360-687-8384

The Equine Natural Movement School

Bodywork that honors the horse's structure and spirit

Eva Gerster practices in Switzerland
EmilyPeters
Joseph Freeman, Founder of the Equine Natural Movement School, with Jay-jay.
Monica Uruchurtu

The Equine Natural Movement School

We educate good-hearted people in a career that helps horses live up to their full potential.

Our certified equine massage school is licensed by WA Workforce Training Board and the WA Board of Health. Graduates of our state-approved equine massage school are qualified to be both Licensed Large Animal Massage Therapists (LAMT) AND Certified Equine Structural Integration Practitioners (CESIP).

Joseph Freeman, Founder of the Equine Natural Movement School, with Jay-jay.

The course consists of three modules. Most students complete all three modules in a year.

Upcoming Module One Courses (this is first of three)

  • September 3 – 9, 2023
  • or March 10-16, 2024
  • or September 8-14, 2024

In-Person at our farm in southwest Washington

We will host more ONLINE classes when we have enough inquiries. Please ask and we will schedule another.

Dear Horse Enthusiast, 

Would you like to combine your love of horses with work that fulfills your heart? Is it important for you to have kindness and compassion be every bit as important as technical knowledge?

Would you thrive in a learning situation where teachers have time to spend individually helping you develop your equine skills and talents?

Would you enjoy the professionalism of being a certified Equine Structural Integration Practitioner AND a Licensed Equine Massage Therapist?

The Equine Natural Movement School is your answer. Students graduate with dual credentials. Our equine bodywork courses specialize in Equine Structural Integration, a well-proven method that actually improves the horse’s structural integrity and flexibility. 

We teach students how to work in the most caring, heart-centered way possible. Horses appreciate being treated with kindness and respect and this is a hallmark of our method. We enter into our sessions with a profound sense of partnership with each individual horse. Using highly proficient technical skills with tremendous love and respect often brings about significant positive changes in horses.

Our students come with all kinds of backgrounds and our equine training supports many different kinds of knowledge. We’ve trained equine bodyworkers and human Structural Integration practitioners; physical therapists and massage practitioners; Natural Horsemanship folks; chiropractors, veterinarians, vet techs, acupuncturists and an osteopath; horse trainers and farriers; dressage, hunter-jumpers and eventers; Western enthusiasts; a few scientists and university professors; people from 19 to 72, and plenty of horse owners and riders.

Although their backgrounds may differ, all our students share a deep love for horses. Some students are quite knowledgeable in their fields. In our training we cover our material in a way that helps non-professionals learn well while expanding the knowledge base of people with more experience. 

We are a fully certified and licensed equine massage school, and we help prepare you for your career in equine therapy. When you acquire your horse massage license from the Equine Natural Movement School, you’ll be an expert in the field of Equine Structural Integration, and on your way to a rewarding career in therapeutic horse massage and equine bodywork. 

Here’s something we’ve heard from our graduates. They tell us in times of economic uncertainty, they feel a lot better knowing they are able to earn a full or part time income on their own without relying on an outside job. Above all, the Equine Natural Movement School trains you for a joyful equine career working closely with horses and with owners who understand, appreciate and want your skills.

Nick when he was partway through the series
What does our Equine Natural Movement work do for a horse? Here’s what one of our clients says…

I got my thoroughbred off the track. He went with his head high and hollowed his back. His right side was very underdeveloped. He was a long term project. My equine chiropractor recommended this work. I was skeptical, but after the second and third sessions, Nick started rounding his back up, accepting the bit, and moving his shoulder much more. I’m so glad Nick had the series. He changed dramatically after the last session. I had a whole new horse. My dressage scores have come way up and his jumping improved. He now lifts his entire shoulder area over the jump, not just his knees. Months after his last session, he continues to get stronger.

— Linda Stuckenschneider, Eventer
Nick when he was partway through the series
Here’s what one of our students (now a certified practitioner and faculty member) had to say after taking the Module One class…

“As a trainer and farrier, I am constantly looking for new ways to improve both the physical and mental health of the horses I work with. After going through the first module at Equine Natural Movement School and watching Joseph work, I am convinced that this is a perfect match for the work I strive to do – helping the horses achieve fluidity and freedom in movement while gaining their trust. It can’t get much better than that.”

— Jim Culver, Wyoming

Our work helps horses

  • Develop exquisitely graceful equine movement
  • Deliver their absolute best at horse shows
  • Perform at their peak
  • Be more confident in their bodies
  • Bring joy to their owners

Module One courses

Every course begins with a Module One. Choose the week that works best for you. Module One classes are held in-person in Washington state. (Sometimes we teach online in a LiveStream format.)

The student-teacher ratio is six students per teacher to ensure every student receives a good and thorough training.
Tuition is $2200 per module (You will take 3 modules in all)

Module One classes start twice a year in September and March.

Calendar of Module One, Module Two, and Module Three classes, CLICK HERE for class dates. 

We supply all the horses for classes.

Our classes often fill quickly, so please apply early.

Most of our courses are taught in-person, we sometimes offer an online version. The ONLINE LIVE-STREAM course is scheduled as students apply. The Live-stream class requires students to have:
(1)  a nearby horse to practice on during class,
(2) good online access to our webinar room, and
(3) a smart-phone for FaceTime while practicing in the barn.
When we have enough inquiries, we schedule the next Online Live-Stream class. Contact us to get on the list.

How Do I Apply?

Ready to apply?
click here: APPLY
or if you aren’t very technical, print out this application and mail it to us.
Click here to download our STUDENT CATALOG & APPLICATION 

Equine Natural Movement School: More Classes

Each class takes one week of instruction here at our farm and a 4 to 6 months to finish the required assignments and practice sessions at home. Module One students complete their homework and continue on to Module Two. Ther homework after Module Two and after Module Three takes 4-6 months each. While most students continue in this manner, it is okay to go slower and spread your training out more.

Example:  Take Module One in spring, Module Two in fall, Module Three in spring and graduate in summer. The entire program takes most of our students 12 to 18 months.

See the dates on our calendar page:

Click here for more class dates. 

We offer each module two or three times a year. In 2019-2020 we offered our first classes in Europe. If you live overseas, we can keep you in the loop for our next one come hang out this is this in about 15 minutes.

The BUSINESS CLASS begins immediately after you have taken the first week of Module One and continues throughout the training. This online class is done from home and is included in your tuition.

The ADVANCED CLASS requires one year or more of practice after graduation. These students should be completely familiar with the basic work so we can help you gain and advanced understanding of the work.

* TEACHER TRAINING  – Exceptional graduates with years of practice under their belts may be asked to help us train our students. If you think you’d enjoy this, be sure to let us know. 

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.

Equine Natural Movement School Maggie Mittuch, adjunct faculty

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
Melina Knoop, Advanced Equine practitioner and Equine Cranio-Sacral work

“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
Faith Bushby, Human Massage Teacher and Animal Massage practitioner
Monica McKenzie

“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)
Monica McKenzie specializes in work with race horses

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.] 

Jenn Garcia working on an Appaloosa

Jenn Garcia working on an Appaloosa

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.

Students practicing touch skills before working on the horses

Students practicing sensitive touch skills before working on the horses

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.

Amanda Martin, Advanced Equine practitioner and Human Massage Therapist

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. 

We supply a wide variety of horses for students to work with while attending class. This one’s having a good roll after being worked on.

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. 

Jodie Sinclair, Advanced practitioner
Amy and Trini and dog at the beach

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?

Nellie’s daughter Lily meeting her mom’s model horse at the school

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
Lea Moonsong, Advanced graduate and KMI Structural Integration practitioner

“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.]

Kenny Mateer, Structural Integration practitioner

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 h9urs, perhaps an overly enthusiastic spam filters 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 October 12 – 18