Sandra Barnes of Springfield, Tenn., recently gained equine sports massage therapy certification through Round Hill, Va.,-based Equissage Inc. The program prepares participants for a career in this increasingly used muscle therapy for horses engaged in athletic competition.

Massage therapy, commonly employed to enhance sports performance in human athletes, has also proven to enhance the performance of equine athletes and assist the horse in reaching its fullest potential. Certification training concentrates on the theory of massage therapy and its benefits, as well as hands-on experience applying the techniques on high-performance horses.

Founded in 1989, Equissage and Associates presently works with many top owners and trainers at racetracks and show barns throughout the country and at the training complex in Round Hill.

“A career in equine sports massage therapy presents an ideal situation for the horse lover. Startup costs for an Equine Sports Massage Therapist (ESMT) are negligible. All he or she needs is a good pair of hands, our training, and a sincere desire to help the equine athlete,” said Mary Schreiber, president and founder of Equissage.

Barnes’ phone number is (615) 643-0553. For more information on ESMT training and certification, write to Equissage & Associates, P.O. Box 447, Round Hill, VA 20142 or call (540) 338-1917.