The Equine Bowen Technique

Learning how to assess the horse, firstly by observing it, then palpating it, followed by performing the full Equine Bowen Treatment, to include the basic treatment, plus additional moves in specific areas of tension, pain or discomfort.

Case studies, to include 10 different horses between levels One and Three, to be assessed (static and dynamic), photographed, saddle checked inc wither pattern, and treated three times. Each horse must have a full report including any exercises or stretches you have suggested.

Then between levels Three and Five another 10 horses must be assessed, photographed, saddle checked, and treated three times, but this time you must also include 3 of their riders, this will include 3 rider treatments, and a full report, with the emphasis on how they now work together.

Safety in the stable environment, horse handling particularly when being treated.

Liaising with the vets, and other professionals involved with the treatment of your clients horse. Getting permission to treat.

Conformation. The good the bad and the ugly. Looking at the horse in specific areas and also as a whole. Why some conformational defects will affect movement and the wear & tear on joints.

Anatomy & Physiology, including learning the superficial muscle structure of the horse, how particular muscles act on the horses way of going and skeleton, we will also cover the deeper muscles, digestive, respiratory and lymphatic systems.

Gait and locomotion, observing the way the horse moves, both on the lunge and with a rider, including jumping. This will require some ridden work so please inform me if you do not ride.
How the Bowen takes effect, we shall have sessions where we observe the horse and rider before and after a Bowen treatment.

Saddle fitting, Julia Garrett will be give a lecture and demonstration on fitting saddles, and how to recognise an ill fitting saddle. This will include a lot of hands on for you.

Equine Dentistry, Henry Billson or Toby Lee will give a lecture and demo on dentistry. Showing how the inside of the horses mouth has such an important part to play, in the whole body balance.

Getting horses fit and the pit falls of training, Nikki Stephens will give a talk on training various types of horses, inc Dressage, Eventers & Racehorses. She will help to give an insight into the problems and injuries horse owners face when training and competing. With more years of experience than even she would like to recall, including competing, breaking and training. Nikki rides both shod and barefoot horses, in treed and treeless saddles so can give a view on both, she currently has about 50 horses in her care.

Barefoot trimming, Trevor Jones will demonstrate trimming and foot balance, giving the pros and cons of barefoot trimming and how to condition the barefoot horse, he will also help us asses movement and show how foot balance will affect other areas of the horses structure.

An insight to nutrition, why the feeds being given may be leading to particular behaviour or condition problems.

Preparing your clients, a range of stretch exercises and strengthening techniques to suggest to your clients. This will include the safe way to stretch a horse and some simple exercises.

Business matters, especially yours! How to go about telling the world you are here, PR, leaflets, cards, website, talks etc. What you should carry in your car.

Exam: There will be a written and practical exam at the end of the course.

Requirements: You will need to complete the 1st four days of human Bowen training before starting the equine course. You must also qualify in human Bowen before you will be allowed to qualify in Equine Bowen.

In order to be registered and listed on the website you will need to have a current 1st Aid cert, personal liability and professional indemnity insurance and complete 2 CPD days per year, (for the 1st 2 years this must be with the RFCES).