Equinology Institute

Debranne’s unique vision blends the precision of a bodyworker with the creativity of an artist, allowing her to perceive equine anatomy through a dual lens. Her teaching is a joyful fusion of the meticulous anatomical accuracy required for expert bodywork and the lively unpredictability of working with living, breathing, and often opinionated horses. With an artist’s eye, Debranne can deconstruct the equine body from skin to bone and then reassemble it—whether through detailed drawings, “air massages,” building the muscles inside out in clay with the Equiken® Learning Model, or vibrant chalk paintings on live horses. This distinctive approach fuels her passion as a practitioner of equine bodywork and sports massage, making her a highly sought-after instructor. Her renowned “Painted Horse,” a cornerstone of Equinology since its inception in 1994, was even featured on the UK’s BBC program “Countryfile” in 2001.

Her book, Anatomy of Equine Bodywork: The Equinology® Approach, first published in 2018, encapsulates over 30 years of her experience, knowledge, techniques, and applications. The book includes contributions from esteemed professionals such as Dr. Peter Flood, Dr. Kerry Ridgway, Dr. Barb Crabbe, Kalyani Premkumar, and Dr. Joanna Robson. The text is brought to life by fresh illustrations from Celia Strain, Laurie O’Keefe, and Catherine Twomey, all acclaimed medical illustrators. A new edition of the book is anticipated in early 2025. In 2019, she launched the Equine Anatomy Learning Aid app, which complements both the book and Equinology courses. A canine version is expected to be released in late 2025, along with several eBooks and online courses tailored for professionals, trainers, and owners.

Debranne’s introduction to hands-on work with horses began with her Sonoma County trainer, Gayle Hunt, who took her to a clinic led by Linda Tellington-Jones—a pivotal moment that ignited her passion. Debranne acknowledges the profound influence of all the instructors at Equinology, particularly the late Dr. Kerry Ridgway, a pioneer in acupuncture, animal manipulation, and saddle fitting, and the late Dr. Des Greaves, an Australian expert in acupuncture, homeopathy, osteopathy, and chiropractic care. Among her most significant mentors was also a feisty 16-year-old Thoroughbred mare named Ronamead.

Before focusing on developing Equinology’s curriculum and faculty, Debranne owned and operated a small sport horse lay-up and boarding facility for six years. It was during this period that she discovered the benefits of equine sports massage for the rehabilitation and preventive care of equine athletes. In 1993, she sold the ranch to dedicate herself to a growing clientele that spanned multiple disciplines, including dressage, hunters, jumpers, endurance, cutting, pleasure, and geriatric retirees.

Since 1994, Debranne has been the lead instructor for more than 400 equine sports massage and anatomy courses, teaching over 4,000 participants across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., South Africa, New Zealand, and beyond. She holds the Equinology® Master Equine Body Worker Certification, a rigorous qualification requiring over 2,000 hours of coursework. Debranne is the author and facilitator of the unique Equinology® Equine Body Worker Certification Course, the signature program of Equinology. This course serves as a professional qualification within the BSc in Equine Sports Therapy presented by Writtle Agricultural College and the University of Essex in the U.K. In recognition of her contributions to equine education, Writtle University awarded Debranne an Honorary Master of Sciences Degree in 2019.

Debranne is also the co-founder and past Chair of the U.S. division of the International Equine Body Worker Association (IEBWA), an organization dedicated to supporting and promoting ethical practices in equine bodywork. She currently serves as the Division Head of the IEBWA for the USA, Australia, and New Zealand. A regularly invited lecturer and guest speaker, Debranne has given presentations on anatomy, stretching, and massage at colleges, universities, private educational institutions, and various equestrian venues.

In addition to authoring Equinology’s certification courses, Debranne has been featured in numerous international publications, including:

United Kingdom: Horse and Hound, Practical Horseman, and Horse and Rider
Australia: Endurance Magazine and Hoofbeats
United States: Horse and Rider, Ride!, Riding Magazine, and Holistic Horse
New Zealand: Horse and Pony
Her work has also been highlighted in regional newspapers and on various websites.

Listed below is a partial list of courses attended to complement and enhance Debranne’s current occupation. In addition to classroom theory hours, hundreds of additional hours have been spent assisting and learning under various instructors and doctors in health care and riding instruction. Hours listed are instructor contact hours only: most courses required case studies and externships following course completion.
Acupressure Convention – w/ Dr. Caine, DVM & Dr. D. Giniaux, MV, Biology
CESMAS (Conference on Equine Sports Medicine and Science)- Saumur (2002) and Oslo (2004),
Conformation clinics including Sporthorse Judging -Glen Ellen, CA
Diagnosing Back & Tendon Issues – Dr. JM Denoix, MV and Dr K. Allen, DVM, 16 hours,
Diagnosis of Poor Performance – Dr. A. Couroucé-Malblanc, MV and Dr. E. Hammer, MV,
Dr. Desmond Greaves -Maryborough, Australia-mentor in complementary equine modalities
Equiken; Anatomy in Clay by Zahourek Systems Anatomy-4 sessions, 160 hours,
Equine Acupressure – Dr Peggy Fleming, DVM-1 session, 72 hours,
Equine Acupressure -Dr Kerry Ridgway, DVM-1 session, 72 hours,
Equine Acupressure -Susan Tenney, CMT, EBW-2 sessions, 80 hours,
Equine Biomechanics & Applied Anatomy -Deb Bennett-1 session, 16 hours,
Equine Biomechanics -Barb Crabbe, DVM-3 sessions, 120 hours,
Equine Biomechanics -Dr. Hilary Clayton-3 sessions, 66 hours,
Equine CranioSacral Techniques I by Upledger Institute USA-1 session, 24 hours,
Equine Dentistry – Dr Mitch Benson, DVM-2 sessions, 16 hours,
Equine Dissection- Dr. Narelle Stubbs and Nicole Rombach- 2 sessions 52 hours,
Equine Dissection (Head & Neck)-Dr. Deb Bennett, PhD – 1 session, 24 hours ,
Equine Dissection – Dr. Deb Bennett, PhD -2 sessions, 80 hours,
Equine Exercise Physiology – Dr. Hilary Clayton, DVM- 2 sessions, 64 hours,
Equine Lameness – Dr. Michael Ross, DVM-1 session, 6 hours,
Equine Lamenes – Dr. Carrie Schlachter DVM- 1 session, 24 hours,
Equine Locomotion Conference – Michigan State University (2005),
Equine Myofascial Release -Ruth Golladay, CMT, ESMT, PT – 2 sessions, 80 hours,
Equine Nervous System & Function -Chris Pasquini, DVM-1 session, 40 hours,
Equine Nutrition – Dr. Carey A Williams, PhD -1 session, 24 hours,
Equine Nutrition -Dr Robert Bray, Phd -2 sessions, 48 hours,
Equine Postural Release – Zarna Carter- 1 session, 14 hours,
Equine Sports Medicine & Science – Dr. Steven Wickler, DVM- 1 session, 32 hours,
Essential Oils – Catherine Bird- 1 session, 24 hours,
Farrier Science and the Current Trends -Patrick Reilly- 2 sessions, 32 hours,
Gait Abnormalities -Dr Bob Norrie, DVM- 3 sessions, 72 hours,
Hands on Horse Care- Diana Thompson,
Horse Handling Skills for the Equinology® Equine Body Worker- Terry Church- 2 sessions, 48 hours,
Horse Handling Skills for the Equinology® Equine Body Worker Tina Hutton- 1 session, 24 hours,
Master Equinology® Equine Body Worker certification Equinology, Inc.,
Monitoring of Health and Performance in Sports Horses – Dr. Anne Couroucé-Malblanc and DrA. Lindholm, MV,
Physical Therapy & Stretching -Nancy Spencer CFI, 2 sessions, 48 hours,
Principles of Farrier Science -Ed Laney, California-2 sessions, 48 hours,
Principles of Farrier Science -Stuart Greenberg-college semester, 3 units,
Reiki Level One certification -QLD Australia
Saddle Fitting – Dr Kerry Ridgway, DVM- 3 sessions, 72 hours,
Saddle Fitting -Andrew Foster, England-seminar,
TTEAM – Linda Tellington Jones-seminar,
Ultrasonography of Equine Articulations – Dr Jean-Marie Denoix, MV, Zoology
Debranne currently resides at Lake Berryessa, CA with her husband, Paul Hougard. Paul is “Mr. Equinology” and the flagship of running the education company office

CONTACT INFORMATION
Address: Napa, CA
Phone: (707) 377-4313
Email: equinologyoffice@gmail.com

Brenda’s childhood love was training and showing horses. She has taken this knowledge about working with large, potentially dangerous animals and applied it to training dogs with problem behaviors. Unsatisfied with the results of “traditional” dog training, Brenda studied marine mammal training, exotic animal training and learned about wolf pack behavior. Puzzled by the lack of answers in dog lore and literature, and because traditional dog training techniques did not offer the tools needed to deal with aggressive dogs, in particular, she became an expert in behavior modification and positive reinforcement.

For more information on Brenda’s work and publications please visit her website at: http://www.brendaaloff.com

Dr. Atckison grew up in Southern California. She credits her Dad for getting her into horses and together they spent many weekends trail riding. In addition to pleasure riding, Lisa spent many years riding and showing Hunters until she left home for college. Taking a break from riding to focus on studies and her career she now enjoys riding with her husband, Jim, whether it’s riding at home, trail or working cattle with friends.

Dr. Atckison completed her undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1997 and her DVM from the University of California, Davis in 2001. After graduation, she completed a medical and surgical internship at Peninsula Equine and continued as an associate veterinarian until moving back to Southern California where she worked with David Wheat DVM. She moved to the Napa Valley in 2005 working alongside Dr. Claudia Sonder at NVVH. In 2010, Dr. Atckison started her own practice in Sonoma.

Dr. Atckison became certified in Acupuncture in 2007 and in animal Chiropractic in 2010 through the IVCA. She uses an integrative approach to wellness to provide comprehensive care to her patients and enjoys being an integral part of your horse’s heath and success both at home and in the show arena.

Dr. Atckison has a strong interest in Sports Medicine, Lameness and Imaging. She is an active ISELP (International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology) member and has attended various other sports medicine meetings over the years with some of the nation’s most distinguished clinicians and lectures.

When Lisa is not working she enjoys spending time with her husband Jim, and their herd at home, dog Tucker and cats. She is an avid gardener and loves to cook.

Ken Bain is a Texas Licensed Massage Therapist and Massage Therapy Instructor, specializing in non-invasive trigger point therapy using massage techniques. Ken is a graduate of the Texas School of Massage, the Institute of Trigger Point Therapy, Pet Massage in Toledo,OH, and Massage Awareness in Wellington, FL. He is a member the International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork and the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. After training and competing with canine athletes for over 15 years, Ken realized the importance of massage in keeping these athletes in peak condition. Ken has been providing bodywork for the canine athlete since 2003.

CREDENTIALS

• TX Licensed Massage Therapist
• TX Licensed Massage Therapy Instructor
• Approved Continuing Education provider for NCBTMB
• Clinical Trigger Point Therapist
• Canine Massage Practitioner
• Equine Massage Practitioner
• Reiki Practitioner (Master Level)
• Healing Touch for Animals Practitioner (Level 3)
• Craniosacral Therapy (Level 2)

Dr. Raquel Butler graduated from Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) Melbourne University in 2004, worked in mixed practice in Australia and overseas for 8 years before branching into Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics, her own mobile based practice treating animals with body work. She is an Equine Muscle Release Therapy (EMRT) practitioner and has completed a Graduate Diploma in Animal Biomechanical Medicine encompassing chiropractic and osteopathic and rehabilitation techniques as well as obtaining a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in 2022 and a Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education in 2020. She has studied many therapies including CranioSacral, Masterson, Acupuncture Oriented Energetics, Myofascial acupuncture currently completing a Graduate Diploma in Animal Acupuncture. Raquel teaches clinics for both horse owners and professionals in Equine anatomy, biomechanics, postural development and vetkin taping nationally and internationally and spent over 5 years teaching subjects relating to Equine disease, injury, rehabilitation, locomotion and exercise physiology in the Bachelor Equine Science at Charles Sturt University.
Raquel has been mentored by Sharon May-Davis in anatomy and biomechanics and undertaken over 20 dissections to develop her knowledge of the connections within the horse. As the Animal BIomechanical Professionals Association President and a teacher in the Animal BIomechanical Medicine course she is very passionate about improving the life of the horse and creating expansion for all horse people through her clinics and treatments as well as continuing to build her knowledge and skills.

Photo courtesy of Lynne Murray

Dr. Barb Crabbe is a graduate of UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, and completed an internship in large animal medicine and surgery at Washington State University. She also did graduate work in biomechanics at UC Davis, where she studied patterns of locomotion in exercising horses.

Currently, Dr. Crabbe is a private equine practitioner and owner of Pacific Crest Sporthorse in Oregon City, Oregon. Her primary area of interest is equine lameness and gait analysis, especially as it relates to the dressage horse. Additionally, she breeds and raises Hanoverian and Dutch Warmblood sport horses, and has developed an interest in advanced reproductive technologies.

Dr. Crabbe is a contributing editor to Horse and Rider magazine and has been a frequent contributor to Dressage Today magazine. Her articles have won numerous American Horse Publications awards. She is an avid Dressage rider and USDF silver medalist who has won a multiple USDF regional championships as well as Horse of the Year titles. In addition, she is a graduate with distinction from the USDF-L judges program.

Dr. Crabbe currently serves on the Board of Directors for Forward Stride, a therapeutic riding program, and is the driving force behind Team Green, a program that facilitates recycling at A-rated Hunter/Jumper shows throughout the Pacific Northwest. She is a former board member of the Northwest Equine Practitioners Association and the Oregon Dressage Society and has served on the breeding technology committee for the American Hanoverian Society.

She resides in Oregon City, Oregon with her husband Bob, a board certified veterinary internist and two children, Katie and Jamie who both compete on the A-circuit in Hunters and Equitation.

Dr. Delheimer is a 2015 graduate from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed an internship in equine ambulatory medicine at The Equine Clinic at Oakencroft outside of Albany, NY before traveling back to Minnesota to pursue a career in equine dentistry. She was an associate veterinarian at North Wind Equine, LLC, a dentistry only equine ambulatory practice, from 2016 through 2021. There, she pursued her passion of combining high quality routine and advanced dentistry with client education to stress the importance of appropriate veterinary specific care for the equine mouth.

Dr. Delheimer is currently a small animal general practitioner at Detroit Lakes Animal Hospital, a 5 doctor privately owned clinic near her home. While she misses equine practice, she retains her passion for dentistry and keeps her “toe in the water” of equine medicine by vetting endurance rides in the upper Midwest during the summer season. She additionally participates in organized veterinary medicine by writing and reviewing questions for the national board examination for veterinarians.

Outside of her veterinary pursuits, Dr. Delheimer will most likely be riding one of her horses, crocheting, or spending time with her husband, children, and menagerie of small animals.

David Genadek is a Master Saddle Maker with over 25 years of dedication to his craft. His journey began as an apprentice with some of the top saddle makers and manufacturers in the country, including Crates Leather Company. Over the years, David honed his expertise in the fine arts of carving, tool making, leather production, and pattern design.

In 1994, he founded About the Horse, Inc., a leading saddle design and manufacturing company known for its innovative approach to barrel racing, trail riding, reining, and roping saddles. What sets David’s designs apart is his commitment to returning to the basic anatomy of the horse, ensuring that each saddle is crafted with the horse’s comfort and biomechanics in mind.

A lifelong student, David has studied under Dr. Deb Bennett, a renowned expert in the biomechanics of equine anatomy, and collaborates with professionals like Peggy Cummings, a nationally recognized riding instructor. His partnerships with experts such as Mark Rashid and Harry Whitney further fuel his mission to create saddles that not only fit the horse perfectly but also seat the rider in harmony with the horse’s natural movement.

Beyond the workshop, David is a passionate educator. He hosts clinics across the U.S. and Canada, teaching horse owners how to correctly place and secure saddles for optimal comfort and performance. These hands-on workshops dive into key topics like selecting the right padding, understanding how a rider’s position affects saddle fit, and addressing the unique saddle needs for both men and women. David covers both Western and English saddles, and participants are encouraged to bring their own saddles for personalized demonstrations—all with no sales pitch, just education.

David’s work has been featured in Horse & Rider and Western Horseman, where his expertise continues to inspire. His goal remains steadfast: to keep learning and sharing his knowledge, ensuring that saddles are not just an accessory, but an essential tool for the well-being of both horse and rider.

Dr. Howlett came into this world with a love of people, animals, and health. She has three passions in life: people helping people, people helping animals, and animals helping people.

Dr. Howlett graduated from Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in 1987. Her early days in practice were successful, yet she quickly began searching for more education and more diversity. She discovered Dr. John Upledger, DO, OMM and fell into the osteopathic approach, especially cranial osteopathy, in facilitating self-correction. Over the years with Upledger, she became diplomate certified and was an instructor and examiner for Upledger’s students.

Dr. Howlett pursued further training offered under the International Alliance of Healthcare Educators, including neural manipulation, visceral manipulation, lymphatic drainage, and manual brain/glial matrix work. She has also completed the animal chiropractic training, which is a post-doctorate program offered only to veterinarians and chiropractors.

With a further quest for understanding animals, especially horses, Dr. Howlett completed two different certifications in Equine Facilitated Learning/Therapy. When she discovered that addressing “head cases” (including what is often referred to as behavioral) was lacking in the therapeutic approach to helping animals, she developed a curriculum in CranioSacral Therapy. This curriculum is focused on integrating the craniosacral system, the fascial system and the nervous system, thereby facilitating self-healing. This program was originally offered through Integrative Intentions, then Upledger, and now she is pleased to be offering this curriculum through Equinology and its Independent Licensed Companies, including the EquiLearn Institute. She is excited to delve deeper into the science behind the techniques being offered and the overall approach to animal health care.

Eleanor Kellon, VMD of Equine Nutritional Solutions, Robesonia, Pennsylvania, is one of a handful of experts in the field of applications of nutraceuticals for horses. She is an authority in the field of equine nutrition as well as conditions affecting performance horses. Dr. Kellon is the co-owner of the almost 10,000 member Cushing’s and Insulin Resistance group on Yahoo. She is owner of Equine Nutritional Solutions, a nutritional consulting firm which also hosts 16 online courses on nutrition and horse care. Her work has led to unique nutraceutical approaches for horses with skin and respiratory allergies, degenerative as well as injury related tendon and ligament problems, chronic laminitis and performance issues. She is past veterinary and contributing editor to John Lyons Perfect Horse and Horse Journal magazines, has written 8 books and thousands of articles on equine nutrition, care and health issues.

Background:
An Honors Graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School, Dr. Kellon completed her internship and residency in Large Animal Medicine and Surgery at the renowned University of Pennsylvania New Bolton Center. She is currently a Staff Veterinarian for Uckele Health and Nutrition, Inc.

Lay Publications:
Dr. Kellon routinely writes four to six articles a month. A prolific writer, her articles have appeared in magazines such as The Chronicle of The Horse, Hoofbeats, Practical Horseman, Equus, Horse Journal, and John Lyons Perfect Horse. She has written over 1500 magazine articles, most concerning nutrition. Professional Publications: Dr. Kellon has also contributed to professional publications and professional meetings. Her topics frequently include muscle disorders, thyroid disorders, and nutrition. Her most recent have been: Contributing author on laminitis and dietary therapy of insulin resistance in Equine Podiatry, WB Saunders Co, 2006. Use of the Herb Gynostemma Pentaphyllum and the Blue-Green Algae Spirulina Plentensis in the Horse. Third European Equine Nutrition and Health Congress, Gent, Belgium, March 2006. Iron Status in Hyperinsulinemic/Insulin Resistant Horses. Third European Equine Nutrition and Health Congress, Gent, Belgium, March 2006. Treatment of Equine Metabolic Syndrome, Compendium of Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian, Vol 26(2) February 2004.

Books:
As a best-selling author, her books are compelling, easy to read and informative.  They include:

• The Older Horse, Breakthrough Publications
• Keeping the Older Horse Young, Breakthrough Publications
• Raising and Feeding the Perfect Horse, Belvoir Publications
• Guide to First Aid for Horses, Breakthrough Publications
• Equine Supplements and Nutraceuticals, Breakthrough Pubilcations
• Equine Drugs and Vaccines, Breakthrough Publications
• Horse Owners Veterinary Advisor and Record Book, Breakthrough Publications
• Horse Journal Guide to Equine Supplements and Nutraceuticals, Globe-Pequot Press

Globe-Pequot Press Field Trials:
Best known for her field trials, Dr. Kellon continues to break new ground with her findings. A few are summarized below. In 2000, Dr. Kellon published, in Horse Journal, the results of the first field trial on Chastetree Berry (Vitex Agnus Castus) for horses with Cushings syndrome. For more information, visit: http://www.equiworld.com/uk/horsecare/veterinary/cushingssyndrome/

In 2000, Horse Journal published Dr. Kellon’s field trial on the use of magnesium supplementation in horses with cresty necks and laminitis. In June 2000, Dr. Kellon published, in Horse Journal, the first warning against feeding organophosphates to horses. Ultimately, this created awareness amongst horse owners and brought about some changes in common feeding practices.

In March 2006, Dr. Kellon was a guest speaker at the European Equine Health and Nutrition Congress in Belgium. Her presentations included “The use of Jiaogulan and Spirulina in Horses” and “Iron Status of Hyperinsulinemic/Insulin Resistant Horses”. For more information on Jiaogulan for laminitic horses, visit: http://www.naturalhorsetrim.com/Jiaogulan.htm

In Aug. 2006, Horse Journal published Dr. Kellon’s article on DSLD’s Devastation, which included the results of a field trial treatment plan to help alleviate the pain and symptoms of this disease.

In Dec. 2007, Horse Journal published an article on the use of Acetyl-L-Carnitine in horses with chronic laminitis. This was another ground-breaking field trial on the use of supplements for a chronic condition.

Pergolide:
In March 2007 the FDA removed pergolide from the market, a drug that has been very successful in the management of Equine Cushing’s disease. Dr. Kellon spearheaded a nationwide effort to urge companies who market and distribute Pergolide to keep this drug available for veterinary use. She was relentless in her communications with the FDA until they announced on May 11 that they would allow bulk pergolide to be used in compounding pergolide for use in horses.

Feed Recall:
Recently, Dr. Kellon has been involved in informing readership of the feed recall in the eastern United States. Always an advocate for the horses, she has kept the public up-to-date on the developments in this very serious health risk.

Educator:
Dr. Kellon has created on-line courses, specializing in horse care, nutrition, and management. Her classes are very informative for both the lay person and professional alike. With links to additional reading, the professional can achieve an in-depth understanding of the concepts presented.

Professional Experience:
Dr. Kellon currently works as a writer, teacher and internal medicine/nutrition consultant. Dr. Kellon has experience in private practice, including management of a breeding farm and rehabilitation facilities. She also has extensive experience with performance horses, including eventing, fox hunting, racing, and showing. Dr. Kellon, and her husband, Andy, bred, trained and raced Standardbreds for 25 years. They currently maintain a small retirement and research herd.

Ruth, a Texan, received her graduate degree in physical therapy from The University of Iowa in 1972 and opened a private practice in Dallas in
1978. She then attended The Institute of Natural Healing Sciences in Colleyville, Texas, in 1991, for her massage therapy training. She is Nationally Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Body Work and state licensed. Additionally, she obtained her Equinology Equine Body Worker certification in 2004 and, In 2022 Ruth became a Certified Animal Aromatherapy Specialist.
Ruth began her Myofascial Release education in 1987, has taken all John Barnes MFR courses (including equine), and was a Senior Instructor/Coordinator, Co-lecturer and Primary Lecturer for John Barnes, teaching over 130 courses for him from 1988-2002. From 1999 until her resignation in June 2001, she was the Primary Lecturer for the Barnes Equine MFR courses.
In 1990 Ruth opened Equine Therapeutic Center which was based at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia from 1998-2018. It is now based in the Dallas, Texas area from April through October and in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas from November through March. In both locations Ruth provides therapy for horse and rider. She uses her biomechanical knowledge to assist in determining a problem with the horse (or human) and then primarily utilizes Myofascial Release to decrease the symptoms and/or dysfunction. In addition, she uses certified pure tested grade essential oils, laser, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, Red Light Acupoint Therapy, and specialized taping techniques. To assist owner, trainer and/or rider in a home program of care she also includes exercises, including stabilization and core exercises for the horse and rider.
Ruth started teaching for Equinology, Inc. in 1999. She has taught Myofascial Release for horses at facilities in California, Virginia, Texas, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Additionally she has taught the Equinology, Inc. Equine Body Worker Certification Courses in the United States, England, New Zealand, South Africa and Australia, Canine MFR in Canada and England, and human MFR in England.

Ruth’s book, Facilitated Healing through Myofascial Release – Putting the Pieces Together for Horse and Rider was first released in 2001. The revised second edition is now available through animalmfr@gmail.com. She has also released a second book, Canine Myofascial Release which is available at the same email.

Courtney founded Hands on Horses in 2004 to promote the overall wellness of companion and competitive animals. A registered veterinary nurse, Courtney completed the equine rehabilitation program through the University of Tennessee and is trained in the skills necessary to design and implement a comprehensive rehabilitation program for a variety of musculoskeletal and neurologic conditions. She received her certification in equine bodywork from Equinology® and offers both sports massage and myofascial release services to help keep the equine body in peak physical condition. Prior to Equinology, Courtney studied equine science and anatomy at Virginia Tech. In 2018, Courtney was approved to become an FEI Permitted Equine Therapist.

In 2006, a division focusing on canine bodywork was added. Courtney is certified in canine rehabilitation by the Canine Rehabilitation Institute. For several years, she saw patients at the Veterinary Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Group, a practice specializing in canine orthopedic and neurologic surgery and rehabilitation. At VOSM, Courtney worked with a wide variety of patients, from those on a maintenance bodywork program to those needing post-operative rehabilitation care or suffering from sport-specific muscle injuries.

In 2019, Courtney founded the EquiLearn Institute, an Equinology® Independent Licensed Company (ILC) dedicated to delivering excellence in education from renowned instructors in equine and canine healthcare. Through the EquiLearn Institute, she is excited to bring the excellent Equinology curriculum to the eastern United States.

Courtney is a frequent presenter of bodywork clinics and has been featured in numerous publications and podcasts. In 2021, Courtney was elected as President of the International Equine Body Worker Association.

Nicole attained the ITEC human massage qualification in 1997, the Equinology Equine Body Worker ® certification in 1998 and the Equinology Master Equine Body Worker ® certification in 1999 and has since taken most of the courses in the Equinology Extension certification series. She also completed the post-graduate and Master of Science degree programmes in Animal Manipulation from the McTimoney College of Chiropractic and University of Wales in the United Kingdom. She earned her PhD in 2013 from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University. Her main interest lies in the effect of complementary therapies on equine performance, and the subject for her doctoral research was investigation into equine neck pain from the perspectives of pathology, neuromotor control and equine behaviour associated with spinal dysfunction.

Nicole is the president of Equinenergy Ltd. (www.equinenergy.com) and Caninenergy Ltd . (www.caninenergy.com) in the United Kingdom. From 2003 to 2009 she was based in São Paulo, Brazil where she worked in direct liaison with various veterinary clinics, focusing on sports therapy for performance horses from novice to Olympic level. She travelled to national competition centres and private clients throughout Brazil and in other South American countries. In addition, she carried out infrared thermographic imaging (thermography) in conjunction with equine veterinarians to aid their diagnostic procedures. She also uses thermography to assess hoof balance, saddlefit and changes in thermal patterns following sports therapy sessions.

Nicole regularly lectures at various universities and for professional associations. She travels within the USA and to Europe and Brazil on a regular basis, to teach some of the modules of the Equinology course curriculum and to work on her established clientele of horses and dogs. She is currently based in Petaluma, California. In addition to clinical consultations, she is the Course Development Liaison Manager for Equinology, Inc., in charge of national and international expansion of the Equinology course curriculum.

In her spare time she produces her own horses for dressage and showjumping competitions, and she holds Brazilian state and national amateur championship titles.

Dr Carrie Schlachter, VMD, IVC, is recognized as one of the leading clinicians in the field of equine sports medicine and rehabilitation. In addition, her clinical knowledge and experience is vast, making her the ideal candidate to lecture and instruct on the subjects of equine anatomy, pathology, lameness, diagnostic imaging and clinical rehabilitation.

Dr. Schlachter’s practice focuses on integrative sports medicine, rehabilitation and injury prevention. She founded and designed Circle Oak Equine’s rehabilitation and fitness programs and then set up new practice focusing on developing monitoring protocols for injury prevention in the sports horse.

Dr Schlachter achieved her board certification in equine sports medicine and rehabilitation through the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, and serves on their examination committee as well as on the American Association of Equine Practitioners Education committee.

Dr. Schlachter grew up riding horses in the competitive ‘A’ circuit on the East Coast and has almost 35 years of experience with horses as a rider, veterinarian, and owner. Educated at the University of Pennsylvania’s Veterinary School and New Bolton Center, she received the Charles F. Reid Clinical Excellence Award for Sports Medicine and Imaging as well as numerous scholarships. She is a former member of the Large Animal Services External Advisory Board of the University of California, Davis, Veterinary Hospital. She participates in multiple advanced imaging educational workshops every year and is actively pursuing her board certification in equine sports medicine and rehabilitation through the ACVSMR.

For many years in general practice, Dr. Schlachter nurtured her interest in sports medicine, particularly in diagnostic ultrasound. To increase her diagnostic and treatment options, she has broadened her expertise to include chiropractic manipulation and acupuncture as well as regenerative medicine therapies such as IRAP, PRP, and bone marrow-derived stem cells.

Dr. Schlachter enjoys teaching for Equinology and its associates around the world, as well as lecturing on equine sports medicine, rehabilitation and digital diagnostic imaging. Together with her colleagues, Debranne Pattillo and Dr Nicole Rombach, she founded the Academy of Animal Sport Science, which offers a certification program in Animal Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation for Licensed Professionals.

Dr. Mila Speciani, Veterinarian, Equinology Equine Body Worker®, lives and works across Northern Italy running her freelance practice.

The majority of her daily practice includes dogs and horses, and she integrates natural medicine, sports medicine, natural management and gentle horsemanship, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation in order to provide health and wellness to animal athletes and companions.

She graduated with full marks in 2006 at “University of Parma – Veterinary Medicine Department” thanks to a final graduation work about “Ultrasonographic evaluation of thoracolumbar spine of the horse.”

Dr. Mila Speciani speaks 4 languages (Italian, English, German and Spanish) and built up her background through international experiences – among them:
Externships at Santa Lucia Farm, Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center, San Marcos Equine Practice (California, USA);
EEBW® certified at the beginning of 2007;
Certified by Holistic School on Natural Horse Management and Natural Barefoot Trimming (with Dr. Sabioni, Imola, Italy);
Equine Physiotherapy, Preventive Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Ultrasound and PMF-Magnetic Field Therapy (with Dr. Amon, San Rossore Racetrack, Pisa, Italy);
Equine Sport Medicine and TECAR® Therapy (with Dr. Lattanzio, Milan, Italy).

After three-year of postgraduate school, she graduated CUM LAUDE on June 11th, 2011 as Doctor Expert in Homeopathy, Homotoxicology, and Integrated Therapies. Graduation final work: “Integration among homotoxicology, homeomesotherapy, homeosiniatry and physical therapy in Veterinary Medicine.” Her final dissertation made her earn as well the recognition of the Internationale Gesellschaft für Homotoxikologie (Baden Baden, Germany).

In 2013 she completed an Equine Kinesio Taping course of studies (Fundamentals & Advanced – KT1 & KT2) certified by Kinesio Taping Association International (Instructor Dr. Sybille Molle).

In 2014 Mila enriched her knowledge of Myofascial Release by attending seminars and being further mentored by Ruth Mitchell-Golladay (PT, CMT, NCTMB, EEBW®).

She’s now further specializing in Western Veterinary Acupuncture and Chronic Pain Management (GP Cert WVA&CPM – course of study 2017-2019).

Dr. Speciani is instructor and lecturer for world-renowned institutions, regularly teaches courses and seminars, and recently published peer-reviewed articles concerning her scientific areas of expertise.

Former show jumper on national and low international junior and young rider level, she now keeps on riding as an amateur dressage rider, integrating her medical and equestrian knowledge with gentle horsemanship principles.

Susan Tenney works internationally as a teacher, writer and practitioner of Shiatsu and Five Element Acupressure for animals. She received her human massage certification from the Shiatsu Institute of San Francisco in 1994. She followed up her human shiatsu training with the study of animal massage and acupressure, Classical Oriental medical theory and animal anatomy. In her work in the past three decades, Susan has blended massage, acupressure, stretching, movement exercises, and lifestyle modifications to improve health and performance for horses and small animals. She has also worked passionately in the realm of educating animal lovers how they can perform safe and simple bodywork on their own animals.

As a journalist, Susan wrote “Acupressure in Action,” a regular column for the award-winning “Whole Horse Journal” from 1996 to 1998. In North America her writing has been featured in numerous publications including Equine Wellness, Natural Horse, and Holistic Horse magazines. In Europe her work and her writing has also been featured widely including publication in the German language magazines Pegasus, Kavallo and the German edition of the Tteam magazine and several French publications. Her writing and teaching have grown to include an active social media presence where her popular Point Of the Week (P.O.W.!) posts on Facebook and Instagram are referred to and shared regularly by animal lovers and professionals alike.
In 2002 Susan completed her book Practical Acupressure, Basic Acupressure for Horses. The German edition of this book was published in hardcover by Rio Verlag in 2010.Through her website she also offers a growing line of laminated charts on acupressure and Shiatsu for dogs and horses.

An enthusiastic teacher and lecturer, Susan has offered lively clinics for animal owners and professionals in Europe, Canada, and the U.S since 1995. She expanded her offerings to include online learning in 2011. Her students now number in the thousands and students have come from over 25 countries. Her friendly, engaging, and encouraging teaching style has inspired many students to work successfully as professionals in the field of animal bodywork.

Dr. Marc Walton, a practicing veterinarian, has been immersed in equine care for over two decades. He earned his BSc in Animal Science in 1996, followed by his BVSc in 2001. With a deep passion for equine exercise physiology and medicine, he pursued further studies, completing postgraduate qualifications in Equine Medicine (2008) and Equine Radiology (2015).

Dr. Walton is internationally recognized in the field of endurance veterinary care, holding the prestigious 4-Star FEI accreditation. For 16 years, he served as Head Treatment Veterinarian at major Southern African endurance rides like Walvis Bay and Fauresmith’s 200 km race. He’s also worked globally, including the Russian National Endurance Championships in 2017 and was the team vet for South Africa’s national team at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games in the USA.

Among his many accolades, he was named SA Young Veterinarian of the Year in 2010, has lectured at the International Veterinary Endurance Congress in North Carolina, and regularly shares his expertise with vets and horse owners. Dr. Walton is also a key instructor for the internationally recognized Equinology EQ300-600 courses on equine anatomy, biomechanics, and lameness which he now presents in Australia and New Zealand.

Now an associate at Valley Equine Veterinary Centre, he specializes in treating poor performance and lameness in FEI and Western sport horses. Beyond his veterinary career, Marc is an accomplished equestrian himself, involved with horses since age five. He’s also a dedicated family man, husband to Julie (a skilled horse rider and instructor), and father to three boys. When not working, he enjoys water skiing, trail running, and practicing Kobujitsu, earning his Shodan (Black Belt) in 2020.