FAQ's

What is Equissage?

Equissage is a recognized Certification training programme in Equine Sports Massage Therapy. The founder of Equissage, Mary Schrieber has trained more Massage Therapists than any other person in the world. Her students have gone on to work in all areas of the equine world, including therapists for several countries Olympic Teams

All Graduates of Equissage Europe must abide by the 1966 Veterinary Health Care Act

As a result of the Veterinary Act (1966) and the subsequent exemptions; it is ILLEGAL for any person, other than the owner of the animal, to treat an animal unless the permission of the animals Veterinary Surgeon is SOUGHT and OBTAINED.

The implications of the Veterinary Act (1966) are to safeguard the WELFARE of HORSES.

As a direct result the Equine Masseur must contact the Veterinary Surgeon used by the client and gain permission to treat the animal.  There are many therapists of varying specialism working outside the parameters of the Veterinary Act (1966).

These individuals are BREAKING THE LAW. They are often not INSURED, or members of a professional body.

The Veterinary Surgeons Act, passed in parliament in 1948 to protect the welfare of sick and injured animals from treatment by unqualified persons.

The practice of veterinary surgeons in the UK is governed by the Veterinary Act (1966). Under that act (with certain exemptions noted below) no one may practice veterinary surgery unless they are registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

The exemptions to the general rules of The Veterinary Act (1966) are as follows:

1. A doctor or dentist may carry out any treatment, test or operation on an animal, provided he does so at the request of a registered Veterinary surgeon.

2. A doctor may also perform an operation on an animal for the purposes of removing an organ or tissue for use in treatment of a human being.

3. The treatment of an animal by Physiotherapy; if carried out under the direction of a registered Veterinary Surgeon who has examined the animal and prescribed such a treatment.

4. An owner of an animal (or his employees, or other members of the owner’s household) may administer minor medical treatment to his own animal.

5. An owner of an agricultural animal (or anyone engaged or employed in caring for agricultural animals) may carry out medical treatment or minor surgery (not involving entry into a body cavity) on such an animal provided that it is not done for reward.

6. A Veterinary Nurse whose name is entered on the list of Veterinary Nurses maintained by the college may carry out any medical treatment or minor surgery to a companion animal; provided that the companion animal is for the time being, under the care of a registered Veterinary Surgeon.

7. Lay persons may administer first aid in an emergency, for the purposes of saving a life or relieving pain and suffering.

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What Is The International Association of Animal Massage Therapists (IAAMT)?

Statement of Purpose

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Through the adoption and use of uniform techniques, the networking of member therapists, and adherence to the principals of ethical conduct, it is the purpose of this Association to promote in practice referrals and training the therapy of Hands-On animal massage, worldwide as effectively in the assisting of preventative and curative treatment of animal muscle injuries and their resulting performance problems.

Equissage, Inc, nor The IAAMT promotes or condones massage in place of proper veterinary care. 

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The International Association of Animal Massage Therapists (IAAMT) was founded by Equissage, Inc. as a way to support those who earned their certificate through its programs in Equine and Canine Massage Therapy. Equissage is one of the most established programs and most recognized names in the Equine Sports Massage therapy industry. 

Our members are offered the support of The IAAMT. The support offered can range from verifying membership and certificate information to assisting members when it comes to issues that can arise. The support will be given if the principles are upheld and adhered to. Referral assistance is given and yearly newsletters are emailed to our members as well.  They are also offered the camraderie found within the Equine Sports Massage therapy industry.

In return, we only ask our Equissage-trained members to adhere to the principles outlined in our Statement of Purpose, as well as the massage sequence taught by the Equissage instructors. We ask our Members to not use any machinery when giving a massage. We fully believe that it detracts from the true purpose of the giving (and receiving) a massage to a horse or dog. For more information on Equissage, please visit their website at www.equissage.com.

The IAAMT is a Networking Association of Animal Massage Technicians trained and operating under guidelines specifically designed to achieve the ultimate benefits of the therapy. As such, the Association’s Members follow a strict code, which includes the following:

1 A full-body application of massage in all animals - at all times.

2 The prohibitive use of any mechanical device or aid in either rendering the massage sequence, or assistance in rendering that sequence.

3 The injunction against diagnosing any medical illness or condition.

4 The absolute exclusion of the use of any other alternative modality while offering service as an animal massage technician.

5 That Graduates work under the guidelines of any specific regulations for that country

“THE ACCUMULATING DATA OF SCIENCE CONTINUES TO SUPPORT THE BONDING AND THERAPEUTIC SUPERIORITY OF HANDS-ON ANIMAL/HUMAN MASSAGE INTERACTION OVER THOSE MODALITIES WHICH INCORPORATE THE USE OF ANXIETY-GENERATING, ALIEN MECHANICAL DEVICES”

- World Federation of Alternative Therapies

To Whom Is Membership In The IAAMT Offered?

Because of the scrupulous fidelity to the principles of the code outlined above, and the undertaking of the procedures in accordance with the dictates indicated in #5 of that code, it is chiefly graduates of the Equissage Certificate Programs to whom membership is offered.

What Are The Benefits Of IAAMT Membership?

From the individual Member’s viewpoint, the most obvious benefit of Membership is the referral network that assists meaningfully in expanding a technician’s client base. On a current average of 4-5 weekly requests for referral, there is a growing recognition in the animal community that this Association represents and refers only the highest quality technicians to petitioners.

What Role Does The IAAMT Play In The Promulgation Of These Guidelines, Which Help To Ensure The Widest And Most Effective Use of Massage Benefiting Animals?

In referring only those technicians who adhere to the code outlined above, and in promoting the related principles of that code, the Association believes that more and more clients are availing themselves of a massage technique that best serves their animals. Further, in dismissing, for example, therapists who only administer limited massage procedures to “affected areas”, the Association is aiding in the goal of establishing a source of the very best massage professionals - which the public can turn to in confidence, each and every time.

Why Are Therapists Who Apply Massage Only To Affected Areas Considered Subordinate To Those Who Consistently Apply A Full Body Massage?

One of the accepted and essential objectives of the massage sequence is to assist in creating balance in the body. If a therapist is working on one or two specific areas of the body - he or she is actually helping to create imbalance . Such procedure is minimally counter-productive and detrimental to the objectives of the therapy.

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