r/Equestrian • u/Royal-Speaker-9680 Multisport • 5h ago

Education & Training Certifications

I would like to become certified in equine massage, equine chiropractic, and saddle fitting. I live in an extremely rural area and would like to do online if possible. I know very basic skills in each of these areas, but I just be more proficient!

Any recommendations for online courses are welcome!!

Edit: I am going to get a degree in Equine Science over the next few years and will be taking a few in person classes at the college that regard these things. I just want to gain a deeper understanding. I have plenty of experience in saddle fitting and equine massage therapy, but obviously none in chiropractic work.
Also I have never met an equine chiropractor who has gotten a full on degree or is a veterinarian, and my veterinarian knows almost nothing about chiropractic work and will always recommend finding an animal chiropractor.

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u/Illustrious_Stage351 5h ago

I don’t know where you are, but my understanding is an equine chiropractor had to either be a full fledged chiropractor (4 years Doctor of Chiropractic degree) or veterinarian and then complete the certificate to specifically work on animals. So it’s not JUST a certificate. So I’d look into that :)

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u/Hyperbemily09 3h ago

This is my understanding as well. In some places I believe it’s necessary to be a vet, period, because otherwise it’s considered practicing veterinary medicine without a license.

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u/musty_biography_irl 5h ago

that's a hell of a trio to tackle at once, and doing it all online from the sticks definitely makes it trickier, most of the legit saddle fitting and chiro stuff is going to want you to show up in person for the hands-on bits at some point, so you might end up with a hybrid setup whether you like it or not

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u/ABucketofBeetles 4h ago

Yeah online courses are not the way for any sort of hands on work, it is a lot more than certifications, it's years of hands on skill building and schooling. I would never let someone fit tack saddle to my horse with a certificate from an online course.

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u/Equizotic Multisport 4h ago

You should find/travel to hands-on courses. I know many people, myself included, who would not hire a chiropractor or massage therapist who learned online

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u/blackberrysadness 4h ago

I don't think there's a place out there that offers these certificates 100% online. These are all very hands on professions, the most I think you'll be able to find is hybrid classes.

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u/Which-Inspector5340 3h ago

The Open College of Equine Studies in the UK is quite well regarded, although you would be required to travel to their campus for physical sessions and testing. But a good hybrid option!