Certifications

Training and certifications

Saddle Fitting Certification (CSF)

In September of 2015, I became a Certified Saddle Fitter upon passing my finals at the completion of the 250 hour English Saddle Fit & Flocking Course, taught by world-renowned saddle fitter Mike Scott at his school in Camden, SC. This is an independent saddle fitting training course, meaning it is not brand affiliated and the focus is not sales, but understanding anatomy, movement, tree and panel shape and design, and flocking technique to assess the suitability and fit of any english saddle, and make appropriate adjustments or recommendations. This was an intensive six month certification course that involved classroom and hands on training, independent case studies, observation hours/internships, quizzes, research paper, and a hands on and written final.

Equine Massage Certification (EM/MT)

In May of 2018, I became a certified equine massage therapist upon passing my finals at the completion of the 300 hour Equine Masssage/Muscle Therapy Course, taught by Mike Scott and Joy Falese at their school in Camden, SC. Both instructors have decades of experience as both human and equine massage therapists. The course material focused extensively on anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology, sports massage techniques, and the equine massage principles and theories of Jack Meagher and Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt. Much like the saddle fitting course, this too was an intensive six month certification course that involved classroom and hands on training, independent case studies, observation hours/internships, quizzes, research paper, and a hands on and written final.

Equine Myofascial Release Certification (EEMFR)

In 2020, I completed all course requirements for the 100 hour EQ1100: Equine Myofascial Release Techniques Level 1 and in 2021 the 65 hour EQ1110: Equine Myofascial Release Techniques Level 2 to culminate in the distinction of being certified in Equinology® Equine MyoFascial Release, a certification program through Equinology Institute, offered through EquiLearn Institute. Both courses were taught by Ruth Mitchell-Golladay, one of the premier educators in myofascial release in the country. Both courses included classroom and hands on training, and externship requirements: case studies and summaries, visual presentations, and written essays.

Craniosacral Therapy Techniques

While I had already had some exposure to craniosacral therapy techniques in my myofascial release courses, plus I receive this therapy myself, I wanted to pursue further training. In 2020 I was originally enrolled in the level one equine program with Upledger Institute (the gold standard of craniosacral therapy), but unfortunately that class was postponed and the program never resumed post Covid. In summer of 2023 I began training with certified equine massage and Upledger trained and certified craniosacral therapist Stephanie Mills, and completed her certification course in craniosacral therapy technique integration for equine massage. In this course I got an introduction to understanding and feeling the craniosacral rhythm and how to implement techniques into my current bodywork program. When I find a suitable replacement program for Upledger, I plan to pursue the training required to become a certified craniosacral therapist.

Continuing Education Hours

Continuing education is very important to me, and every year I take several courses, workshops, or seminars. A few of the workshops are listed below:

Equine Fascial Release, taught by Amanda Moertz LMT, EM/MT, RVT in 2019
IASTM & Kinesiology Taping, taught by Joy Falese LMT, June 2019
Advanced Massage & Anatomy Workshop, taught by Mike Scott, 2020
Equine Myofascial Kintetic Lines, taught by Dr Vibeke Elbrond, 2021
Annual saddle fitting and massage grad reunions with different presenters
Whole Horse Dissection with Dr. Sharon May-Davis, spring 2022
Multiple Tours & Seminars at "The Bone Room" in Aiken, SC since 2020
Training day with Butet Saddles 2019
Training day with Saddlery Brands International 2018