Horses:  Often riders will have to deal with various behavioural issues, such as leaning on one rein, incorrect canter lead, stiffness turning one way, bucking, refusing to jump or general reluctance to work. Where disease and lameness have been ruled out as the cause, there is commonly muscle spasm and tightness leading to restricted movement and lack of performance or the symptoms listed above. Massage can release this tightness, enabling your horse to move freely again and the symptoms will resolve.

Dogs:  Dogs have different behavioural patterns but these are no less important. Frequently, dogs will lie down on the same side every time, or sit to one side, they may consistently get up when told to "sit stay" or "down stay", they may run with their hindend carried to one side or appear stiff and uncomfortable either after exercise or after rest. Once again, where disease and lameness have been ruled out as the cause, muscle spasm and soreness lead to restricted movement and these "behaviours" which do not resolve.

Massage is a wonderful way to develop a strong bond between you and your animal, achieve relaxation and improved performance, and reduce the risk of injury. It has been extremely rewarding to see the delight so many owners gain from learning this skill and applying it to their own animals on a regular basis. Learning to massage enables you to assess where there is tension and discomfort, and then treat those areas with simple but extremely effective techniques - you can see the muscles release before your eyes and your animal's responses will leave you in no doubt as to how much better they feel.

This course combines theory and practical sessions to teach the critical points of massage and stretching techniques that will improve an animal's suppleness and capabilities, hence increasing the longevity of career and comfort in life generally. The course is part homestudy and part practical, with email and telephone support as necessary. The course takes most students four to six months to complete, although some students do take longer and there is no time limit as long as students maintain contact to confirm they are still studying.

Course content of 60 topic areas includes:

Benefits of massage; Musculoskeletal anatomy and physiology; Symptoms of spasm; Causes of spasm; Prevention of spasm; Gait analysis; Aftercare advice; Legal implications; Contraindications; Massage strokes; Stretching exercises; Treatment procedure and much more

We use continual assessment to monitor your progress on the course and successful completion is awarded with the Merishia Therapy Certificate. Membership of the Association of Merishia Therapists and Insurance cover is also available. On completion of the practical element of the course, you are eligible for the Advanced Massage Day courses we run on a twice annual basis to develop your skills further.

Cost: £99 for dogs, £129 for horses or £189 for both.

Testimonial from one of Jo's students:
'While I was in Germany last week, I applied Merishia Massage to some race horses at the yard where my friend keeps her horse.  The owner was so impressed that he offered me a job!' Karoline

To download a brochure and enrolement form, please click on the link at the bottom of this page, or you can contact Jo for more information: 07989 505264, or via the enquiries page.

Please click here for further information on courses .

Please click here for more information on Animal physical therapies and applied behaviour.