Questions About Our Horse Massage School

Q: Can I adequately perform equine massage after only five days of instruction in Equine Massage Therapy?

A: Yes!! Geary’s  DVD and workbooks are sent out to you upon receiving your deposit for you to practice before attending school. You will be amazed at how simple and clear the presentation is, and you will be able to grasp the instruction quite easily no matter who or how old you are. Geary's youngest student was 11 and oldest was 63 years of age. But don’t take my word for it, check out the testimonials.

Q: What is it like at the school?

BIG SUR PROGRAM 

Rustic and beautiful. The view is spectacular at 3,200 ft. looking over the top of the trees down to the Pacific Ocean. Breakfast and lunches are
simple; evening meals are gourmet/organic; lodging is charming, simple, relaxing, and enjoyable without electricity.  Showers and restrooms are in the main cabin and lower area of the property. The main cabin is a remodeled gold miner/ prospectors cabin which was built by Geary's
grandfather in the early 1950s and lends itself to cozy comfortable sleeping. Warm summer evenings are best enjoyed out under the stars. Geary sleeps outdoors on his remote private property during school. He loves the sounds of nature at night, and you will as well. Geary encourages all of his students to try world-famous Big Sur camping. A lot of work has gone into this set-up to make it a wonderful experience at the equine massage program. It will be an experience you will never forget. Oh yes, lots of walking trails and places to get away for those who love doing so.

Q: Do I need special education for Canine Massage?

A: No, what you learn for the horses applies to dogs, cats, cows, and people.

Q: What is the age requirement to attend the school?

A: Students under the age of 18 years must have a written release form signed by a parent or guardian. To obtain the form, contact the school. Geary's youngest student was age 11.

Q: What is the average class size?

A: Six students and on occasion more.

Q: What is the income potential of being a Certified Equine Shiatsu Massage Therapist? (CESMT)

A: Between $90 – $150 per horse, depending on your area. I have had students go to Southern California and work on the Polo ponies and charge $300.00 per horse immediately out of school and the owners wanted them back for the next season.

Q: Are certificates given at graduation?

A: Yes. CESMT Certified Equine Shiatsu Massage Therapist.

Q: What are the educational requirements needed prior to attending your horse massage program?

A: None, just willing to learn and have a fun time doing it. You must be correctable and teachable as well. Be ready for the unexpected.

Q: What common problems are addressed by equine massage?

A: These are some of the issues I have personally experienced in my work.

• Tying up  
• Balance and coordination
• Lateral Bending
• Girth discomfort
• Uneven tracking
• Forward impulsion
• Lead changes
• Cold back: What we refer to as Cold Back is actually poor fitting saddles. The medical terminology is describing the spine fusing itself together.   
• Limited range of motion
• Resistant to riders input
• Major attitude issues
• Trauma and fear
• EPM: I have seen positive results applying massage techniques.
• Weak immune system: poison wormers, butte, antibiotics and the general use of pharmaceutical drugs are culprits.
• Paralysis...Lucky the Dog letter by a Veterinarian.
• Lameness
• Herd bound horses: Tension and stress in the body will lead to insecurities. Read my article on Herd bound horses in the Articles section under Resources.
• How effective are the massage techniques you teach? Sara Anderson's and Berta Pinion’s letters under Testimonials tell the story. You may be in disbelief when reading them, but don’t be as your teacher's vast experiences in the sports world and his ability to teach things in a very simple to understand fashion should increase your confidence. Also, read the Why Shiatsu? page.