Trigger Point Therapy for Horses - NAT Certification Course (4 hrs)
Trigger Point Therapy for Horses
4 Hours CE/CPD | Online Course with Andy Eckley
Horses, like humans, can develop muscular trigger points that may contribute to discomfort, restricted movement, altered performance, compensation patterns, and changes in behaviour.
Trigger Point Therapy for Horses provides a practical introduction to trigger point theory and treatment principles as they apply to equine care, helping learners better understand common soft tissue issues and how they may affect comfort and movement.
Presented by Andy Eckley, this course is designed for massage and manual therapists, horse owners, carers, rehabilitation professionals, and anyone involved in the care and wellbeing of horses.
Course Overview
Across this 4-hour CE/CPD course, participants will explore trigger point theory as it applies to horses, including how trigger points may develop, how they may influence movement and comfort, and how treatment principles can be adapted for equine clients.
The course combines a detailed overview of equine trigger point concepts with a fully illustrated trigger point locator, course text, and over 120 minutes of step-by-step treatment tutorials presented by Andy Eckley.
Students will learn how to approach equine trigger point therapy with care, observation, sensitivity, and appropriate professional boundaries, whether they are licensed therapists, horse owners, carers, or professionals working in equine wellbeing.
Supported by video classes, a fully illustrated course text, companion course, lesson quizzes, reflective-learning online exam, certification where applicable, certificate of completion, and lifetime access, this course provides a structured and practical learning experience for those interested in equine trigger point therapy.
What You Will Learn
| Topic | Focus |
|---|---|
| Equine Trigger Point Theory | Understanding how trigger points may develop and present in horses |
| Movement & Compensation | Recognising how muscular dysfunction may influence movement, comfort, and behaviour |
| Trigger Point Location | Using illustrated trigger point locator resources to support understanding of common equine trigger point areas |
| Treatment Principles | Learning step-by-step treatment concepts and safe application principles for equine clients |
| Observation & Sensitivity | Developing awareness of horse response, comfort, tolerance, and handling considerations |
| Professional Scope & Care | Understanding appropriate use of equine trigger point therapy within therapy, ownership, care, and wellbeing contexts |
Course Content
The course combines equine trigger point theory, illustrated location resources, practical treatment demonstrations, companion learning, observation skills, and reflective assessment.
| Module | Focus |
|---|---|
| Foundations of Equine Trigger Point Therapy | Trigger point theory and its application to horses |
| Equine Movement & Soft Tissue Function | How muscular tension and trigger points may influence comfort, movement, and compensation |
| Trigger Point Locator Learning | Using illustrated resources to understand common trigger point locations and patterns |
| Practical Treatment Tutorials | Step-by-step equine trigger point treatment demonstrations presented by Andy Eckley |
| Horse Response & Treatment Adaptation | Observing comfort, behaviour, tolerance, and response during treatment |
| Professional Integration & Reflective Learning | Applying course principles responsibly within therapy, care, ownership, and wellbeing settings |
Who This Course Is For
This course is suitable for massage therapists, manual therapists, rehabilitation professionals, physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, chiropractors, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, athletic trainers, exercise professionals, fitness professionals, horse owners, horse carers, and anyone involved in the care and wellbeing of horses.
Certification is available for licensed massage and manual therapists and requires completion of the online reflective-learning exam. Horse owners, carers, and others may also study the course for educational purposes and to better understand equine comfort, soft tissue care, and wellbeing.
About Andy Eckley
Andy Eckley is a dual-practicing human and equine soft tissue therapist with a dedicated interest in trigger point therapy and animal treatment techniques.
His work combines practical therapeutic skill, anatomical understanding, and a strong commitment to supporting the comfort and wellbeing of both human and animal clients.
As part of the NAT Global Campus faculty, Andy teaches courses in equine therapy, trigger point therapy, and hands-on approaches designed to help learners understand soft tissue care in a practical and accessible way.
Included With This Course
| Included | Details |
|---|---|
| Video Classes | Over 120 minutes of step-by-step equine trigger point treatment tutorials presented by Andy Eckley |
| Fully Illustrated Course Text | Course text covering trigger point theory, equine application, and treatment principles |
| Trigger Point Locator | Fully illustrated equine trigger point locator to support learning and review |
| Companion Course | Structured companion learning designed to reinforce and deepen course understanding |
| Lesson Quizzes | Knowledge checks designed to reinforce learning throughout the course |
| Reflective-Learning Exam | Online reflective-learning exam required for certification where applicable |
| Certificate | 4 Hours CE/CPD following successful completion for eligible licensed professionals |
| Lifetime Access | Study at your own pace and revisit the material whenever required |
CE Finder
This course has been approved for continuing education by numerous professional boards and associations worldwide. Scroll sideways to find your board or association.
Approvals Listed: 59
CE Broker Provider: #20-658126
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Approval requirements can change. Please confirm acceptance with your own board, association, employer, or regulatory authority before registration.
Trigger Point Therapy for Horses
Professional Reviews & Feedback
The reviews below represent feedback provided by students and practitioners through Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and Judge.me.
“Andy Eckley explains equine trigger points in a clear and practical way. The course helped me understand muscular pain patterns in horses much more confidently.”
“The demonstrations were extremely useful. Seeing the techniques applied to horses made the assessment and treatment process much easier to follow.”
“I appreciated the careful attention to horse comfort, handler safety, and respectful treatment.”
“The course gave me a better framework for identifying areas of muscular restriction and understanding how they may affect movement.”
“Andy presents the material in a calm, practical style. The course feels very suitable for therapists who are new to equine trigger point work.”
“The anatomy explanations were clear without becoming overwhelming. I found the connection between muscle tension and movement especially helpful.”
“This course helped me refine my palpation skills and pay closer attention to subtle responses from the horse.”
“A very practical course for anyone working with horses in massage, rehabilitation, or supportive care.”
“The trigger point locator content was particularly valuable. It gave me a more organised way to approach common problem areas.”
“I liked that the course consistently reinforced observation, patience, and adapting the session to the horse in front of you.”
“The treatment demonstrations were professional and easy to understand. Andy explains what he is doing and why it matters.”
“The course helped me recognise how trigger points may contribute to changes in gait, posture, and performance.”
“A strong course that brings together equine anatomy, practical assessment, and hands-on treatment in a very usable format.”
“I found the handling advice and treatment pacing just as important as the trigger point techniques themselves.”
“Andy’s teaching style is straightforward and reassuring. The course gave me more confidence working around sensitive areas.”
“The course made equine trigger point therapy feel structured, thoughtful, and clinically relevant.”
“I appreciated the balance between practical technique and animal welfare. The horse’s response is always treated as central.”
“The material helped me understand how to approach muscular discomfort without rushing or overworking the tissue.”
“A very useful course for therapists, horse owners, and anyone involved in equine care and wellbeing.”
“The course gave me a clear, practical introduction to equine trigger point therapy and how it may support comfort and movement.”
