FAQ's
Selecting a Certification Programme, why Equissage Europe?
What exactly is Equine Sports Massage Therapy?
Who/what is Equissage?
Is massage therapy recognised in Europe as being valuable to the horses well being?
What kind of demand is there for equine massage therapy?
Must an individual be licensed and insured as a Certified Massage Therapist to work in the UK?
The Veterinary Act
As a result of the Veterinary Act (1966) and the subsequent exemptions; it is ILLEGAL for any person, other than the owner of the animal, to treat an animal unless the permission of the animals Veterinary Surgeon is SOUGHT and OBTAINED.
The implications of the Veterinary Act (1966) are to safeguard the WELFARE of HORSES.
As a direct result the Equine Masseur must contact the Veterinary Surgeon used by the client and gain permission to treat the animal.
There are many therapists of varying specialism working outside the parameters of the Veterinary Act (1966).
These individuals are BREAKING THE LAW. They are often not INSURED, or members of a professional body.
The Veterinary Surgeons Act, passed in parliament in 1948 to protect the welfare of sick and injured animals from treatment by unqualified persons.
The practice of veterinary surgeons in the UK is governed by the Veterinary Act (1966). Under that act (with certain exemptions noted below) no one may practice veterinary surgery unless they are registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
The exemptions to the general rules of The Veterinary Act (1966) are as follows:
1. A doctor or dentist may carry out any treatment, test or operation on an animal, provided he does so at the request of a registered Veterinary surgeon.
2. A doctor may also perform an operation on an animal for the purposes of removing an organ or tissue for use in treatment of a human being.
3. The treatment of an animal by Physiotherapy; if carried out under the direction of a registered Veterinary Surgeon who has examined the animal and prescribed such a treatment.
4. An owner of an animal (or his employees, or other members of the owner’s household) may administer minor medical treatment to his own animal.
5. An owner of an agricultural animal (or anyone engaged or employed in caring for agricultural animals) may carry out medical treatment or minor surgery (not involving entry into a body cavity) on such an animal provided that it is not done for reward.
6. A Veterinary Nurse whose name is entered on the list of Veterinary Nurses maintained by the college may carry out any medical treatment or minor surgery to a companion animal; provided that the companion animal is for the time being, under the care of a registered Veterinary Surgeon.
7. Lay persons may administer first aid in an emergency, for the purposes of saving a life or relieving pain and suffering.
Are all Equissage Europe Graduates listed on the website?
No. Many Graduates do not wish for their details to be published on the internet. If you have a query concerning a Graduate then please contact Equissage Europe to confirm their registration.
What subjects are covered in the curriculum?
What qualifications or background are considered important for success as an ESMT?
How long will it take to become certified by Equissage Europe as an ESMT? Where is the training conducted?
What kind of Income can I expect as an ESMT?
What is the Cost of the programme?
As a graduate of Equissage Europe’s ESMT Certification Programme, may I use the name in marketing my practice?
Code of Conduct?
Every member of the I.A.A.M.T (International Association of Animal Massage Therapists) and graduates of Equissage and its subsidiary schools, works in accordance within the associations’ strict ‘Code Of Conduct’, ensuring high levels of competence, skill and professionalism, serving the public with trust and confidence.
The following ‘Code of Conduct’ provides a framework for the Equine Massage Therapist to safely and effectively practice their work and treatment.
By working within this framework, members of the I.A.A.M.T seek to protect all parties involved in their work, with every member holding recognition, understanding, respect and duly abiding by the following agreements.
Every Member Of The I.A.A.M.T. agrees to:
1. Obtain prior veterinary diagnosis and permission before the commencement of treatment under veterinary direction as appropriate to that countries legislation
2. Treat all clients with care, consideration and professionalism
3. Explain all treatment procedures and techniques in a clear and understandable manner
4. Respect all confidential information and work in accordance with current data legislation
5. Work within their own recognised level of competence and, where appropriate, refer clients to another appropriate practitioner(s)
6. Never diagnose any medical condition, ailment or injury
7. Never make any guarantees as to the outcome of any treatment
8. Refer the horse back to its veterinary surgeon should they suspect any negative medical condition, ailment or injury
9. Never undertake any other form of manipulative therapy other than sports and rehabilitation Massage Therapy and routine free and assisted stretches
10. Never use any medical device during their treatment of the horse
11. Never use any other mechanical device during their treatment of the horse
12. Every massage therapist will adhere to, and, work under their 'Duty of Care' and hold relevant insurance in order to protect themselves, their clientele and members of the public
Selecting a Certification Programme-why Equissage Europe?
How many articles have appeared about either the course you are considering or the course founder?
How many books or videos on equine massage the founder has authored?
How many veterinarians have chosen to enrol in that programme or school?
What are the average earnings of a graduate of the programme and how many graduates are there?
What support does their Governing body provide
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS
OF
EQUISSAGE EUROPE
1 DEFINITIONS
The following expressions shall have the following meanings:
- 1“Tutor” means EQUISSAGE EUROPE of WILLOW HOUSE, 57 OLLANDS ROAD, REEPHAM NORFOLK NR10 4EL, UNITED KINGDOM
- 2“Customer” means any party who enters into a contract for Services with the Tutor;
1.3 “Pupil” means the person to be tutored;
1.4 “Application Form” means a booking document, registration form, letter of engagement, quotation or other written instruction describing the Services and requesting a contract for those Services;
1.5 “Services” means the tutoring services as described in the Application Form and these Terms and Conditions;
1.6 “Fees” mean the payment for Services as outlined in these Terms and Conditions and the Application Form;
1.7 “Terms and Conditions” means the terms and conditions of supply of Services as set out in this document and any subsequent terms and conditions agreed in writing by the Tutor;
1.8 “Agreement” means the contract between the Tutor and the Customer for the provision of the Services incorporating these Terms and Conditions.
2 GENERAL
2.1 These Terms and Conditions shall apply to the Agreement for the supply of Services by the Tutor to the Customer and shall supersede any other documentation or communication between parties.
2.2 Any variation to these Terms and Conditions must be agreed in writing by the Tutor.
2.3 Nothing in these Terms and Conditions shall prejudice any condition or warranty, express or implied, or any legal remedy to which the Tutor may be entitled in relation to the Services, by virtue of any statute, law or regulation.
3 APPLICATION FORM
3.1 The Application/ Booking Form is attached to these Terms and Conditions.
3.2 The Application/ Booking Form must be accepted by the Customer in its entirety.
3.3 The Agreement between the Tutor and the Customer, incorporating these Terms and Conditions, shall only come into force when the Tutor confirms acceptance to the Customer.
4 SERVICES AND DELIVERY
4.1 The Services are as described in the Application/ Booking Form and in these Terms and Conditions.
4.2 Any variation to the Services must be agreed by the Tutor in writing.
4.3 The Tutor shall take all reasonable measures to keep course information correct
but may alter course details at any time. The Tutor shall notify the Customer in writing of any such changes.
4.4 The Services shall commence on the date the Application/ Booking form deposit payment is received.
4.5 The Services shall be carried out at the location described on the Application Form or other location as agreed by the Tutor.
4.6 Dates given for the delivery of Services are estimates only and not guaranteed. Time for delivery shall not be of the essence of the Agreement and the Tutor shall not be held liable for any loss, costs, damages, charges or expenses caused directly or indirectly by any delay in the delivery of the Services.
4.7 Lessons shall be conducted on an individual or shared basis as agreed with the Tutor and specified on the Application Form.
5 FEES
5.1 The price for Services is as specified in the Application/ Booking Form and is inclusive of VAT.
5.2 The terms for payment are as specified in the Application Form.
5.3 The minimum duration for a tutoring course group session is 4 to 5 days dependent on previous agreement
5.4 In the event that a lesson, at the Customer’s request, is conducted at a place other than the Tutor’s normal place of business the Customer is responsible for the expenses incurred by the Tutor when travelling to and from the lesson.
5.5 The Customer is responsible for the full costs of any books and materials provided or otherwise required by the Tutor for the purpose of providing the Services.
5.6 The Customer must settle all payments for Services on the last day of the tuition period minus the deposit /booking fee.
5.7 The Customer will pay interest on all late payments at a rate of 8% per annum above the base lending rate of Lloyds Bank plc.
5.8 The Tutor is also entitled to recover all reasonable expenses incurred in obtaining payment from the Customer where any payment due to the Customer is late.
5.9 The Customer is not entitled to withhold any monies due to the Tutor.
5.10 The Tutor is entitled to vary the price to take account of:
5.10.1 any additional Services requested by the Customer which were not included in the original Application Form;
5.10.2 any reasonable increase in rates, if applicable;
and any variation must be intimated to the Customer in writing by the Tutor.
5.11 The Tutor shall be responsible for the payment of National Insurance contributions, Income Tax, VAT or other liabilities arising out of remuneration for providing the Services.
6 CUSTOMER OBLIGATIONS
- 1The Customer agrees to cooperate fully with the Tutor with regard to the obligations set down in these Terms and Conditions.
- 2The Customer is responsible for the prompt attendance of the Pupil at the lesson. If the Pupil is late the Tutor shall not extend the time of the lesson.
- 3The Customer must ensure that regular practice of learned material should be undertaken by the Pupil between each lesson and any homework tasks set by the Tutor are completed in full.
- 4The Customer agrees to pay the Fees as specified on the Application Form and in these Terms and Conditions.
- 5The Customer must ensure that the Pupil behaves in a respectful and appropriate manner at all times. Disruptive or threatening behaviour by a Pupil will result in dismissal. In such cases no refunds shall be payable by the Tutor to the Customer.
- 6The Customer must bring to the attention of the Tutor any dissatisfaction with the Services as soon as the Customer becomes aware of such issues.
- 7If the Customer uses car parking facilities at the place of business of the Tutor or chosen venue of the Tutor the Customer is solely responsible for any damage or loss to the vehicle or its contents.
- 8Persons other than the Pupil are not permitted to attend a lesson unless the prior consent of the Tutor has been obtained.
- 9The Customer must remain on the premises at all times when the teaching venue is not at the Tutor’s normal place of business. The Tutor is not responsible for guarding a house or its contents at any time.
7 TUTOR OBLIGATIONS
7.1 The Tutor shall supply the Services as specified in the Application Form and in these Terms and Conditions.
7.2 The Tutor shall perform the Services with reasonable skill and care and to a reasonable standard and in accordance with any recognised codes of practice and government guidelines.
7.3 The Tutor shall hold all professional qualifications required to provide the Services.
7.4 The Tutor does not guarantee exam success for the Pupil.
7.5 The Tutor must hold all necessary insurance policies required to provide the Services.
8 PROVISION OF TUTORING TO A MINOR
- 1In the event that the Pupil is a minor the Tutor cannot be held responsible for chaperoning the Pupil. In such situations a responsible adult must remain at the teaching venue at all times.
8.2 The Tutor shall complete all necessary vetting and barring processes required for adults who work with children and young people and shall provide evidence of this to the Customer prior to the commencement of the Services.
9 REFUNDS
- 1Payments for course fees are non-refundable and non-transferable between courses unless by prior arrangement with the tutor.
9.2 A course date transfer is only considered in exceptional circumstances where the Customer contacts the Tutor within 4 week period of a booked Group Course session. Any such arrangement is made at the discretion of the Tutor.
10 CANCELLATION
10.1 Fees are non-refundable in the event of cancellation of a lesson or course of lessons on the part of the Customer. Customers are advised to hold insurance to cover such circumstances. A late cancellation fee of £400 will be claimed on the Customer cancelling a Course place within one calendar month of course commencement.
10.2 If the Tutor is unable to hold a booked lesson all attempts will be made to provide an alternative tutor of the same professional standard or to offer an alternative date that is suitable to the Customer.
10.3 In the event that the Tutor cancels a lesson a full refund of Fees shall be made to the Customer.
11 PERSONAL INFORMATION
11.1 The Tutor shall comply with the Data Protection Act 1998 and any other applicable data protection legislation concerning the processing of the Customer’s or Pupil’s personal data.
11.2 Photos and/or videos may be taken during a lesson for publicity purposes or for recordings to be used for Pupil or Customer feedback. Any Customer or Pupil not consenting to this must inform the Tutor prior to the commencement of the Services.
12 TERMINATION
12.1 The Tutor many terminate this Agreement with immediate effect if the Customer demonstrates any physical or verbal abuse towards the Tutor.
12.2 The Customer may terminate the Agreement if the Tutor fails to comply with any aspect of these Terms and Conditions.
12.3 The Tutor may terminate the Agreement if the Customer has failed to comply with the Equissage Europe Code of Conduct
12.4 Either party may, with immediate effect, terminate the Agreement by notice in writing to the other if:
12.4.1 the other party commits a material breach of these Terms and Conditions and, in the case of a breach capable of being remedied, fails to remedy it within a reasonable time of being given written notice from the other party to do so; or
12.4.2 the other party commits a material breach of these Terms and Conditions which cannot be remedied under any circumstances; or
12.4.3 the Tutor passes a resolution for winding up (other than for the purpose of solvent amalgamation or reconstruction), or a court of competent jurisdiction makes an order to that effect; or
12.4.4 the Tutor ceases to carry on its business or substantially the whole of its business; or
12.4.5 the other party is declared insolvent, or convenes a meeting of or makes or proposes to make any arrangement or composition with its creditors; or a liquidator, receiver, administrative receiver, manager, trustee or similar officer is appointed over any of its assets.
12.5 In the event of termination the Customer must make over to the Tutor any payment for Services incurred up to the date of termination.
12.6 Any rights to terminate the Agreement shall be without prejudice to any other accrued rights and liabilities of the parties arising in any way out of the Agreement as at the date of termination.
13 WARRANTY
Both parties warrant their authority to enter into this Agreement and have obtained all necessary approvals to do so.
14 LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
14.1 The Tutor shall not be liable under any circumstances to the Customer, Pupil or any third party for any indirect or consequential loss of profit, consequential or other economic loss suffered by the Customer, Pupil or other third party howsoever caused, as a result of any negligence, breach of contract, misrepresentation or otherwise.
14.2 Nothing in these Terms and Conditions shall exclude or limit the liability of the Tutor for death or personal injury, however the Tutor shall not be liable for any direct loss or damage suffered by the Customer, Pupil or third party howsoever caused, as a result of any negligence, breach of contract or otherwise in excess of the sum insured under the insurance policy held by the Tutor in the insurance year in which the claim is first notified.
15 INDEMNITY
The Customer shall indemnify the Tutor against all claims, costs and expenses which the Tutor may incur and which arise directly or indirectly from the Customer’s breach of any of its obligations under these Terms and Conditions.
16 FORCE MAJEURE
Neither party shall be liable for any delay or failure to perform any of its obligations if the delay or failure results from events or circumstances outside its reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, strikes, lock outs, accidents, war, fire, breakdown of plant or machinery or shortage or unavailability of raw materials from a natural source of supply, and the party shall be entitled to a reasonable extension of its obligations.
17 ASSIGNMENT
The Customer shall not be entitled to assign its rights or obligations or delegate its duties under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Tutor.
18 THIRD PARTY RIGHTS
Nothing in these Terms and Conditions intend to or confer any rights on a third party.
19 SEVERANCE
If any term or provision of these Terms and Conditions is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason by any court of competent jurisdiction such provision shall be severed and the remainder of the provisions hereof shall continue in full force and effect as if these Terms and Conditions had been agreed with the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision eliminated.
20 WAIVER
The failure by either party to enforce at any time or for any period any one or more of the Terms and Conditions herein shall not be a waiver of them or of the right at any time subsequently to enforce all Terms and Conditions.
21 NOTICES
Any notice to be given by either party to the other may be served by email, fax, personal service or by post to the address of the other party given in the Application Form or such other address as such party may from time to time have communicated to the other in writing, and if sent by email shall unless the contrary is proved be deemed to be received on the day it was sent, if sent by fax shall be deemed to be served on receipt of an error free transmission report, if given by letter shall be deemed to have been served at the time at which the letter was delivered personally or if sent by post shall be deemed to have been delivered in the ordinary course of post.
22 ENTIRE AGREEMENT
These Terms and Conditions supersede any previous agreements, arrangements, documents or other undertakings either written or oral.
23 GOVERNING LAW
These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of England and the parties hereby submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.