Course Information
Professional Equine Therapy Education
Master science-based therapy techniques, earn professional certification, and build your career as a certified equine therapist with CETI's comprehensive education programs.
Education That Goes Far Beyond Learning a Few Muscles
CETI offers professional equine therapy education designed for students who want to understand the horse at a much deeper level. Our programs combine anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, nervous system function and hands-on therapeutic applications so students learn not only where something is located, but why it matters and how the entire body communicates.
Whether you are beginning your education or adding advanced skills to an existing equine career, our programs are built around understanding the whole horse. That means learning how structure, movement, organs, nerves, fascia, circulation and compensation can all influence one another.
Equine Remedial Therapy Program
Our four-year Equine Remedial Therapy program is designed to build the student's knowledge from the ground up. It begins with anatomy, terminology and basic physiology, then progressively moves into the nervous system, biomechanics, organ systems, structural relationships and advanced therapeutic techniques.
Students are continually encouraged to connect the dots instead of looking at each body system separately. A horse does not walk around as a collection of isolated muscles, bones and organs, so we do not teach it that way either.
Foundations of Equine Remedial Therapy
Module 1: Introduction to Equine Remedial Therapy
Foundational anatomy, terminology, cell physiology, homeostasis, massage techniques, acupressure and Traditional Chinese Medicine principles.
Module 2: Myology & Osteology Essentials
Muscle histology, skeletal anatomy, therapeutic massage, palpation, trigger point therapy and stretching protocols.
Module 3: Equine Immune System Essentials
Immune defense mechanisms, lymphatic anatomy, hydrotherapy, lymphatic drainage massage and tendon assessment.
Module 4: Equine Digestive & Hormone Systems
Hormonal regulation, endocrine disorders, digestive physiology, stress and liver function.
Module 5: Equine Neurology Essentials
Neurons and synapses, neuromuscular communication, reflex actions, proprioception and nerve testing.
Advanced System Integration
Module 6: Advanced Nervous System & Biomechanics
Neural adaptation, mechanoreceptors, movement analysis and gait dysfunction assessment.
Module 7: Understanding the Equine Kidney
Kidney anatomy, electrolyte balance, ADH, renin systems and acid-base balance.
Module 8: Mastering the Circulatory System
Heart anatomy, blood circulation, respiratory physiology, rib mobilization and meridian integration.
Module 9: Cranial Motion Therapy
Craniosacral history, cranial bone anatomy, cerebrospinal fluid dynamics and cranial palpation.
Biomechanics & Structural Therapy
Modules 10–11: Front Limb Functionality
Front limb anatomy, dysfunction patterns, biomechanics and functional movement evaluation.
Modules 12–13: Spine & Reproductive Integration
Spine anatomy, spinal dysfunction, reproductive health integration and nervous system involvement.
Advanced Integrative Therapies
Cranial Sacral Therapy Review
Advanced cranial techniques, clinical applications and whole-system integration.
Herbal Medicine Review
Herbal pharmacology, clinical applications and integration into therapy practice.
Learn From Experience, Not Just a Textbook
Shantel Perreal
Shantel leads CETI's course instruction and curriculum development, bringing decades of hands-on equine therapy experience into the classroom. The goal has always been to teach students to think, question and understand what they are feeling and seeing in the horse, rather than simply memorizing information for an exam.
The program uses a hybrid learning model that combines structured online education with practical assignments, mentorship and in-person hands-on training.
Teaching Method
Students complete guided online lessons, assignments and self-paced study between scheduled teaching and practical sessions. In-person education focuses on applied anatomy, palpation, movement evaluation, clinical reasoning and supervised therapeutic work.
Time & Effort
Homework, study and practical assignments generally require approximately 10–20 hours per module, depending on the student's learning style, prior experience and pace of completion.
Where Is the Program Offered?
Online modules can be completed from anywhere in the world. Required practical sessions are held near Edmonton Airport in Alberta, Canada, with exact locations provided to enrolled students.
International Students
International students are welcome. The online portion of the program is globally accessible, and guidance is provided for students who must travel to Canada for required practical training.
Is Equine Remedial Therapy Right for You?
Who would make a good Equine Remedial Therapist?
Someone who loves horses but also enjoys solving puzzles. If you find yourself asking why a horse moves a certain way, why the same problem keeps returning or what else in the body could be contributing, this type of education is likely going to appeal to you.
Do Equine Remedial Therapists replace veterinarians?
No. Equine Remedial Therapists work alongside veterinarians and other equine professionals. The focus is therapeutic care, functional assessment, rehabilitation and wellness rather than veterinary diagnosis or medical treatment.
What career path can I expect after graduation?
Many graduates go on to build independent equine therapy practices working with horse owners, trainers and other equine professionals within their communities.
Are government student loans or subsidies available?
Government student loans and official subsidies are not currently available for this private training program.
What is the application process?
Applicants complete an application form for review. Once accepted, students receive their enrollment information and access instructions for the first module.
Continue Building Your Knowledge
CETI also offers specialized courses for students and professionals who want to deepen their knowledge in specific areas of equine health and therapy.
Equi-Neural Fascial Therapy
Advanced fascial therapy training focusing on connective tissue and nervous system interaction. The program explores mechanoreceptors, fascial dysfunction patterns, neuromuscular integration, neural mapping and hands-on therapeutic application supported by dissection education.
Equine Nutrition Essentials
Learn how nutrition influences equine health, performance and recovery, including digestion, trace minerals, electrolyte regulation, essential fatty acids, microbiome health and practical feeding strategies.
Equine Herbalism
Explore herbal medicine using Western, Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine perspectives while learning herbal energetics, materia medica and practical preparation methods.
Equine Homeopathy
Explore homeopathic principles for horses, including provings, vital-force theory, direction of cure, equine materia medica and case-study applications.