how to train in……Equine Bowen Therapy
Do you want to work with horses as an Equine Bowen Therapist (in the UK).?
This page has been compiled to answer some of the most common questions to help you get started on your Equine Bowen Therapy career.
If you have any further queries please email info@taranet.co.uk and we will try to help, or please contact the organisations mentioned.
Are qualifications needed to become an Equine Bowen Therapist?
Strictly speaking no. However, there are professional training courses in Equine Bowen Therapy that can be taken which lead to recognised qualifications.
Remember - It is an offence for any person, other than the owner of the animal, to treat an animal unless the permission of the vet in charge of the case or to whom the animal would be referred is sought and obtained.
A Veterinary Surgeon is extremely unlikely to refer any customers to you unless you are qualified and insured.
What qualifications can I get & how do I get them?
There are several training courses available. One of the most popular is the course provided by the European School of Equine Bowen Therapy that is approved and supported by the European College of Bowen Studies, the Bowen Therapists' European Register, the British Complementary Medicine Association and is recognised by the British Holistic Veterinary Medicine Association.
Entry Requirements:
- Minimum 6 days Bowen Technique training (for humans)
- On completion of course you must be a fully accredited Bowen Practicioner - you will be able to treat both humans and horses.
- Satisfactory experience and confidence of dealing with horses - (eg. Pony Club 'B' Test; BHS Stage I and II, or substantial portfolio of evidence of working with horses).
- Provision of adequate personal liability insurance.
- Current First Aid certificate by completion of course.
What benefit is there in training as a human bowen therapist - I want to work with horses?
1) Practitioners must have a complete understanding of the technique, the Bowen move, hand position, pressure, two minute breaks, subtle energy, etc.
2) In order to be truly holistic, i.e. address the whole, it is advantageous to apply the Bowen Technique to the rider, in order that he/she will also be in balance.
3) In the teaching of Equine Bowen Therapy, cross references will be made to corresponding human Bowen principles, to clarify the move.
4) To equal the high professional standards mandated by other complementary therapies, e.g. chiropractors, physiotherapists, acupuncturists, etc.
5) To gain professional respectability, recognition and credibility within the veterinary, equestrian and complimentary worlds.
6) To gain professional insurance cover to work on animals with veterinary consent.
7) Once qualified in human Bowen and Equine Bowen Therapy, practitioners are entitled to enrol with Bowen Therapists European Register and use the letters MBTER (Equine) after their name. This acknowledges both human and equine Bowen training and allows practitioners to register on a national referral system.
What difference do qualifications make to a customer?
Being qualified in Equine Bowen Therapy means that you are suitably qualified to practise. By proving that you have undertaken a rigorous training and achieved nationally recognised qualifications, potential customers know that they are going to receive a good standard of expertise. In addition you are only likely to obtain insurance cover if you are a qualified therapist - which your potential customers are likely to find a very important issue when choosing between therapists.
Furthermore, Veterinary Surgeons will only refer customers to you if you are registered and fully qualified. Remember - It is an offence for any person, other than the owner of the animal, to treat an animal unless the permission of the vet in charge of the case or to whom the animal would be referred is sought and obtained.
A fully qualified Equine Bowen Therapist will always work within the permission of and liaise with the Veterinary Surgeon of the animal.
With thanks to Beth Darrall for help with this article
Contact Links:
European School of Equine Bowen Therapy