
Advanced Practitioner Equine Integrative Support Therapies Level 5
(Level 6 Irish Framework)
Course: Onsite and distant learning.
Duration: 14 months in total. The course is run in 2 Modules. Module 1 is run with 5 days attended learning at our training site 10am – 4pm. One day per week for 5 weeks followed by 6 months distance learning.
Module 2 is run the same way.
What is Equine Therapy?
Therapy plays a vital role in the maintenance of all horses. A Therapist usually works on a self-employed basis and provides treatments on horses at regular intervals to ensure the horse’s musculoskeletal system is healthy and maintained sufficiently for the work expected of it with a focus on reducing injury and enhancing performance. All horses are candidates for physical therapy: a retired horse with aching joints and muscles, a leisure horse, a competition horse or a horse in rehabilitation - they will all need a specific therapy approach.

Overview of the Training Programme
If you are passionate about a career in Equine Therapy with everything you need to be successful and well respected then this is the training programme for you. ​ UK Rural Skills accredited, align to level 5, (6 Irish Framework) aimed at the higher education student.
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The unique integrated programme produces equine professionals with excellent therapeutic practical skills and rehabilitation strategies to implement based on in-depth assessment of the horse and academic knowledge learned.
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There is a growing demand for ‘high quality and caring’ professionals in the equine complimentary healthcare sector. We meet this at Equi-ed, every horse is treated as an individual – we don’t just teach you to massage a horse – every horse is different and requires a tailored approach and there is much more to therapy than massage alone.
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Our Therapists are second to none with the skills and knowledge to help leisure and performance horses of all disciplines to perform, recover better whilst enhancing their health and wellbeing.
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What you Study
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An immense range of musculoskeletal practical skills for you to apply, such as: sports massage, deep tissue muscle release, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, joint mobilisation, equine manual lymphatic drainage and more!
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Training principles that are based on objective, evidence based research and a thorough understanding of the horse. With a keen interest in injury prevention.
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The physical and emotional structure of the horse include its anatomy & physiology, behaviour and psychology, other important systems such as the foot and dentition, supplementary subjects of horse and rider anatomical relationship, suitability of tack and training aids and much more make for an “all-encompassing programme of study”. We even have a unit dedicated to building a successful business and the legalities involved with this including working with other professionals and within the Veterinary Act.
Programme Delivery
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Therese Murphy and her team of highly qualified, experienced Instructors who create a relaxed and enjoyable learning environment.
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Multimedia presentations to suit all learning styles and preferences.
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At the ‘attended learning’ we cover industry specifics so you are fully prepared for what you will encounter after you qualify.
In-depth practical skills training on a variety of horses.
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Ongoing support during your ‘distance learning’.
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Fully flexible, whether you are a student, in full time employment, balancing a family etc we are mindful of how busy everyone is. Delivery is therefore in 2 blocks. Module 1 has some attended learning tuition and practical with horses over 5 days. Usually one day per week for 5 weeks. Module 2 (the same format) is taught six months later. In between, you complete your distance learning of case studies and assignments.
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Progression
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By training with Equi-ed, you will excel in your own therapy practice, even if you choose another equine related career, the knowledge and skills you will have learned are an instant advantage when applying for jobs because employers are keen to have people who can multi-task within their team of equine professionals.
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We currently have graduates working as: self-employed Equine Musculoskeletal Therapists, in Equine Rehabilitation facilities, Lecturers, Rescue Centres and much more in Ireland, the UK and Internationally.
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To support you through your career we offer a full range of add on CPD (continuing professional development) training days in associated therapies both complementary and alternative which are popular among our Graduates and again supplement your skills to be the best you can be in the industry. Extensive training all in one place guaranteeing the same high standards.
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Flexibility is our ethos with training, completion of studies and payment of fees.
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Tuition Fees
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The tuition fees for the course are very competitive given the high standard of training offered by Equi-ed with the UKRS accreditation. We aren’t the cheapest but we are the best. People often contact us having completed shorter and cheaper courses but their skills and work is limited.
Attendance in Ireland training fees:
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Total Fees = €3200
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Final Assessment & Certification = €200
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*Monthly Payment Plans are available *
​Entry Criteria
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We welcome applications from at least ONE of the following categories: We do not discriminate against any applicants – each application is taken on its own merit. If in doubt whether you will qualify for a place on our training programme please get in touch and we will be happy to help you.
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Experienced horse owners who have a good general standard of education.
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Those who might already possess a higher level Equestrian qualification.
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Experience of working in the horse industry in a professional capacity as a Trainer, Riding Instructor, Veterinary Nurse, Dentist, Farrier, Groom etc.
Possession of a human massage qualification with ownership/experience of horses.
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Please do get in touch with any queries so that we can guide you appropriately.