Professional Development Equine

Upcoming Courses

• Introduction to the Equine Patient (Independent Study) – always available
• Introduction to Equine Rehabilitation – September 12-14, 2025 Spruce Grove, AB
• Advanced Equine Rehabilitation – May 30-June2, 2025 Spruce Grove, AB

Introduction to the Equine Patient – Independent Study Course
This course is open to physiotherapists with an interest in animals. It includes a multiple choice exam, designed to assist you with your learning of this material, and upon successful completion of the exam (with a grade of 85% or better) you will receive a certificate of completion. The course materials will serve as the prerequisite for physical therapists wanting to take the Introduction to Equine Rehabilitation Course in the future. Course Flyer.

Introduction to Equine Rehabilitation
The purpose of this course is to provide the participant with a fundamental understanding of functional anatomy and palpation, equine behaviour as it relates in a therapeutic setting, and the ability to perform a rudimentary musculoskeletal and neurological assessment of the horse. Participants will be guided to use their existing problem solving knowledge and understanding of basic physiotherapy principles and treatment techniques when confronted with equine specific conditions and pathologies.

September 2025 – Course Flyer

Advanced Equine Rehabilitation
A 4-day advanced course to build on the skills and information presented in Introduction to Equine Rehab. Pre-requisite: Introduction to Equine Rehabilitation.

May 2025 – Course Flyer

Diploma in Equine Rehabilitation
To view the process and requirements of the Diploma in Equine Rehabilitation, please click here.

Policies Related to ARD Courses

Policy on Eligibility for registering for ARD courses
(updated as of December 10, 2018)

Physiotherapists who are licenced in Canada or retired are eligible to complete the ARD Canine and Equine diploma series of courses. (Internationally trained physiotherapists interested in taking the courses can apply for special permission to take the courses). More on eligibility here.

Exceptions:

Students in their final year of a recognized Physiotherapy Program may complete the ARD Independent Home Study course (Introduction to the Canine Patient or Introduction to the Equine Patient) only. The students have to graduate and register as a physiotherapist in Canada before participating in the Introduction to and Advanced Canine or Equine Rehabilitation courses.
Veterinarians or veterinary technicians may be eligible (on a case-by-case basis) to complete ARD courses, provided that they have certification in Canine or Equine Rehabilitation from a recognized institution.
Physiotherapists who are in the process of completing the ‘Introduction to the Canine Patient’ or ‘Introduction to the Equine Patient’ courses are eligible to register for the ‘Introduction to Canine/Equine Rehabilitation’ course(s), provided the self-test from the Home Study course is submitted at least 3 weeks prior to the start of the ‘Introduction to Canine/Equine Rehabilitation’ course (to allow enough time to be marked and processed).

Policy on ARD Course Discounts
There are no circumstances under which ARD course fees will be discounted (to students, new graduates or other), beyond the course discount already offered to ARD members vs non-ARD members. The CPA and Division Membership fee is waived for Entry-Level Physiotherapy Students. New Graduates pay 50% of the CPA Membership and 100% of the Division Membership fee.