Do you feel called? 

If you feel called to listen more deeply to the horse—to understand what their body is quietly asking for—this equine massage certification was created for you. This isn't just mechanical bodywork. It's relational, intuitive, and grounded in deep respect for the horse's nervous system, story, and whole being.

$7,200.00

Enroll now Free preview
Karen Saindon and Student graduating from Willowbrook Academy

300-Hour Certification Program

Get one-on-one guidance from industry experts to enhance your equine massage techniques.

Hands massaging horse during classwork at Willowbrook Academy

Hands-On Experience

Practice on real horses under supervision to perfect your skills and gain confidence.

Skeleton used for Massage Curriculum.

Comprehensive Curriculum

Cover advanced massage and bodywork techniques tailored for equine athletes and performance enhancement.

A Different Kind of Equine Massage Course

At Willowbrook Wellness Academy, we don't believe in teaching to a test. We believe in teaching to mastery. Our equine bodywork training is built on mentorship, not memorization—ensuring you graduate with complete confidence, not knowledge gaps. This 12-week, 300-hour horse massage certification program combines live virtual instruction with hands-on practical training in Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada. You'll learn from four highly qualified instructors who bring decades of real-world expertise, and you'll graduate as a respected leader in equine wellness.

What's Included in Your Equine Massage Certification

What do we accomplish in our 300 Hours | 12 Weeks.

Karen Saindon Teaching an online class during the Equine Massage Mastery Course

11 Weeks of Live Virtual Classes

Weekly online sessions that blend theory, discussion, and guided learning in a connected classroom environment. Learn at your own pace while staying connected to your cohort.

A student at Willowbrook Academy taking notes and studying during the Equine Course

8-10 Hours of Weekly Homework

A thoughtful balance of coursework and hands-on practice with a horse, allowing concepts to settle into your body—not just your notes.

Karen Saindon, Instructor, providing a demonstration of Equine Massage

Weekly Video Demonstrations

Practical, easy-to-follow demonstrations to support your learning and build confidence in your equine bodywork skills.

Karen Saindon Reviewing Course Work for the Equine Massage and Bodywork Course

1-Week Online Integration Course

Reflective and comprehensive review that brings together everything you've learned in the first 10 weeks.

Students practicing their skills of Massage and Bodywork on horses in summer under trees

2 Weeks of In-Person Practical Training

On-site instruction in Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada, where learning comes alive through guided practice, feedback, and connection. This is where theory becomes embodied skill.

Students with their mentor through the Willowbrook Academy sitting on a Gate

Post-Graduate Mentorship

One-on-one mentorship is available to answer questions as you grow in your new profession. Mentorship doesn't end when the course ends—we're here for your entire career journey.

What Does it Mean to Be Certified?

Upon successful completion, you will graduate from Willowbrook Wellness Academy as a Certified Equine Massage & Bodyworker—ready to become a highly-respected leader in your profession.

Meet Your Mentor

Karen Saindon, Senior Instructor at Willowbrook Academy

Karen Saindon is a lifelong learner, cowgirl, and highly experienced instructor with over 40 years as an RCMP emergency and police dispatcher. She is a Certified Equine Massage Therapist with 21 years of hands-on practice and 19 years of teaching experience. Karen has trained extensively in trauma response, suicide prevention, and nervous system regulation, serving on trauma response teams for first responders. Since 2020, she has also taught psychologists in Ukraine trauma therapy techniques for military and refugee children. Her unique background allows her to teach equine anatomy and wellness with depth, compassion, and real-world clarity.

Curriculum

14 Chapters · 49 Lessons

  1. 1

    Module 1: Skeletal System - A living Framework

    1. Learn how you can be an integral partner in strengthening a dynamic, responsive system that allows the horse to converts muscular effort into beautifully coordinated motion, balance, and athletic power. You will understand true connection through feel. Free preview
    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Homework

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Beneath Every Behaviour there is a Feeling

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Equine Skeleton Script

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Parts of the Equine Skeleton

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Skeleton Diagram

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Directional Terms - Equine

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Study Questions

  2. 2

    Module 2: Spine - The Posture Powerhouse

    1. The spine is a dynamic suspension bridge that functions like a flexible energy conduit, constantly adjusting to balance, propulsion, shock absorption … and of course, the rider. Let’s study how to ensure the horse can carry weight efficiently, engage th Free preview
    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Definitions: Soft Tissue

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      The Skeleton: Foundation of Massage and Bodywork

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Soft Tissue: Muscle to Cartilage

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Equine Muscle Script

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Homework

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Study Questions: Part 1

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Study Questions: Part 2

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Locating Bony Structures

  3. 3

    Module 3: Pelvis and Hip - The Torque Centre

    1. Understand that the hip and pelvis are the ignition switch of the whole fascial engine, how it works and what we as bodyworkers can do to ensure “go time”. You will learn: Free preview
    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Homework

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Study Questions

  4. 4

    Module 4: Shoulder and Elbow - The Guidance System

    1. Learn how the shoulder and elbow redirect rotational engine force into forward glide and directional reach, and how we, as bodyworkers can release these restrictions. Free preview
    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Homework

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Spindles vs Golgi Tendon Organs

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Study Questions

  5. 5

    Module 5: The Great Shock Absorbers: (a)Thoracic Sling and (b)Distal Limb

    1. Posture, lift, and efficient force transfer functions are almost entirely soft-tissue dependent. Find out how you as a massage and bodywork can restore the whole suspension system. Free preview
    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Homework

  6. 6

    Module 6: Neck - The Balance Beam

    1. This counterbalance system constantly adjusts the body’s centre of gravity, telling us how the horse organizes its whole body. Learn how to assess and restore balance throughout the body. Free preview
    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Homework

  7. 7

    Module 7: Living...Breathing...FASCIA

    1. Muscles create force, bones receive force, and FASCIA determines direction of travel. This network of body upright influences overall posture, balance and soundness through sensory awareness, tone regulation and elastic response. So exciting to learn! Free preview
    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Homework

  8. 8

    Module 8: The Art of Listening - The Power of Being Heard

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Listening is an act of respect, and feeling heard is an act of healing. When an equine practitioner truly listens, the body responds. With instructor, Sara Stenson, you will learn the art of “listen – connect – follow – influence” throughout the equine

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Live Online Class with Sara Stenson

  9. 9

    Module 9: Cranial Nerves - The Integration of the Autonomic Nervous System

    1. Cranial nerves are the sensory gateway that changes posture, movement, digestion, healing, and behaviour. You will be taught how to profoundly influence the autonomic nervous system and the whole body through the Cranial Nerves. Free preview
  10. 10

    Module 10: Spinal Nerves - The Body Connection Lines

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      You will learn how your massage doesn’t just change the environment around these communication cables, it can reset the conversation between the horse’s body and brain.

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Parts of a Neuron

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Types of Nervous Systems and Their Function

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Spinal Nerves and Soft Tissue

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Spinal Nerves and Organs

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      The Reflex Arc

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Study Questions: Spinal Nerves

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Practicum Homework: Spinal Nerves

  11. 11

    Module 11: Respiration - The Energy Exchange System

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Learn how your massage and bodywork helps restore the mechanical and neurological rhythm of breathing, which then supports movement, healing and performance.

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Muscles of Respiration

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Abdonminal/Oblique Muscles - Basement of the Spine

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Study Questions: Respiration

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Practicum Homework: Respiration

  12. 12

    Module 12: Putting it all Together - The Integration Week

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      These integration videos will award you an extra 50-hour certification from Equine Align

  13. 13

    Fine-Tuning Your Profession - In Person Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Two weeks in-person with Karen Saindon for intense practical training on horses of several breeds and disciplines, along with three other instructors in physiology, business concepts, saddle fit and the hoof.

  14. 14

    GRADUATION!

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Developing Your Skillset

Happy Students, Happy Horses

Discover how our mentorship program has helped equine massage therapists like you excel in their practice.

”
When I was doubting if I could finish this course she was the driving force. She believed in all of her students and she has a way that makes you feel like you can accomplish anything. She is an amazing person. The skills that I learned from her has made me a better horse owner .
Verbina Dunsire

Manitoba

Rylyn Demarco, graduate, massaging her white horse
Karen offers an excellent foundation for becoming a skilled equine massage and bodywork therapist through in-depth discussions on anatomy and hands-on experiences demonstrating unique and effective treatment techniques.
Rylyn Demarco

RAD Equine Services

”
Karen is an exceptionally knowledgeable, kind and patient instructor who demonstrated genuine passion for both teaching and animal care. Her deep understanding of equine anatomy and her patience and ability to communicate the concepts made this learning experience very enjoyable.
Betty Stolwyk

Manitoba

Sign up for the Waitlist! 

Sign up now to join our next group of students. Receive personalized mentorship, hands-on experience, and a comprehensive curriculum designed to enhance your skills.

$7,200.00

Enroll Now Free preview