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Equine Massage Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Equine Massage information

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$9

$34

$59

How much do equine massage jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for equine massage in the United States is $34.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.60 and $44.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is equine massage?

Equine massage is a therapeutic practice that involves manipulating the soft tissues of a horse's body to improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, enhance flexibility, and support overall well-being. It is commonly used to help horses recover from injuries, prepare for competition, or simply maintain optimal health. A trained equine massage therapist uses various techniques to address specific muscle groups and tailor sessions to each horse's individual needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an equine massage therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Equine Massage Therapist, you need a solid understanding of equine anatomy, physiology, and massage techniques, often supported by certification from an accredited equine massage therapy program. Familiarity with tools such as massage balls and rollers, as well as knowledge of equine health record systems, is typically required. Strong observation skills, patience, and effective communication with both horses and their owners distinguish top practitioners. These skills ensure safe, effective treatments that promote the horse's well-being and foster trust with clients.

What are some common challenges equine massage therapists face when working with horses in different environments?

Equine massage therapists often encounter challenges such as working with horses that are nervous or unfamiliar with massage, adapting techniques to outdoor or barn settings that may be less controlled, and communicating effectively with horse owners and trainers to coordinate care. Additionally, therapists must be attentive to each horse’s unique temperament and physical needs, as well as maintain proper safety protocols. Flexibility and strong interpersonal skills are essential for building trust with both horses and their handlers, ensuring effective and safe treatments.

What is the difference between Equine Massage vs Equine Chiropractor?

AspectEquine MassageEquine Chiropractor
CredentialsMassage therapy certification, equine-specific trainingChiropractic license, specialized equine chiropractic certification
Work EnvironmentStables, riding arenas, outdoor fieldsStables, clinics, sometimes outdoor settings
Industry UsageCommonly used for relaxation, injury prevention, recoveryUsed for spinal adjustments, correcting misalignments
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Equine Massage focuses on soft tissue manipulation to promote relaxation and recovery, while Equine Chiropractors perform spinal adjustments to correct misalignments. Both roles are essential for maintaining horse health but differ in techniques, credentials, and treatment goals.

Do you have to be certified to be an equine massage therapist?

While certification is not always legally required to work as an equine massage therapist, obtaining certification from a recognized organization can enhance credibility, demonstrate competence, and improve job prospects. Many employers prefer or require certification, and it often involves completing specialized training and practical experience. Certification programs typically cover anatomy, massage techniques, and horse health, ensuring safe and effective practice.

Is equine massage therapy a good career?

Equine massage therapy is a specialized career that involves providing therapeutic massage to horses to improve their health and performance. It requires knowledge of equine anatomy, certification, and hands-on skills, and can offer opportunities in equine facilities, clinics, or private practice. The profession can be rewarding for those interested in animal health and wellness, with flexible schedules and growing demand in the equine industry.
More about Equine Massage jobs

What cities are hiring for Equine Massage jobs?

Cities with the most Equine Massage job openings:

What states have the most Equine Massage jobs?

States with the most job openings for Equine Massage jobs include:

Infographic showing various Equine Massage job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% Full Time, and 83% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $71,679 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

Program Manager, Equine Sciences

Hocking College

Nelsonville, OH • On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Director, Equine Sciences
Salary: $50,000.00-65,000.00/year
I. Position Purpose.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead the revitalization of the College's Equine Business and Training program. The Program Manager of Equine Sciences will play a pivotal role in re-establishing a high quality, industry responsive program. This will include assembling an advisory board of equine industry professionals, who will aid in curriculum development, alignment with current and emerging market demands, while also creating pathways for student internships and career placement upon graduation.
The Program Manager serves as the academic administrator and lead entrepreneur for the assigned program. Under the guidance and direction of the Dean, the Program Manager provides strategic leadership, academic oversight, and program development in alignment with the College's mission and strategic priorities. This position is responsible for fostering student success through innovative instruction, strong industry partnerships, and workforce focused programming that prepares graduates for meaningful careers in the equine industry.
II. Program-Specific Duties and Responsibilities.
1. Conducts regular review of all aspects of the program in collaboration with the program's Advisory Board for continuous quality improvement.
2. Oversees all academic elements of the program, from curriculum and course development to instruction, advising, instructor assignments and assessment.
3. Instructing a range of courses in both classroom and field-based settings. These courses may include subject areas such as equine starting and training, equine business and finance, equipment operation, facility operation and maintenance, horse care, horse handling, equine health and anatomy, riding instruction, reproduction health, equine massage, judging, packing, land management and agriculture science.
4. Actively leading live learning labs related to equine facility operations, herd management, pasture management, along with training animals within the program and for external individuals.
5. Provides oversight and direct animal care.
6. Managing entrepreneurial endeavors and community involvement.
7. Supervising employees, interns, students, and others working in the above-mentioned areas.
8. Assisting with site operations of various locations on the main campus, Lake Snowden bridle trails and other locations with the goal of creating meaningful courses benefiting students and external stakeholders.
9. Responsible for identifying and securing grant funds, private contracts, monetary support and horse donations, to provide for the costs associated with entrepreneurial ventures that generate revenue for the program.
10. Representing the program to students, prospective students, and other interested parties at recruiting events both on and off campus.
11. Responsible for forging relationships with Career-Technical Centers and High Schools.
12. Collaborate and provide programming for career exploration camps.
13. Lead efforts to collaborate with the marketing department to develop materials that promote the program (e.g., publications, web page, annual report).
14. Evaluating the work of students related to both academic performance and employment.
15. Ensuring all staff and students are adequately trained.
16. Working with the Dean on strategic planning, natural resources operations, and budgeting.
17. Managing and maintenance of equine equipment, buildings and locations.
18. Other duties as assigned.
III. Qualifications - Education, Experience, and Skills
• A bachelor's degree in Equine Business Management, Equine Studies, Agriculture Business and/or a related field. A master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of full-time professional equine experience, with demonstrated skill in supervision, management, equine care, starting, training, and developing horses, using evidence-based practices, with outcomes that support instructional excellence.
• Demonstrated success in cultivating and securing high quality equine donations through effective donor relations, industry partnerships, and program advocacy.
• Experience operating, maintaining and following safety protocols for various equipment, including but not limited tractors, implements, trailers, chainsaws and brush cutters.
• Knowledge of hand and power tools for safe operation.
• Knowledge of building and repairing fencing, trails, pastures, stalls, and other equine related areas.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
• Strong technology skills including usage of email, student information system, and learning management system.
• Organizational, record-keeping, and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of subject area.
• Knowledge of educational theory and application.
• Knowledge of learners and individual learning styles.
• Interest in and commitment to the learner-centered educational process.
• Educational technology skills.
• Confidentiality.
• Caring attitude toward students.
• Learning and self-motivation skills.
• Willingness to extend self to help students succeed.
• Knowledge of College resources available to students.
• Knowledge of organizational structure.
• Current knowledge of programs, objectives, and requirements.
• Openness to suggestions for improvement.
• Attention to detail.
• Flexibility in dealing with others.
• Ability to work as a team member.
• Ability to prioritize work.
• Behaves in accordance with Hocking College and Academic Affairs mission, goals, and values.
• Positive attitude.
• Knowledge of safe working conditions.
Reasonable accommodations may be requested and reviewed according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).