Course Description — This Advanced-level course integrates evidence-based practice, applied biomechanics, clinical reasoning, and culminates in both written and practical examinations to ensure clinical competency.

Attendance Details: DVM(or equivalent), PT, DO, DC, Animal Physiotherapists with sufficient equine anatomy & palpation skills. If you would like to review your anatomy you can opt to take part in the 3-6 day Introduction to Equine Rehabilitation Live Lab for PTA, Veterinary Techs which includes a review of anatomy, biomechanics and gait assessment.

Learning Objectives

Note: CERT  requirements:  Licensed DVM, PT, DO, DC (for access to purchase this course please fill out the course approval form at the top of the home page)

The CERT is being updated with all new lecture material and will be available to view September 2026.  The program will consist of 10 Modules and a 5 day live lab. 

Target Audience: Licensed Veterinarians (DVM or equivalent) Licensed Physical Therapists (PT, DPT) and Licensed Equine Chiropractors DC and Osteopaths DO.

Durations:  6-month blended format (online + in-person intensives)

Delivery Mode:

4 months online didactic coursework (asynchronous and synchronous sessions)

In -person intensives (5-days hands on live lab module)

Final Examination (written and clinical)

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1.  Understand equine musculoskeletal anatomy, biomechanics, and tissue healing
2. Comprehend common musculoskeletal and neurological injuries in horses and critically evaluate up-to-date therapeutic strategies, including the use of regenerative biologics (e.g. PRP, IRAP, stem cells) orthobiologics, and advanced therapeutics.
3. Perform and interpret comprehensive functional assessments to identify movement dysfunctions and guide development of targeted, evidence-based therapeutic exercise programs.
4. Diagnose and interpret injuries amenable to rehabilitation, using clinical reasoning to integrate diagnostic imaging and physical examination findings.
5. Apply and evaluate the efficacy and scientific support for a wide range of rehabilitation modalities.
6. Design and implement individualized, progressive rehabilitation protocols using a goal-oriented framework.
7. Utilize objective outcome measures and biomechanics data to track progress and guide clinical decision making.
8. Collaborate across disciplines using critical thinking, communication and ethical considerations to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

CERT Course Modules:

Module 1: Foundations of Equine Rehabilitation

• Overview of equine rehabilitation principles
• Role of the rehab team: Professional collaborations
• Tissue healing phases and timelines in horses
• Fundamentals of equine biomechanics and gait
• Overview of common musculoskeletal and neurological conditions
• Current review of applied therapeutic strategies for the management of  equine musculoskeletal injuries

Assessment: Online multiple choice test at the end of the module

Module 2:  Clinical assessment and Outcome Measures

• Subjective and objective lameness evaluation, with emphasis on the integration of novel technologies for continuous monitoring and informed decision making throughout the rehabilitation process.
• Key objective measurements and outcomes for equine rehabilitation success: testing and decision making.
• Non-pharmacological interventions for pain modulation and during the rehabilitation period.

Assessment: Short Answer Quiz

Module 3:  Modalities in Equine Rehabilitation

• Principles and applications:
  • Cold and heat therapy
  • Laser therapy (LLLT and high-power laser)
  • Therapeutic ultrasound
  • Radiofrequency diathermy
  • NMES, PEMF, TENS
  • Aquatic Therapies
  • Whole body vibration and cryotherapy
  • Blood flow restriction training
  • Taping
• Evidence base for each modality
• Indications, contraindications and safety

Assessment:  Multiple choice test

Module 4:  Evidence-Informed Therapeutic Exercise

Design: Bridging Equine and Human Rehabilitation Science

• Development of therapeutic exercise programs based on evidence-informed principles derived from both equine and human rehabilitation research, emphasizing targeted, phase-appropriate interventions that promote neuromuscular control, tissue adaptation, and functional recovery.
  • Active, assisted, and passive exercise strategies
  • Range of motion, flexibility, and proprioceptive training
  • Strength and core stability exercises
  • Groundwork, balance pads, pole work
  • Return to sport guidelines and criteria

Assessment:  Video analysis of exercises + protocol design

Module 5:  Metabolic Disorders and Rehabilitation Implications

• Overview of equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), insulin dysregulation, and PPID
• Impact of metabolic dysfunction on tissue healing and exercise tolerance
• Safe exercise prescription and conditioning for metabolically compromised horses.
• Nutritional considerations in the rehab setting
• Integrating farriery, weight management, and environmental modification.
• Case Studies: laminitis rehab, overweight sport horse, EMS with suspensory desmitis

Assessment: Multiple choice test

Module 6:  Myopathies and Muscular Disorders in Rehabilitation

• Pathophysiology of common equine myopathies (Exerting rhabdomyolysis, PSSM1, PSSM2, MFM, RER)
• Diagnostic workup and clinical differentiation
• Exercise and rehabilitation management tailored to the specific myopathy
• Nutritional and pharmacological adjuncts
• Role of slow progression, core engagement, and low-stress training environments
• Monitoring recurrence and perfromance impact

Assessment: Multiple choice test

Module 7:  Comprehensive Framework for Equine Rehabilitation Protocol Design

This module provides a structured, adaptable framework for developing rehabilitation protocols that can be applied across a broad spectrum of injury and disease presentations.  Emphasis will be placed on integrating diagnosis, tissue healing principles, functional assessment, outcome tracking, and clinical reasoning into a cohesive plan.

Key Topics:

• Core components of a successful rehabilitation protocol: diagnosis, goals, phases, reassessment
• Designing protocols for:
  • Post-operative colic recovery: gastrointestinal rest to gradual reconditioning, post-abdominal surgery mobility concerns
  • Axial skeleton pain/dysfunction: core stabilization proprioceptive retraining, postural rehabilitation (e.g., for kissing spines, SI pain)
  • Neurologic rehabilitation:  safe handling and mobilization strategies, retraining of balance, coordination, and strength in horses recovering from EPM, cervical stenosis, or nerve injuries
• Modifying plans based on performance level, co-morbidities, and individual response
• Multimodal support:  pain management, manual therapies, and collaborative care

Assessment:  Multiple choice test

Module 8:  The Role of Nutrition in Equine Rehabilitation

Proper nutritional management is critical to support tissue healing, maintain muscle mass, manage metabolic conditions and optimize recovery during periods of altered activity.

Key Topics:

• Macronutrient and micronutrient requirements during recovery
• Protein quality and its role in soft tissue healing and muscle repair
• Nutritional considerations for horses with reduced activity or stall rest
• Role of Omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and trace minerals in inflammation and repair
• Nutritional support in horses with metabolic dysfunction or muscle disease

Feeding strategies to maintain body condition while promoting healing

Assessment:  Multiple choice test

Module 9:  Therapeutic Shoeing and Hoof Balance in Rehabilitation 

Therapeutic farriery is a cornerstone of equine rehabilitation, particularly in cases involving orthopedic injuries, chronic lameness, or compensatory movement patterns.

Key Topics:

• Fundamentals of hoof biomechanics and the impact of hoof balance on limb loading
• Therapeutic shoeing principles in the context of soft tissue injuries (e.g. DDFT, Suspensory ligament)
• Hoof conformation and shoeing approaches in axial skeleton dysfunction
• Managing laminitis, navicular disease, and compensatory hoof wear during rehabilitation
• Collaborating with farriers as part of the rehab team
• Use of radiographs and gait analysis to guide therapeutic shoeing decisions

Assessment:  Multiple choice text

Module 10:  Horse Rider Interaction

• Rider influence on asymmetry of horse
• PT evaluation of rider, adjustment and reassessment during ridden exercise using Sleip AI  (3 case studies with video)

In Person Intensive Live Lab:

Duration:  5 days (at an equine rehab facility)

Topics Covered:

• Functional Assessment
• Use/application of modalities (laser, ultrasound, NMES, PEMF)
• Objective gait analysis tools
• Saddle fitting and postural evaluation
• Core and Proprioceptive exercises in practice
• Horse and rider interaction

Final Examination

• Written Case Report