About HOTA
Equine Massage Academy (EMA) was the original pioneer of equine massage for horse owners training courses, since then we have expanded our professional training through EMA, to a platform (HOTA) designed purely for horse owners to bridge the gap between horse owners and Therapists, Vets, Scientists, etc by creating an informed knowledge base underpinned by science, experience and industry expertise to further enhance the health and wellbeing of all horses.
Nowadays there are many conflicting messages and information circulating on social media, magazines, etc that can be overwhelming for both new and experienced horse owners, and attempting to understand this fast-paced, rapidly changing and confusing environment driven by clever marketing campaigns isn’t easy – there seems to be a high price tag with everything ‘equestrian’.
We have taken the myth out of many subjects and give you evidence-based advice instead of being tempted into buying equipment, gadgets, training aids and so on that are not necessary and some can actually be detrimental – we have seen this often in our professional work especially with equipment that has no scientific backing or research behind it being used to ‘rehabilitate’ horses.
What do you get with our Courses?
Our courses are multimedia, delivered through a professional presentation, industry expert Instructors, many have a hands-on element and all are accompanied by a comprehensive training manual and certificate of attendance.
You will not be disappointed in the learning content.
INFORMATION BEHIND THE COURSES
Equine Massage for Horse Owners
A practical accredited level 3 course designed for the horse owner to learn a new skill to look after the muscular system of their own horse. They will learn how this helps with both the physical and psychological aspects of the horse.
Animal welfare, trust, and bonding between horse and owner help with injury prevention, and improved performance are all key aspects of this training. You will learn a lot about the issues we see with horses as Therapists and how you can help to avoid these occurring in the first instance with your own horses.
The Musculoskeletal system is fascinating and you will learn some key facts about muscles and how to apply your own massage as a maintenance routine to keep your horse’s muscles healthy or between Therapist appointments.
Be prepared to learn a lot and go away invigorated and eager to get started with your new skills!
The training is delivered by our experienced Training Agents who cover the UK. Please see our Facebook page for a Training Agent near you….EMA training agents and collaborators. https://www.facebook.com/EMA-training-agents-and-collaborators-113278320448026
Pony Massage for Children
We are passionate about educating children about their ponies. We believe it’s important for children to learn to care for and respect their ponies as this helps them grow up to become the caring and compassionate horse owners of the future. The training is aimed at children between 6 and 18 years of age. We can teach this in two age groups 6 – 12 and 12 – 18 so that the content is specific for the age groups.
They will learn a lot at this clinic about the fascinating muscular system and how to keep it as healthy as possible in their ponies to minimize the risk of injury.
The training is delivered by our experienced Training Agents who cover the UK. Please see our Facebook page for a Training Agent near you. EMA training agents and collaborators. https://www.facebook.com/EMA-training-agents-and-collaborators-113278320448026
Buying a Horse – All You Need to Know
A half-day course with a comprehensive training manual.
Owning a horse can be a hugely rewarding experience. Success depends on many things and in this training course, we will cover everything you need to consider before buying a horse and whilst owning one. Even some things you might never have thought about, it’s all here. We will guide you through mistakes you can make and how to avoid them, the legalities of purchase contracts, and much more!
Even if you have just bought a horse – this training will still help you.
Conformation, Biomechanics and Beyond
This course is not to be missed – it’s of huge benefit to all horse owners who attend, and to their horses!
We will take you through conformation, the realities and the misconceptions. The importance of functional conformation, biomechanics and posture which are all linked to the overall performance and soundness of any horse performing in any discipline, from the leisure pony to world class athletes.
The variations in conformation between and within different breeds, the best conformation requirements for a specific discipline are all discussed.
You will be able to review your training practices based on what your horse is best suited to for the avoidance of injury. Many horses are trained in the same way but their conformation doesn’t lend itself to a generic approach.
You will never look at a horse in the same way again once you have learned the top tips from industry experts.
Optimum Management and Horse Care for Owners
A comprehensive training course for horse owners covering a host of interesting subjects to help you be the best you can for your horse.
Nowadays there are many conflicting messages and information circulating on social media, magazines, etc that can be overwhelming for both new and experienced horse owners attempting to understand this fast-paced, rapidly changing, and confusing environment.
We have taken the myth out of many subjects and give you evidence-based advice.
General wellbeing, seasonal care, selecting the services of professionals, recognizing lameness and incorrect tack fit, following rehabilitation plans, and much more! You and your horse won’t be disappointed irrespective of the level of experience you already have!
Paddock Management for Equestrian Use
You might not realise how a paddock in terms of its topography, as a food and exercise source can greatly impact of the health and welfare of your horse.
Paddocks have many different purposes they are a food source, exercise area and a secure environment to socialise and interact with other horses. Whether your horse lives out 24/7 or is turned out for a few hours a day, paddock management is very important to your horse’s health. Investing time into the proper paddock care will be extremely beneficial in the long-term.
This training will bring you a host of information on what you need to do to maintain the paddock well enough to keep your horses healthy and performing as best they can.
Whether you are experienced in paddock management or new to this, there is something for everyone in this training and lots of ideas that you might not have thought of.
Racehorse to Riding Horse Aftercare
This is an essential course for anyone who intends retraining a racehorse to a riding horse. We discuss issues that affect a racehorse and how to manage these in a new career both in terms of physical and psychological aspects.
We advise on the entire re-training process along with some massage therapy that can really help as the horse is using different muscles.
Not to be missed by anyone, irrespective of experience – as we know every horse is different and reacts differently to a new career! Top tips for owners of ex racers and much more.
Travelling Horses Certificate of Management Competency
A level 3 accredited training course designed to meet the requirements as outlined in EU regulations. The training is optional but highly recommended for horse owners who travel their horses for leisure purposes and is obligatory for people involved in travelling horses (drivers and attendants) for a commercial reason over 65km (such as travelling racehorses).
This training is underpinned by the EU Regulation, equine welfare, health and safety and scientific research. The health and wellbeing of the horse is always at the forefront of our training and attendees will learn a lot that they didn’t know about travelling horses and how it affects their wellbeing and performance at their destination.
The training covers all of this and much more! A must for anyone who travels a horse.
Management & Applied Therapy for All Equine Breeding Stock
With this training you receive hands on tuition of how to perform manual therapy to help all breeding stock – the mare, the foal, youngsters, the stallion and much more.
Information that new breeders will be empowered to learn and experienced breeders might have overlooked.
A comprehensive manual covers the entire breeding process with hot tips from industry experts.
There is nothing in existence like this multimedia training!
Equine Biosecurity Best Practice Protocols
Written by industry health and safety experts for:
- All equestrian premises and industry operators (livery yards, equestrian centres, competitiion yards etc)
- People who work in the industry such as grooms, riding instructors, therapists who should demonstrate to their customers they operate the highest biosecurity standards.
- Anyone how owns a horse
This interactive training comprises a presentation, a comprehensive training manaul, you will receive a certificate of attendance and a car sticker template. Showing you operate to these standards is the way to go!
Water Treadmill Training Protocols & Programmes for Horses
The training is full of detail and information about the benefits and pitfalls of hydrotherapy. You will receive a comprehensive training manual of prescriptive programmes for general strength and conditioning for horses and for those with diagnosed conditions and/or requiring rehabilitation.
The course is underpinned by the latest scientific research. Anyone using an Equine Water Treadmill to train their horse will benefit from this training.
Equine Emergency First Aid
You will receive an accredited certificate valid for 3 years after attending this training. You will be able to advertise that you a trained Equine Emergency First Aider.
Its aimed at:
- All horse owners
- Grooms, riding instructors, therapists, etc.
- Livery yard operators
When an emergency does occur, knowing what to do and being adequately prepared can make the difference between life and death for the horse.
No matter how well cared for or how safe an environment a horse is kept in, accidents and injuries do happen. Horses seem prone to finding things with which to injure themselves.
This course explores how to first recognize an emergency situation, how to care for the sick or injured horse and how to apply first aid.
Colic & Gut Health
We have introduced colic into our emergency first aid training as all custodians of horse’s dread this terrible condition occurring. Colic is a term used to describe a symptom of abdominal (belly) pain, there are over 70 different types of intestinal problems that cause colic symptoms, which range from mild to severe (life-threatening) in nature. In this training we will cover some of the common types of colic you might encounter. We will show you some manual therapy that you can apply to a horse in a colic emergency.