EQUINE SPORTS MASSAGE TRAINING PROGRAM and CERTIFICATION of ACHIEVEMENT

Six Day Intensive Equine Sportsmassage Certification Program

Wilson Meagher Sports Therapy and the Downeast School of Massage have joined together to proudly present a program of study in equine sports massage therapy. "Practitioner in the Technical Skills of the Wilson Meagher Equine Sportsmassage" is a six day intensive program designed to train participants who work, or have worked professionally within healthcare or within various components of the equine industry, for example grooms, barn managers, including massage therapists, chiropractors, etc.

To register and receive an application or for more information contact Emily Waltz at Downeast School of Massage at 207-832-5531

Dates: May 24-29, 2026; October 25-30, 2026.

Time: 9am-4:30pm each day, except Friday, 9am-5pm; some dinner meetings

Locations: This course will be offered in several performance barns within mid-coast Maine.

Course Credits: 41 CE hours

Cost: Please contact Downeast School of Massage, at 207-832-5531 or email via downeastmassage@gmail.com.

Course Description: This Equine Sportsmassage program trains individuals with experience in the equine industry in the logic, technique, and application of the Wilson Meagher method. Applicants are not required to be professional human massage or physical therapists.

Causes of muscle tightness affecting general function and performance will be investigated and addressed. Horses of various breeds, disciplines, and levels of performance will be used for clinical practice. Gait Analysis, Conditioning and strengthening are addressed, as well as the effects of saddle fit.

Participants will:

Review structure and function of equine anatomy as it pertains to movement and performance.
Discuss the logic and apply the technique to the horses to alleviate muscle tightness.
Understand the effects of specific muscle tightness and its effects on performance and motion.
Recognize limitations of motion through the observation of equine movement/muscular kinetics.
Restore free motion and range of motion to the horses by directly applying the hands on technique.

The program includes 6 days, 41 hours of a combination of morning classroom work to review required curricula, and multiple days of clinical work in private barns on competition horses. Note: Day 1, participants will be tested on the pre requisite materials consisting of bones and muscles.

Course Instructors

Jo-Ann Wilson - Owner & Sr. Clinician / Instructor

Linda Vegher - Affiliate Clinician / Instructor

Jackie Pelosi-Harris - Affiliate Clinician / Instructor

Nancy W. Dail - Director, Downeast School of Massage / Instructor

Testimonials!

A couple weeks ago I spent the week surrounded by some amazing women learning the Wilson Meagher Method of Equine Sportsmassage. Such an amazing technique with so much to offer for all disciplines. So many thanks to Jo-Ann Wilson, Jackie and Linda for the guidance and for all the support from my classmates and family. Now for the practice and here’s to making a difference for my horse friends

-- Amy Armstrong

The best class I took as a therapist! Thank you for everything!

-- Marie-Sophie Sylvestre

The best class ever, we can help so many horses.

-- Annick Dallaire

Wilson Meagher is the Best !!

-- Julianne Knutson

Exceptional course and exceptional teacher!! I experienced such growth professionally and
personally. Thank you Jo-Ann!

-- Maribeth Bendl Mills

Your class has made my work so much easier and has helped to enhance my client base
exponentially! I look forward to attending more of your courses. Thank you Jo-Ann!

-- Rene Noriega

Loved your class and love this method!

-- Diane Ranney Moschera

Great job! Not a day goes by that I don't think of what I learned from Jo-Ann Wilson. More important are the doors to further learning that she helped -- and is still helping -- me open. There will be a grand welcoming party when she arrives in heaven. At the front of the crowd, Jack Meagher and the first of the many many horses she has helped. Cheers.

-- Sally Noonan

Our horses love you and your students! So thankful to have you all.

-- Amy Miller

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