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There are many possible career opportunities after completing a diploma or certificate in the Equine Studies Online program. Recent graduates of the program have started their own businesses, taught in the equine industry, or have used their education to boost their current careers.
Of the many potential career paths equine studies graduates can take, many choose to become an equine massage therapist. And that’s the route Heather Sproul took after completing the ten courses—six required and four electives—that comprise the diploma in equine studies.
Certified through Equine Rehab, Sproul currently works at The Horse Palace in Toronto, Ontario. Her preferred clients are riding school horses, or as she puts it, the backbone of the equine industry.
“As the most over-looked segment of the equine performance population, school horses benefit the most from massage therapy,” says Sproul. “Every rider has had a favourite school horse and treasured memories of their favourite ‘schoolie’. My focus as an equine massage therapist is to keep the body of the school horse as supple and pain-free as possible, while keeping the mind sound and looking forward to performing their daily tasks.”
Although the equine studies program does not include equine massage therapy, it does provide the necessary and relevant education for students to build on and continue towards a certification. Specific courses have played a pivotal role in Sproul’s path to becoming a certified equine massage therapist, including Equine Functional Anatomy, Equine Exercise Physiology, and Equine Behavior.
“I was always fascinated by the anatomical composition of functional structures and their contribution to equine movement, which sparked my initial interest in equine massage therapy,” says Sproul. “Watching a horse move with effortless fluidity is an absolute joy.”
The online delivery of the equine studies program provides flexibility for students when balancing school, family, work and horses. A student can study online from anywhere in the world with a computer and internet connection.
“The courses offered in the equine diploma are an ideal way for students to develop foundational knowledge as well as seek out and assess evidence-based knowledge,” says Gayle Ecker, director of Equine Guelph. “This can be helpful in many equine industry careers, including massage therapy."
Courses are developed and facilitated by leading equine industry experts, practitioners, veterinarians, and researchers at U of G and around the world. Select courses also have guest speakers, giving students the unique opportunity to interact with and learn from other professionals in the industry.
“There are many talented individuals in the equine industry who are only too willing to pass on their knowledge and expertise,” remarks Sproul. “Seek them out and learn from them so that you can take the craft to the next level.”
Equine studies courses are offered every January, May and September. Summer courses begin on Monday, May 4, 2020.
Visit the Equine Studies Online program page to learn more about the program.
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