Buster received his training for human therapy at the Mueller School of Holistic Arts in San Diego, in 1985. One day Buster had an old friend come in…an old duster…that had busted his neck in a rodeo. He’d never had surgery done and couldn't turn his head to the right. So Buster kicked lose some muscles way deep inside his neck and his head turned. His friend asked if he could do the same for his horse. Not knowing how sports therapy would work on a horse, Buster decided to give it a try. After studying the horse’s anatomy, skeletal and muscle structure, Buster found that mostly you flip-flop the people therapy over to the horses. Buster has created a technique that is totally unique in itself. He developed his own way of working with horses, using the same techniques successful in human sports therapy. He has found that in many ways equines and humans are closely related. All creation is a mirror of itself. The school is now being run by Rhonda Evans from Piedmont SD. Rhonda Evans is an instructor and trained professional in human, equine and canine sports therapy. Rhonda graduated from Scientific Massage School in Rapid City SD for human massage therapy in 2000. In May of 2003 she attended Buster’s Equine Sports Therapy School. Rhonda has been apprenticing under Buster’s leadership from 2003 until Busters’s death in August of 2007. Rhonda has continued to teach Buster’s sports therapy technique to students. Equine and Canine Sports Therapy Certification Program:
Through Black Hills School of Animal Massage, the participant attends a 5-day training program, acquiring a certification of completion, enabling the participant to begin their own business as a certified equine and canine massage therapist. During your training program,you will learn the following:
-How to flip-flop the people therapy over to the horses
-Anatomy & Physiology
-Hands on approach to safe and natural horsemanship
-Hands-on-Healing
-Deep Tissue-including compression, direct pressure, trigger point release, percussion and palpation
-Cross Fiber Muscle Tissue
-Tendon Work
-Stretches
Equine sports therapy is a valuable component in any equine athlete’s training program. Equine sports therapy helps promote wellness within the horse. Black Hills School of Animal Massage prides itself in giving the students a complete understanding of equine sports therapy in both theory and hands on application, in an enjoyable and supportive learning environment. The program emphasizes evaluation of the entire horse to identify, understand and treat the root cause of a muscular problem, not just the most obvious symptom. When evaluating a horse, the students are taught to consider the horse’s feed, specific discipline, hoof balance, tack and rider. Each of these things has an effect on the horse’s movement and well-being. Students who complete the program are thoroughly familiar with all of the corrective techniques of equine sports therapy and well prepared to work effectively with horses. Students can bring two of their own horses to school with them for the week. Some History of Equine and Animal Massage:
Massage has been used for therapeutic purposes on both humans and animals since the very dawn of time. It is known that in the very first books on human and veterinary medicine, entire chapters would be devoted to the use, benefits and implementation of massage therapy. Later on, as so-called miracle drugs were developed, the medical establishment with the pharmaceutical industry decided that “old fashion” therapies and treatments like massage were no longer needed. When prescription drugs (some with side effects worse than the condition’s symptoms) became too expensive did people begin to reconsider some of those therapies discarded in the past. People began to realize that they were often getting as much relief and treatment from “alternatives” as from the Pharmacist’s drugs and the surgeon’s scalpel. People were beginning to understand that if these alternative therapies could help them, they would probably work as well on their pets and the other animals in their care. In the late 1980’s there began to be a significant move toward the use of these alternative therapies on both companion animals and horses involved in racing and show events. Among the many documented benefits of massage are:
• Improves circulation and as a result, promotes more rapid healing of injuries.
• Enhances muscle tone and increases range of motion.
• Eases muscle spasms.
• Reduces inflammation and swelling in the joints so that pain is relieved.
• Relieves Tension.
• Stimulates circulation in the lymphatic system and hastens the elimination of waste products and other toxins.
• Lengthens connective tissue and so breaks down/prevents the formation of adhesions and reduces the danger of fibrosis.
• Generally improves the disposition of the animal.
• Increases the production of synovial fluid in the joints.
• Loosens scar tissue.
• Releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.
• Balances and maintains the body in better physical condition. All this achieved with the powerful power of touch! Here are a few of the common conditions that could greatly be improved by Sports Therapy.
• Head tossing
• “off” for no apparent reason
• Shoulder or hip lameness
• Stiffness and resistance
• Coordination difficulties
• Short, choppy strides
• Incorrect leads
• Sore back
• Difficulty bending
• “Cinchy” horses
• Attitude problems
• Loss of performance ability
• Tying up
Why it works…
Sometimes tight spots develop that cause discomfort and hinder a horse’s performance. Muscle tightening does not remain in an isolated area or state. Since Tendons are only about 10% elastic, thus, 90% of elasticity comes from the associated muscles. If 1 group tightens, the next group of muscles compensate for the lack of elasticity. The tension can travel from one area to another compounding the problem. For instance, tightening in the shoulders can travel to the forearm, down to the tendons of the lower legs. Through massage, tension and adhesions (knots), are broken up by using a series of different strokes. Then by increased circulation and oxygen to the area, the body naturally removes the toxins and tension form the affected areas leaving the horse feeling more relaxed, in less pain, and able to perform better than before. Disobedience in a horse can often be due to pain and discomfort. When the pain is relieved, the horse’s disposition will improve. Massage therapy is not a substitute for veterinary care. It is a wonderful addition to your current health care regimen. For more information about the school and class schedule please call:
Rhonda Evans @ 605-484-2288
[email protected]
17557 Sturgis RD, Piedmont SD 57769
School Tuition
$2,500 plus 4% tax
$250.00 non refundable deposit
“Equine massage extends good health and overall life of the horse’s athletic career”
