About

Equinology and Caninology

Equinology® and Caninology® have proudly provided top-tier education for over 30 years, consistently setting and raising the standard for excellence in equine and canine health education. Our commitment to quality is evident in our small class sizes, which foster personalized learning and ensure that graduates are well-equipped to thrive as team players in the paraprofessional world. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or are an experienced professional, you’ll appreciate that our evidence-based onsite programs are RACE-approved for veterinarians and vet techs seeking continuing education.

Our students benefit from access to a distinguished faculty of industry leaders, including renowned veterinarians and specialists from around the globe. Imagine learning from experts such as Dr. Barb Crabbe, Dr. Nicole Rombach, Dr. Carrie Schlachter, Dr. Sandra Howlett, Dr. Raquel Butler, Susan Tenney, Dr. Mila Speciani, Ken Bains, Ruth Mitchell Golladay, PT, Dr. Kellon, and Debranne Pattillo MEEBW. Our instructors stay ahead of the rapidly evolving information in the equine and canine health industry, ensuring that our students are always at the forefront of this dynamic field.

We place a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, requiring case studies and a practical examination for program completion. We do not offer qualifications through distance or online study alone; a significant portion of the course must be attended onsite to receive the personal supervision and training necessary for certification.

If you are already working in animal healthcare and are seeking continuing education—whether it’s one course to enhance your skills or a new qualification—Equinology® is the right choice for advancing your career in this rewarding field.

Please email questions to equinologyinstitute@gmail.com or equinologyoffice@gmail.com, or call the office 707.377.4313 M-Th 9 am to 2 pm PST.
If you are looking for our non-USA independently licensed companies (sister companies), please visit https://equinologyinstitute.com/sister-companies/

The Equinology Approach

The Equinology® Approach is the cornerstone of our school! It was developed by Debranne Pattillo, MEEBW, and founder of Equinology Inc. and co-founder of the International Equine Body Worker Association and author of Anatomy of Equine Bodywork; The Equinology® Approach. Debranne has used this approach successfully for her own client base for over 30 years, and has shared it with thousands of students, many of them already equine professionals all over the world.

This unique hands-on system addresses the entire body, implementing specific manual palpation methods to assess soft tissue and symmetry of muscle and structure, and utilizing detailed static and dynamic evaluations. Different bodywork techniques, including sports massage, soft-tissue mobilization, stretching, range of motion and positioning exercises, muscle activation techniques and focal point work (stress and trigger points) are combined to provide optimal support for horses working in every discipline. The Equinology® Approach stands out because it is comprehensively and continually anatomically referenced, as part of a team approach. The Equinolgy Approach reflects Debranne’s passion for academic precision in exploring equine musculoskeletal anatomy, and continues to evolve from her extensive experience and ongoing learning from her human and equine colleagues and mentors.

We offer the Equinology® Equine Body Worker Certification (EEBW) Course and the Caninology® Canine Body Worker Certification (CCBW) Course to those who are looking for a serious, respected, and well-earned qualification and are willing to put in the hard work!

Why Choose Us?

Let’s face it: there are many schools that offer equine massage programs. What makes our school stand out? Here are a few reasons we think you should consider Equinology, Inc. ®, and Caninology ®:

  • Many of our instructors are published in peer-reviewed scientific journals
  • Our instructors are also authors and curricula creators
  • The majority of our instructors hold doctorates and have private practices in the industry
  • Our instructors are dynamic, energetic, reliable, and highly qualified. Review the faculty and lecturers on the website!
  • Every course is well presented with the newest information and plenty of practical experience, in small group settings
  • You can take one course for personal interest, choose a course for continuing education, or follow our full certification program.
  • Equinology, Inc. ® is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education Approved Provider.
  • Equinology’s courses are approved and recognized by the International Equine Body Worker Association (IEBWA), the UK McTimoney Chiropractic Association, and the Society of Osteopaths in Animal Practice.
  • We are one of the very few educational institutes that take the responsibility of offering you more than a handful of courses!

ASK QUESTIONS WHEN CONSIDERING AN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE
Research your prospective school! Different students have different needs. However, there are some questions that you need to ask to ensure that your learning needs will be met, in a safe, comfortable study environment.

  • How much time is allowed for actual practical work during the courses?
  • Does the institute carry insurance? Some schools have dropped insurance coverage due to an enormous increase in policies.
  • What is the ratio of horses/dogs to people?
  • How many students are in the class?
  • Are continuing education courses offered?
  • Is the educational institute recognized or affiliated with any other institute or umbrella organization?
  • Is anyone available after the course to ask questions?
  • Is the classroom comfortable?
  • Are any instructors contributors to research projects, or published veterinary peer- review articles?

Class Expectations

  • Our onsite courses have small class sizes in quality facilities for your comfort and to ensure optimal supervision.
  • Our Equine Body Work Techniques courses have the best manuals to support and enhance your learning.
  • Students learn through different media. We deliver the course curriculum in written form, through lectures, practical portions in on-site courses, specimens, Power Point presentations and plenty of discussions to ensure that we address YOUR needs.
  • We are fully insured!