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Courses and Instructors

Our Online Classes cover the following areas of study:                             

Behavior, Handling and Safety  

  • Equine History and Behavior
  • Equine First Aid
  • Equine Disease and Prevention

Equine Anatomy and Physiology

  • Equine Skeletal System and Bone Articulations
  • Equine Muscular Systems 
  • Equine Tissue Types and Integument
  • Equine Cardio and Lymphatic Systems
  • Equine Nervous and Endocrine Systems
  • Equine Respiratory and Urinary Systems
  • Equine Reproductive and Digestive Systems
  • Introduction to Biomechanics and Gait Analysis

Our Hands-on Classes cover the following areas of study:  

  • Equine Skeletal Systems bone laboratory
  • Massage Techniques
  • Myofascial Techniques
  • Further Study of Biomechanics and Gait Analysis
  • Saddle Fit and Rider Issues
  • Business Practices, Marketing and Ethics
  • Student Internship

These classes are held at Bancroft or at local partner farms.              


Instructors: 

Lisa Ruthig, BS, CEMP, CSAMP 

 Principal Anatomy & Massage instructor.    

After graduating from University of Delaware with a BS in Biology, Lisa worked in molecular biology and immunology laboratories for a number of years before following a meandering path to her career in animal massage.   

A traumatic injury to her puppy, Fergus, led Lisa into the realm of complementary healing techniques. Attempts to treat his resulting structural problems and anxiety quickly led to a passion for working with all animals.   

A graduate of Bancroft School of Massage Therapy's Equine and Small Animal Massage Programs and a Level II Reiki practitioner, Lisa uses her scientific mindset, along with her natural affinity for the emotions of animals, to guide her in treating various behavioral problems, injuries, and movement disorders in animals. Learn more about Lisa at Lively Animal Massage.

Lisa is onthe board of directors for the National Board of Certification of Animal Acupressure and Massage.    


 

Lisa Turcotte BS, CEMT

Equine Program Administrator & Principle Massage instructor

  

Meet Lisa, a passionate individual with a Bachelor of Science in Business from University of Maryland. Her journey into the world of equine bodywork began when she acquired a retired "A" circuit hunter, who required extensive veterinary attention. Determined to improve her horse's comfort and overall well-being, Lisa embarked on a quest for effective solutions. It was during this search that she stumbled upon enlightening equine bodywork videos on YouTube, which sparked her curiosity.

Having spent several years in the tech industry, Lisa eventually realized that her true calling lay elsewhere. Motivated by her newfound passion for equine bodywork, she made the bold decision to enroll in the Bancroft School of Massage Therapy's  equine program. Now, as a proud graduate of the program, Lisa proudly serves as our Equine Program Administrator.

With her comprehensive knowledge and expertise, Lisa aspires to impart not only a diverse range of massage techniques but also essential skills in empathy and trust-building with horses to the future graduates of our program. She is committed to cultivating a deep connection between humans and horses, fostering an environment wherehorses receive the care they deserve. Learn more about Lisa at massequinemassage.com

 

Lisa is on the board of directors of the National Board of Certification of Animal Acupressure and Massage.    


 

Carol Mossa BS MBA CEMT, LMT

Principle Business and Marketing Instructor

   

Carol Ann Mossa is a Licensed Massage Therapist in private practice serving clients in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. After graduating from Bancroft School of Massage Therapy in April 2011, she went on to earn her Equine Massage Therapist Certification, graduating from BSMT in November that same year. Carol at talented photographer and published author is the founder of The Footloose Muse, https://www.facebook.com/groups/thefootloosemuse

 


Amanda Theriault CEMT

Massage Instructor

Amanda is a graduate of the Bancroft School of Massage, and is also certified in Shoden Reiki 1 and Reiki with Animals Training. To learn more about Amanda visit .facebook.com/healingartsequinemassage/


 Gillian O'Brien CEMT

Massage Instructor

Gillian is the owner of Goliath Equine Massage and a graduate of our equine program. She continues to educate herself in different modalities include Equine Manual Lymph Drainage courses. To learn more about Gillian visite https://www.facebook.com/goliathequinemassage

 


Laura Peteros BS CEMT

 

Laura is a lifelong equestrian with interests and skills across disciplines;from western riding, barrel racing, cross-country jumping, dressage and hunter/jumpers. Her experience has taught her that  showing, trailering and training  is strenuous on an equine athlete, even if they are well conditioned. 

In addition to her certification in Equine Massage from Bancroft School of Massage Therapy she has degree in equine studies from the University of Massachusetts, and more than 30 years of experience in the equine world. Laura continues to add to her considerable knowledge by working on her Master Saddle Fitters certification and studying equine biomechanics with Gillian Higgins. On top of that she has embarked on more studies in equine rehabilitation.   Learn more about Laura at www.agilityequinemassage.com/