A Registered Equine Massage Therapist (R.E.M.T.) is required to abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the International Federation of Registered Equine Massage Therapists. To become a member in good standing, an R.E.M.T. must first complete a diploma program of a minimum of 2200 hours through an I.F.R.E.M.T. approved institution (see the home page for course details). This includes extensive study in the techniques and application of Swedish Massage Therapy, Equine Anatomy, Equine Physiology, Equine Pathology, among other courses designed to create effective and knowledgeable massage therapist that works in conjunction with your vet to provide the best
care possible for your equine partner. The massage therapist must then pass the theoretical and practical examinations designed and held by the I.F.R.E.M.T.
Because there is currently NO REGULATING BODY in North America legislating and controlling massage therapy for companion animals, it is possible to take a short four-day program, to a program that runs over the course of several months, to gain the status of Certified Equine Massage Therapist (C.E.M.T.) or other variant of this title (CEMMT, CEMP, etc). This means that there is a vast disparity in knowledge and understanding of the equine body and contraindications to massage that cannot be guaranteed as that of a REMT.
Clients of EED will be guaranteed a service with a minimum education of 2200 hours of study in; Equine Anatomy, Equine Physiology, Equine Pathology, Conformation and Kinesiology, Equine Massage Theory and Technique, Equine Massage Treatments, Hydrotherapy, Equine Behaviour, Equine Management, Professionalism and Ethics, and Business Management, through the D’Arcy Lane School of Equine Massage Therapy and Rehabilitation. This guaranteed level of education can only be achieved through an R.E.M.T. program.
That being said, there are many qualified C.E.M.T’s available for hire. Such as those who have taken RMT human massage therapy programs, then branched off to apply their knowledge of massage to the anatomy and kinesiology of a horse. When looking for a therapist to work with you and your horse, it is recommended to do thorough research and receive references for any C.E.M.T. or R.E.M.T. that you are considering, and find someone that works for you.
