Program outline

The FES Base and Advanced Courses each consist of three modules of three days. Additional supervised practical sessions will be offered between course modules and exams to provide participants with ongoing practical training and technique refinement. The evaluation of video assignments provides supplementary opportunities for individual coaching.

Certification examinations for both FES Base and Advanced Courses are optional; however, successful completion of both the theoretical and practical portions of the Base Course examination is required for participation in the Advanced Course. Passing the Advanced Course examinations is demanded for final certification as Equine Chiropractor ( FES-certified).

The Base Course focuses on the diagnostic trajectory in theory and practice with a thorough training of the clinical segmental examination of the equine spine and a start in chiropractic treatment techniques.

The overall program provides over 200 hours of theoretical and practical course work and requires two years of study for completion; investment of additional time and effort will be necessary for preparation and completion of the theoretical and practical examinations required for final certification. The extra amount of time required will depend on already present individual skills and knowledge, and the possibility of applying material in daily practice.

Base Course theory

The theoretical portions emphasize functional anatomical knowledge in the bony, soft tissue and neurological structures of the axial skeleton. The current variety in veterinary diagnostic modalities is reviewed with application to the axial skeleton; information is presented on spinal-pelvic pathology, biomechanical and neurological interaction between the axial and peripheral skeleton, and the most updated research related to spinal pathology in horses is discussed. Functional neurological and neurophysiological concepts are important in-depth topics presented in the Base Course, that will both be extended in the Advanced Course. To add to the more traditional modalities, the program will involve the presentation of diagnostic methods in different forms of manual therapy to offer insight in current complementary possibilities in the assessment of equine spinal disorders.

Base Course practice

In the practical sessions, participants are taught how to complete a detailed and systematic spinal-pelvic examination, followed by objective documentation of the clinical findings. The clinical examination and manual therapy techniques applied in the course are primarily based on human chiropractic evaluation procedures. In the third module students will begin with the training of spinal manipulative techniques. The Base Course furthermore offers the start of unridden and ridden spinal and gait analysis by structured observation training, that will be worked out throughout the Base and Advanced Course.

Advanced Course theory and practice

In the Advanced Course, students are challenged to translate diagnostic findings into a well-reasoned therapeutic plan, based on functional anatomic insights, knowledge on regeneration processes and (sport)horsemanship.

The FES Advanced Course objectively evaluates various manual therapy techniques and rehabilitation approaches, used to manage disorders and dysfunctioning of the equine spine and pelvis. Evidence-based discussions on the application of medical, surgical, acupuncture, chiropractic, physiotherapy, osteopathic techniques and training styles are presented in a scientific format.

The practical sessions of the FES Advanced Course build on and add to the clinical examination techniques of the Base Course and provide ample opportunity to continue the development of skills in the application of high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts associated with spinal manipulative therapies in a safe and supervised environment. The observation training started in the Base Course is developed into a structured evaluation of proper saddle fit and assessment of rider and bitting influences on spinal function and performance.

To successfully complete the FES Advanced Course, participants will be expected to practice palpation, observation, mobilization and spinal manipulative techniques extensively outside of the course .