At the end of the day, this isnāt about saying one practitioner is better than another because of the wording on a piece of paper. Itās about encouraging education, professionalism, transparency, and putting the horseās welfare first.
No one is necessarily doing anything āwrong.ā Someone can read books, attend workshops, gain experience through mentorship, or complete comprehensive educational programs. There are many paths to learning.
The important thing is that horse owners do their homework. Choose someone whose education, experience, philosophy, and professionalism align with your horseās needs.
Our industry may not have one regulatory body, but we can still hold ourselves to a high standard by continuing to learn, practicing ethically, knowing our scope of practice, and always putting the horse first.
Education matters. Transparency matters. And our horses deserve professionals who never stop learning.
