The Equine Natural Movement School

Students at lunch on the farm
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How Do I Apply?

We have two ways to apply:

(1) REGISTER online here.  <– This is the preferred method.

or

(2)   PRINT OUT THE APPLICATION AT THIS LINK, call us and then mail it in.

Equine Natural Movement School Staff

Our faculty is a remarkable group of equine bodywork pioneers. The student-teacher ratio is 6:1 or better so we can focus on helping you develop your career. Lots of personal time.

Our teachers understand most people in equine fields look for what’s wrong with horses and from that perspective, try to fix them.

Our teachers chose another path.

With Equine Natural Movement, they work to find what’s right, what’s good and correct about the horse’s body and heart. Then they work with great compassion, kindness and skill to strengthen the horse’s structural integrity and develop the horse’s promise.

We’ve created a way of working with these magnificent animals that truly changes how they feel and move. We’ve continually tested our methods since 1995 and keep seeing positive — often permanent — changes that owners and trainers notice.

Our students tell us our professional equine training delivers the expertise they need to be knowledgeable, competent and reliable experts in the horse community.

Our equine bodywork training is different from every other school. Not only do our students learn how to improve a horse’s structure and movement, we also do it in a heart-centered and caring way. We teach an innovative method of equine bodywork that differs from equine massage, equine chiropractic, physical therapy and other equine bodywork methods.

Rather than trying to fix problems as most modalities do, we bring out the inherent natural balance and adaptability of a truly vital, life-filled horse. We do this by addressing the underlying structural system of the horse’s body, making changes that develop smoother strides, better balance, increased flexibility and evenness. This helps horses feel more calm, collected and be more pleasant to ride.

”The learning atmosphere and teamwork is extraordinary. The teachers open their hearts to the students. I loved working with them at the barns. Every time I worked on a horse, I understood more the power of the sessions. I am constantly surprised how much more there is to this work.”
— Melina Knoop

“The Equine Natural Movement School training was exceptional. The explanations, descriptions and demonstrations of classroom and hands-on work are geared toward each student’s learning style. That allowed me to experience the work on many levels and made integrating it much easier. The teachers are patient and focused and the work is so wonderful and fun.”   — Faith Bushby

“I am so grateful to have learned from you and to have my world opened up more. I have enjoyed so much spending time with each of you and the horses. Joseph, you are a very kind, generous and genuine man. My goal is to give and receive with honor, never to take or intrude. You are a fine example of that.
— Monica McKenzie, graduate and Advanced Practitioner (Canada)

We have been training students since 1999 and thoroughly enjoy helping our students learn valuable work that really makes a difference to the horse community. We have a different approach and it’s one that works. We get results with horses and that’s really what matters, isn’t it?

EQUINE NATURAL MOVEMENT SCHOOL TRAINING

Join our Equine Massage Program for truly comprehensive training in equine massage certification. Here’s what we offer:

• Basic Certification at 440 hours 

• Advanced Certification at 500 hours

• Includes at-home and online business training

• Onsite classes and home study

• Leads to licensure in Washington state (may be transferable to other states) as a Licensed Equine Massage Therapist

• Lots of hands-on time with horses

• Most students complete program within 14 – 16 months

• Small class size (usually 6 students) allows plenty of individual attention

• Highly qualified, expert faculty. Each teacher is an accomplished innovator in their field.

• Teacher Training to skilled graduates who become adjunct faculty and mentor students for our training

• Opportunity to obtain further professional training and certification in Human Structural Integration

Students tell us they have reimbursed the entire cost of their tuition by working with 15-20 horses after graduation. [Note: During the training, students practice on horses here and at home. Students cannot charge for their work until they are certified. If your state requires a license, you must acquire that license before practicing.]

We’re not saying this work is simple and anyone can do it and we don’t pretend to be “Horse Careers for Dummies.” We are not interested in turning out the maximum number of students possible with the minimal skills. That would be silly.

Instead we work patiently and professionally and in small groups. We challenge each student to expand their ability to understand how horses move, think, feel, and work with their riders. We help students make the best of their knowledge and skill.

SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS AND GRADUATES

At the Equine Natural Movement School we teach from scratch and don’t assume any thing is known by all. That way, despite all the different backgrounds people come in with, everyone moves forward together, course by course, all the way from the basic classes on through the advanced work.

Nobody gets left out in the cold. Everything we do in our training — with horses AND people — is done inclusively. This makes everyone much happier.

Many students wonder how they’ll fare once they graduate and you’ve probably got that question in your head, too. Don’t worry. We don’t send you out with a certificate, a wing and a prayer.

Instead, to ensure your success, our graduates get a FULL YEAR of online and phone support for no additional cost. If you have a question or need advice about a horse you’re working with, we’re happy to help.

We know of no other school that has such personal involvement in their students’ success. We’re committed to making sure you are extraordinarily good at this work and stand behind you to make sure you are.

ENSURING YOUR SUCCESS

Would you like to be seen as a skilled horse professional, someone who really can deliver the goods? Would you find working with appreciative horses rewarding? Would you like to have a business where people brag about what’s happened with their horses since you worked with them? Would it make you happy to know horses are better off because of your work?

That’s what we do. We offer four levels of equine classes that cover horse safety, equine touch skills, structural analysis, movement assessment, structural integration bodywork, horse psychology and communication, functional anatomy, energetics, performance enhancement and even how to conduct clinics for the public. Each course includes homework done in your home area between classes and includes enthusiastic phone and online supervision and support. Each class is held three times a year.

Our other module is integrated info the course during the at-home phase. We call it “Creating a Profitable and Honest Equine Business” where you learn how to market your skills and develop a thriving business. This course is included in the tuition for each module as an at-home class. It runs alongside your other modules, allowing you to build your business AS YOU ARE LEARNING. Our goal is that you have clients and a growing reputation for quality work by the time you graduate.

Small classes allow us to address each student’s strengths and weaknesses so we can help everyone progress the best ways possible. We’ve found this kind of personal attention enriches our classes in ways we couldn’t imagine. Our learning environment is professional and fun, our staff is wise, compassionate and thorough and the horses are very demonstrative about how much they appreciate the work.

UNIQUE IN THE HORSE INDUSTRY

You probably can tell that our school is quite different than other equine career schools that teach equine science, horse massage, farriers, horse training, equine management, equine chiropractic schools, equine acupressure and other fields. We’re glad they do what they do because there’s a need for that. It’s just not the same as what we do.

Our approach to horses is different:  We don’t fix problems. Instead we work to bring out the strength and promise in each horse. This style of working physically, energetically and psychologically helps bring horses into a more confident, comfortable, athletic willingness to learn and partner with their riders.

Most of our graduates charge $75-150 per session, a few charge more. Their clients are eager for sessions because they see solid results.

Here is what two riders had to say after their horses went through the Equine Natural Movement Series …

The Equine Natural Movement Series is incredibly powerful and remarkable. After two sessions my horse was able to canter without issue. Previously we had struggled for ten years with ear pinning, tail swishing, switching leads behind and general tension everywhere. Somehow this work unlocked and released her patterns of holding tension and diminished adhesions that had been in her back for as long. My horse got all five sessions and she continues to improve months after the series was completed. Her topline and overall physique have changed so much she doesn’t look like the same horse. Her muscles are soft, supple and relaxed. She is mentally content and way happier.

— Amy Kendis, Saddle Fitter

My 18 year old Dutch/TB gelding had serious conformation issues. Despite equine chiropractic, equine massage and my farrier’s corrective shoeing, the deep holding was still there. After the sessions Randy became able to do things other horses take for granted. Muscles that were stiff and unyielding are now soft and pliable and he can move. This work seems to make other modalities more effective, too. Not only has Randy’s body changed considerably, but his mind has also improved. He is more open and curious, interested in what goes on around him and a better partner. He willingly tries new things and feels fabulous underneath me. This series released the real Randy who had been trying to come out for so long!

— Nancy Kittleson, Dressage, Centered Riding and Natural Horsemanship

As you can see, these horses made significant improvements. Their owners became happy evangelists for the Equine Natural Movement Series. Clients like these help your practice grow because they’re so thrilled with the gains their horses have made that they can’t keep their mouths shut!

IS THIS WORK RIGHT FOR YOU?

We aren’t looking for students who take our classes on a lark. We will probably challenge some of your ideas and knowledge about horses. You may even look at some of your past horse experiences and come to different conclusions about what you thought was happening. We teach a new way of understanding and working with equine structure and horse wisdom.

At the Equine Natural Movement School we seek a certain kind of student, one who is friendly, honest, open-minded, and above all, who loves and respects animals and people. We expect our students to be reasonably intelligent and bring an inquiring nature to the work.

Does that fit you? If it does, please download our application. We’d really like to hear from you.

Click this link for our application

WE LOVE OUR STUDENTS!

“From my training I got what I paid for and wanted and I received so much more!”
— Lea Moonsong

“I am more in touch with and in partnership with horses. My heart keeps opening up.”
— Kenny Mateer. [Kenny passed away awhile back but we keep his photo on our site because he was so loved by our students, the faculty, and all the horses he touched.]

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To apply to be a student, click on this link (also at the top of  the header) that says:

APPLY TO BE A STUDENT

Give us a quick call at 360-687-8384 and ask what dates are open.

Because our classes are small, they tend to fill pretty quickly.

P.S. If you don’t hear from us within 48 hours, perhaps an overly enthusiastic spam filter snagged it. If you wouldn’t mind, please also call
360-687-8384  and talk with us.

Hours: 9am – 7pm PST

If you want to know more about the philosophy that shaped our school, CLICK HERE to read the letter from our founders.

Now head over have a look at what we teach in each course.

Click here to read what you’ll learn in class.

warmly,
Jacqueline Freeman
Training Director
Equine Natural Movement School

School@EquineNaturalMovement.com