ISBT-Equine Bowen Therapy / ISBT-Canine Bowen Therapy
Suzanne and Lisa discussing position
of moves at a stable in Hong Kong
 


Conducted by internationally experienced animal physical therapist, Suzanne Baker BSc DC Dip Acc., the two animal courses are the ISBT-Equine Bowen Therapy and the ISBT-Canine Bowen Therapy but the principles may be applied on many other animals.


For those students who have not studied a Bowen Therapy human course, a prerequisite is Module One (two days) of ISBT’s human course. This is essential to give the students experience of the techniques in order to gain an understanding of palpation and the level of pressure required. ISBT believes that without this experience, it is not possible to correctly and safely apply this work on animals.


Participating in at least part of the human course will also be useful for students to be able to treat horse riders. Many riders have back/pelvic problems, which may cause them to sit incorrectly and restrict movement. An unbalanced rider may cause the horse back pain, create resistance, stiffness, lameness and general poor performance.


Therapists who have trained with other schools may be required to demonstrate their application of the work.


As an additional prerequisite for the Equine Course, non horse owners will be required to provide evidence of their experience in horse management and horse handling.


Equine Course

Areas covered in Level 1 include:

 

  • Full Back and Neck
  • Sacrum
  • Shoulders
  • Hamstrings


Additional subjects covered include:

 

  • Assessment Procedures
  • Musculo-skeletal Anatomy
  • Equine Behaviour
  • Palpation Skills
  • Primary Veterinary Care
  • Veterinary Terminology
  • Saddlery
  • Shoeing

 

Areas covered in Level 2 include:

 

  • Revision of Level 1
  • TMJ (Jaw) 
  • Pectorals
  • Carpals
  • Obliques
  • Stifle
  • Advanced Sacral
  • Advanced Neck Techniques
  • Advanced Shoulder Techniques

 

Additional subjects covered include:

 

  • Gait Mechanics
  • Rider Problems
  • Saddle Fit
  • Equine Body Symmetry
  • Lameness Issues

 

 

Level 3 includes:

 

  • Revision of Level 2
  • Advanced Equine Palpation and Assessment
  • Advanced Gait and Lameness
  • Performance and Rider Problems
  • Therapist Level Saddlery
  • Therapist Level Teeth and Bitting
  • Therapist Level Shoeing
  • Therapist Level Safety Awareness
  • Insurance
  • Professional Code of Conduct
  • Case Studies Sharing and Feedback
  • Written Exam
  • Practical Exam

 

Canine Course

Level 1 course curriculum:

 

  • Theory and concepts of ISBT-Bowen Therapy Canine musculo-skeletal anatomy
  • Introducing fascia Veterinary terminology
  • Veterinary primary care
  • Canine behaviour and safety issues
  • Therapy practice on humans to obtain a good technique before working on dogs
  • Lumbar theory and practical
  • Mid back theory and practical
  • Shoulder theory and practical
  • Sequence use
  • After care

 

Level 2 course curriculum:

 

  • Further ISBT-Bowen practical session on humans
  • Revise Level 1 Sequences
  • Introduction to soft tissue structures
  • Body and gait assessment
  • Signs of ill health  
  • Common musculo-skeletal conditions
  • Neck theory and practical
  • Hamstrings theory and practical
  • Sacrum theory and practical
  • Sequence use

 

Levels 1 and 2 are very suitable for professionals, non-professionals and dog owners. Those students who wish to continue their training towards a Therapist qualification will be required to complete Levels 3 to 5 including case studies submission. They will also need to have completed Modules 1 & 2 of the ISBT Human Bowen Therapy course (or certification from an approved Bowen school) to obtain their Therapist certificate and practising insurance. ISBT Canine Therapists will be required to have a good understanding of Human Bowen Therapy.

 

Levels 3 & 4 course curriculum:

 

  • Revision
  • Advanced gait and lameness
  • Breed specific musculo-skeletal conditions
  • TMJ (Jaw) & Lymph
  • Carpals/Metacarpals
  • Obliques
  • TFL/Knee
  • Adductors
  • Advanced neck techniques
  • Case studies sharing and feedback 

 

Level 5 course curriculum:

 

  • Revision 
  • Advanced canine palpation and assessment
  • Therapist level rehabilitation and repair
  • Therapist level safety and handling
  • Insurance
  • Professional code of conduct
  • Case studies sharing and feedback
  • Written exam
  • Practical exam

Course Dates

Hong Kong 2026

 

Canine Course Level 1 - Jan 31 & Feb 07-08 2026


For course information contact:

[email protected]
www.Bowen-Therapy.hk/Course-Dates