As a certified equine sports massage therapist, I am trained in equine anatomy, massage techniques, gait analysis, muscle function and common musculoskeletal disorders. I studied equine science and anatomy at Virginia Tech before pursuing my equine massage certification in 2004.  I believe I bring a much-needed alternative service to my clients of all riding disciplines and levels, from competitive athletes and pleasure horses to aging equines and those recuperating from illness or injury.

I have always been careful to ensure that my clients realize that massage therapy does not equate with veterinary medicine. In fact, I very clearly state the following on my website and in all promotional materials: In no way are massage services meant to be construed as the diagnosis or treatment of injury or disease, but rather as an aid to promote and improve the animal’s overall wellness. A massage program is not a substitute for medical treatment, and it is always recommended to consult your veterinarian prior to beginning a massage program.

However, my disclaimer apparently was not clear enough to the Maryland State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, who sent me a letter in January 2008, stating that I may be in violation of the Maryland Veterinary Practice Act and therefore practicing veterinary medicine without a license. Specifically, the Board was taking exception to certain phrases I used on my website, such as being trained to “identify muscle spasms,” “alleviate sore backs, stiffness and lameness,” and “relieve pain.” According to the Board, only licensed veterinarians are legally qualified to do these things. The Board requested that I “cease and desist immediately from activities constituting the practice of veterinary medicine.” They further informed me that I should give a “thorough and thoughtful revision” to my website and promotional materials to “avoid giving the appearance” that I was practicing veterinary medicine. I was surprised, to say the least, as I honestly believed I was only offering massage services to my equine clients.

If you have ever had a massage yourself, you know that a good therapist can most definitely “identify,” “alleviate,” and “relieve” areas of discomfort and pain.  This is what we pay them for! 

The Vet Board was “particularly concerned about the barn call aspect of the business, which is without the benefit of direct veterinary supervision.”  I agree a good massage practitioner is able to work with the veterinarian as part of a comprehensive healthcare team, but it is unreasonable to expect the veterinarian to serve as a “direct, standing over your shoulder, watching every move” supervisor. In fact, many of my clients come from veterinary referrals, and most of the veterinarians I have talked with express no desire to massage horses. Their expertise is best utilized elsewhere. 

And, apparently, since there is no exclusion under the Practice Act for
“certified massage therapists,” the State of Maryland “views a certified equine massage therapist no differently than any individual having no training whatsoever.” Because the State does not “regulate or license massage therapists for animals” nor certify “equine/canine massage therapists,” then those of us who have spent vast amount of time and money learning this trade apparently are bad people who must be reeled in and banished from the animal world! I’m sure my fellow qualified practitioners who, like me, have dedicated themselves by expending the time and resources to learn the skills of this trade would disagree.

In 2003, in a letter addressed to Debranne Pattillo, President of Equinology, Inc., the Vet Board stated that it “did not have a problem with the practice of horse massage” and it was “not planning any revisions in the Maryland regulations relative to massage.” Of course, a reference to COMAR 15.14.01 was noted (the “direct” supervision by a licensed veterinarian). But, what exactly does “direct” mean? Does it mean the veterinarian stands there the entire time a massage session is conducted? Does it mean the veterinarian has been consulted by his client and given the “okay” for massage services? Does it mean the veterinarian and massage practitioner consult prior to the services? A word that can have so many different interpretations is vague and confusing, and allows the Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners the ability to pick and choose who they want to persecute.

Luckily for me, I was able to continue serving my equine clientele by making the terminology changes the Vet Board suggested. Other therapists have not been so lucky. Currently, the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners, in conjunction with the Veterinary Board, has become more active in its mission to shut down non-veterinarian massage therapists. (The Board of Chiropractic Examiners is the licensing agency for massage therapists practicing their trade on human beings.) Recently, a very talented massage therapist (on humans) was ordered to cease and desist her practice on dogs and horses or suffer the consequence of losing her license to work on people. In my case, I was essentially threatened with a lawsuit from the State if I did not comply with the Board’s requests.

As horse owners, we have the right to self-determine the type of care our horses receive, as long as the care (or lack of care) does not constitute animal abuse. This includes having access to trained professionals that successfully demonstrate their ability to promote overall wellness and keep the entire equine body in peak physical condition. Holistic and alternative services for our horses should be available to all of us and provided by individuals qualified to provide those services, regardless if they have spent four plus years in medical school.

As the profession of equine massage continues to grow, it is a given that we will all suffer from growing pains. However, there is a better way to handle this. With the recent outpouring of animal massage certifications schools, some better than others, it is imperative and the responsibility of horse owners to do their homework to ensure only trained professionals work on their animals. It is critical for practitioners to supplement the knowledge gained in massage school with continuing education, and for the practitioners and public to demand this level of expertise.  None of us should ever stop learning!

While we all wait for the outcome of the current lawsuit brought against the Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners and the Board of Chiropractic Examiners, you can make a difference. Contact the Maryland State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (Laura Downes, Executive Director, 410-841-5862, downeslc@mda.state.md.us) and let them know that you want free access to the healthcare practitioners of your choice. Contact Christopher J. Kelter, M.P.A., Deputy Director/Massage Therapy Program Manager of the Chiropractic Board at 410-764-4738. Let the Boards know that you, as the primary advocate for your horse, want and will demand access to trained professionals of alternative services as you determine yourself!  

There is strength in numbers. It is up to all of us to make a difference!