Equine Shiatsu Training

Lesson 1 • Equine Meridian Pathways

Maps the twelve primary meridians onto the horse's body using anatomical reference points. Students gain spatial understanding needed for accurate point location.

Lesson 2 • Tsubo Points on the Horse

Identifies key acupressure points (tsubo) along equine meridians and their associated functions. Prepares students to locate and assess points during practical sessions.

Lesson 3 • Equine Nervous System Basics

Explains the autonomic and peripheral nervous systems as they relate to shiatsu responses. Connects neurological concepts to observable horse behaviour during treatment.

Lesson 4 • Equine Skeletal and Muscular Overview

Covers major bones, joints, and muscle groups relevant to shiatsu work. Establishes anatomical vocabulary used throughout all subsequent hands-on chapters.

Lesson 1 • Safe Approach and Positioning

Teaches correct angles of approach, safe zones, and body positioning around horses. These protocols protect both practitioner and horse throughout every session.

Lesson 2 • Haltering, Leading, and Restraint

Covers proper haltering, leading techniques, and minimal-restraint methods appropriate for shiatsu. Emphasises voluntary cooperation over forced compliance.

Lesson 3 • Recognising Stress and Discomfort

Identifies behavioural and physiological signs that a horse is stressed or in pain during a session. Enables practitioners to modify or stop treatment appropriately.

Lesson 4 • Herd Dynamics and Social Behaviour

Examines how herd hierarchy and social bonds influence individual horse behaviour. Understanding herd context helps practitioners anticipate reactions during sessions.

Lesson 1 • Practitioner Posture and Body Mechanics

Teaches correct posture, weight transfer, and movement to deliver effective pressure without injury. Proper body mechanics sustain practitioner health across a full career.

Lesson 2 • Connecting Touch and Transitions

Teaches how to maintain energetic continuity between techniques and body regions. Smooth transitions keep the horse relaxed and the session therapeutically coherent.

Lesson 3 • Hand and Thumb Techniques

Introduces the primary hand tools used in equine shiatsu: palms, thumbs, fingers, and forearms. Each technique is linked to specific body regions and treatment goals.

Lesson 4 • Pressure Quality and Depth

Defines the spectrum of pressure from light holding to deep perpendicular compression. Students learn to calibrate pressure to each horse's sensitivity and clinical condition.

Lesson 1 • Creating a Treatment Plan

Synthesises assessment data into a structured, goal-oriented treatment plan with prioritised meridians and techniques. Introduces session documentation and progress tracking.

Lesson 2 • Visual Postural Assessment

Trains the eye to detect asymmetry, muscle atrophy, and postural compensation patterns. Visual assessment forms the first layer of every treatment plan.

Lesson 3 • Movement and Gait Observation

Observes the horse in walk and trot to identify stiffness, irregularity, and compensatory movement. Gait data correlates with meridian imbalances found during palpation.

Lesson 4 • Meridian Hara Diagnosis Basics

Introduces simplified hara-style diagnosis adapted for equine abdominal and flank palpation. Connects internal organ meridian states to surface findings.

Lesson 1 • Back, Topline, and Hindquarter Sequence

Works the bladder meridian along the back and addresses gluteal and hamstring tension. This region holds the most common compensatory patterns in horses.

Lesson 2 • Opening and Grounding the Session

Establishes initial contact, assesses the horse's readiness, and sets the energetic tone. A strong opening builds trust and prepares the horse for deeper work.

Lesson 3 • Head, Neck, and Shoulder Work

Applies shiatsu techniques to the poll, neck, and shoulder region using appropriate pressure and point work. Addresses common tension patterns in performance and leisure horses.

Lesson 4 • Closing and Integration Techniques

Completes the session with integrating strokes, energy balancing, and a calm withdrawal of contact. Proper closure consolidates treatment effects and leaves the horse settled.

Lesson 1 • Stomach and Spleen Protocols

Addresses the digestive meridians running through the face, neck, and hindlimbs. Supports horses with digestive sensitivity, muscle weakness, or poor condition.

Lesson 2 • Lung and Large Intestine Protocols

Works the forelimb meridians associated with respiratory function and immune vitality. Relevant for horses with respiratory sensitivity or forelimb stiffness.

Lesson 3 • Liver and Gallbladder Protocols

Targets the wood element meridians linked to tendon health, lateral movement, and emotional tension. Particularly relevant for performance horses with stiffness or irritability.

Lesson 4 • Heart, Pericardium, and Triple Heater

Works the fire element meridians governing circulation, emotional balance, and thermoregulation. Addresses anxiety, circulatory sluggishness, and emotional reactivity.

Lesson 1 • Horses with Behavioural Challenges

Adapts session structure and technique for horses with fear, trauma history, or handling difficulties. Builds trust progressively using minimal-pressure introductory approaches.

Lesson 2 • Performance and Sport Horse Protocols

Designs pre-competition and post-competition shiatsu protocols for horses in active work. Targets warm-up preparation, recovery acceleration, and performance maintenance.

Lesson 3 • Pregnant and Postpartum Mares

Identifies contraindicated points and adapts positioning for pregnant mares at each trimester. Postpartum protocols support recovery and milk production meridians.

Lesson 4 • Rehabilitation and Recovery Support

Applies shiatsu to support horses recovering from injury, surgery, or illness alongside veterinary care. Focuses on circulation, pain modulation, and psychological recovery.

Lesson 1 • Client Intake and Case History

Designs a thorough intake process covering the horse's health history, management, and owner goals. Accurate intake data directly improves treatment planning and outcome tracking.

Lesson 2 • Scope of Practice and Professional Boundaries

Defines what equine shiatsu practitioners may and may not do relative to veterinary medicine. Clear scope boundaries protect clients, horses, and the practitioner's professional standing.

Lesson 3 • Professional Ethics and Standards

Covers confidentiality, professional conduct, continuing education obligations, and ethical dilemmas. Grounds students in the values that sustain long-term professional credibility.

Lesson 4 • Building a Sustainable Practice

Introduces practical steps for establishing, marketing, and sustaining an equine shiatsu business. Covers pricing, scheduling, insurance, and professional network development.