Diploma in Equine Performance Therapy

Diploma in Equine Performance Therapy - HOMEROOM

A well-rounded diploma in Equine Performance Therapy brought to you by Kheiron College of Equine Therapy, encompassing the following:

  • Therapy Techniques
  • Horsemanship
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Alternative Modalities
  • Hoof Care
  • First Aid
  • Saddle Fit
  • Business Planning

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Module A: Therapeutic Techniques

At Kheiron our main modality in Therapeutic Techniques is Myofacial Release. We achieve this with a combination of deep tissue and acupressure massage, muscle and joint manipulation using gentle stretches, exercises and soft tissue manipulation.

In this topic, students will:

  • Learn/apply basic massage techniques
  • Learn/apply myofascial release and manipulation techniques
  • Perform conditioning exercises that target certain ailments
  • Assess movement and identify ailments 
  • Gain a basic understanding of other modalities (e.g., energy work, structural alignment)

Module B: Anatomy & Physiology

Understanding how the body works is the most important part of learning how to become an Equine Therapist. Knowing, understanding and learning to read the horse - which muscles works together, what happens if one of them is injured, why a horse is presenting in a certain way. Without anatomy we are lost, it is the glue that holds everything else together.

You will begin with the basics of the front end, the barrel and then the hind and how each portion works together. Then we delve deeper and deeper until you can paint a full picture of the horse's body in your mind and how it works. Nature is the most powerful computer programmer ever!

In this topic, students will:

  • Gain a full understanding of the Equine Body and how the muscles work to make the body move
  • Understand the equine skeleton and the importance of the bones in a horse in motion
  • Acquire in-depth knowledge of the deep and superficial muscles and how they work in pairs, triples, quads, etc.
  • Recognize the importance of fascia

Module C: Conditioning & Handling

Conditioning and Handling begins with the basics of horsemanship and groundwork. It is another piece of the puzzle and the greater picture of whole horse care. These simple exercises become the foundation of conditioning and physical therapy to help strengthen and improve isolate portions of the body to enable fluid painless movement.

In this topic, students will:

  • Handle a horse quietly using the principles of pressure and release
  • Guide a horse in hand through and over a series of obstacles displaying knowledge and understanding of balanced horsemanship techniques
  • Assist in rehabbing an injured or imbalanced horse.

Module D: Hoof Care

Without a hoof we don't have a horse. The feet are SO important as therapists we need to recognize body ailments, and misalignments from looking at feet. We also need to be able to recommend and or comment on a good and healthy hoof. Kheiron College will give you an introduction into Hoof Care for both barefoot and shod horses and how to recognize good and bad examples of both.

In this topic, students will:

  • Identify the different methods of shoeing and what each is for
  • Explain the benefits of barefoot trimming
  • Identify common hoof ailments and injuries
  • Identify how the hoof can give a clearer indication of what is happening in the horse’s body and correctly diagnose a horse just from 1 hoof

Module E: Saddle Fit

So many ailments are the result of poorly positioned and poorly fitting saddles. Kheiron will provide an introduction into saddle fit for both English and Western disciplines and the importance of proper weight distribution for a healthy back.

In this topic, students will:

  • Assess saddle fit in both English and Western and advise clients
  • Identify rock, flare, and bridging
  • Assess saddle fit both statically and under motion

Module F: Alternative Modalities

Alternative Modalities can complement the horses overall well being. We provide an introduction into complementary and natural remedies that may lead you on a voyage of discovery to obtaining a homeopath or naturopathy diploma. Complementary medicine does not replace veterinary care.

We will introduce you to homeopathy, herbology, aromatherapy, and diet/supplementation.

In this topic, students will:

  • Recommend alternative complementary therapies for a wide range of equine complaints from stiff muscles to a nervous disposition.

Module G: Business Planning

Becoming a therapist and to have a successful business you must understand your field and industry and how to carve your niche. We will give you the business tools to be able to do this to the best of your abilities from understanding your competitors, building your business on your strengths and weaknesses and finding your Unique Selling Points (USPs).

Students will have to submit a business plan. Outline and information will be in the modules.

In this topic, students will:

  • Identify key methods to market their new business, advertise and promote themselves