Welcome to the Animal Bodywork Academy of New England
Equine Massage Professional Certificate Program – Application
Thank you for your interest in our Equine Massage Professional Certificate Program. This application helps us understand your background, your readiness for the course, and how we can best support you throughout your learning journey. Please take your time and answer each section thoughtfully.
Please complete the application below. This helps us understand your background, goals, and readiness for the program
Before You Begin
This application has several short sections designed to help us understand your experience, goals, and ability to safely participate in the program. Most applicants complete the form in 5–10 minutes. Please answer each question honestly — there are no “perfect” responses, only information that helps us make sure the program is the right fit for you.
About the Sections Below
The application is divided into a few short sections to help us understand your background, your experience with horses, and your readiness for the program. Most sections have just a few questions. There are no right or wrong answers — your responses simply help us make sure this program is the right fit for you.
Personal Information
Please share your basic contact details so we can stay in touch throughout the application process. If you’re accepted, this is how we’ll reach you with updates, next steps, and all the important “you’re officially in!” kinds of things.
Horse & Handling Experience
This section helps us understand your background around horses. Because this is an intermediate-level program, a 2 year minimum amount of hands-on horse experience is required. You don’t need to have formal training, but you should be comfortable handling and working safely around horses in everyday situations.
Your answers help us make sure the program is the right fit and that you’ll feel confident, not overwhelmed, when we move into hands-on work.
Program Readiness & Commitment
This program requires consistency, time management, and a commitment to both online and in-person learning. Your responses help us ensure that your goals, expectations, and availability are a good match for the structure and demands of the course.
Personal Reflection Essay
Before you jump into the essay part, here’s a quick moment to breathe. This little reflection helps us get to know you—not just your experience or your résumé, but what’s in your head and heart as you step into this work. You can upload a document or type right into the form. About 150–400 words is perfect; no need for a novel and no gold stars for writing it like a college thesis.
To help you get started, you might think about:
A moment or experience that nudged you toward this kind of work
Qualities or values you carry that you think will help you as a practitioner
How learning bodywork might change the way you connect with animals
What “helping an animal feel better” means to you personally
There’s no perfect angle, no trick answers, and definitely no judgment. Write what feels true, in your own voice—we’re just looking to understand what brings you here.
References
We ask for a couple of references who can speak to your character, your work ethic, or your experience around animals. These don’t have to be formal academic references—trainers, instructors, supervisors, or long-time barn contacts are all totally fine.
This helps us get a well-rounded picture of who you are and how you show up in a learning or barn environment.
Program Requirements & Policies
Essential Physical Requirements (Summary)
Equine massage involves hands-on work around large, sensitive animals. Students must be able to walk, bend, kneel, and reach safely; maintain balance around horses that may move unexpectedly; apply and sustain moderate manual pressure; and accurately perceive tactile, visual, and auditory cues. These abilities are necessary for student and horse safety during all hands-on portions of the program.
You may review the full Essential Physical Requirements & ADA Accommodations Policy here before submitting your application
If you anticipate needing any accommodations, you may contact the Academy privately to discuss options. We support all students in creating a safe and positive learning experience.
Final Confirmation
Almost there! Take a quick moment to make sure everything looks accurate. Once you submit your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email and we’ll start the review process on our end. If anything’s missing or unclear, we’ll reach out—you’re not left to figure it out alone.
After Submitting Your Application
Once you submit your application, it application will be reviewed within 3–5 business days, and you’ll receive an update via email. We look forward to learning more about you and your goals.
Thank you for applying to the Animal Bodywork Academy of New England!
Personal Information
Horse & Handling Experience
Program Readiness & Commitment
References
Program Requirements & Policies
Final Confirmation
Application Payment
Our payment system is currently being finalized. As soon as it is fully set up, you will receive a separate email with instructions and a secure link to submit the $50 non-refundable application fee. Your application will be considered complete once that payment is received.
We are truly honored by your interest in this work and look forward to getting to know you, learning about your goals, and helping you grow in both skill and confidence as a bodywork practitioner.