EQ2020: Equine Lymphatic Drainage
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Location:
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Learn Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) with Lola Michelin, LMT, LAMT, SAMT, internationally recognized educator and pioneer in animal bodywork. This course explores the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system—the body’s intricate and essential waste management network responsible for maintaining fluid balance and supporting immune function.
Based on established human methodologies and carefully adapted for use with animals, MLD is a gentle yet powerful technique designed to relieve lymphatic congestion and stagnation while enhancing detoxification and overall wellness.
This modality is especially beneficial for horses in competition, those recovering from injury or illness, and aging equines with metabolic or circulatory considerations. Through a blend of lecture, demonstration, and guided hands-on practice, participants will gain both the theoretical understanding and practical skills necessary to safely and effectively incorporate MLD into their professional work.
Upon completion of this course, participants will:
-
Describe the structure and function of the lymphatic system and its role in immune and circulatory health.
-
Identify common signs of lymphatic congestion or dysfunction in equine clients.
-
Learn and apply Manual Lymphatic Drainage techniques adapted for use with horses.
-
Understand how MLD supports healing, recovery, and performance optimization across a range of equine conditions.
-
Integrate MLD techniques within a broader bodywork, conditioning, or rehabilitation program to promote whole-horse wellness.
This course is open to anyone with a working knowledge of veterinary vocabulary, anatomy and horse handling skills. Students new to the field are welcome to participate but must first register for the EQ50: Equine Anatomy Precourse Distance Study. Participants of the Equinology® Equine Body Worker Certification course will be well prepared for this course, even if the externship has not yet been completed.
Course Materials (included in tuition):
Course Handouts
Externship (included in tuition):
Externship Grading (Case Studies and Visual Presentation)
Lola Michelin, LMP, LAMP, SAMP
Lola Michelin founded the Northwest School of Animal Massage in 2001. She has practiced animal massage for over 30 years and massage for people since 1998. A graduate of the Animal Science program at Michigan State University, she has work experience in both the veterinarian and zoological fields. Lola is a founding board member of the National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage (NBCAAM).
Currently, Lola maintains a private practice for animals in addition to teaching and curriculum development. She consults with zoological park veterinary teams and owns Paxhia Farm, an equine retirement and rehabilitation facility on Vashon Island. She speaks and writes regularly on the topic of animal bodywork and is active in promoting standards of practice and legislation for the industry. Her interests include equestrian competition and foxhunting. Her work has been featured in numerous magazines and she appears on television and radio as an advocate for animal therapies.
A $350 deposit is required to hold your spot in a course – the remainder of the tuition is due at least 45 days prior to the course start date. The $350 deposit is nonrefundable and nontransferable, and is credited to the total tuition for the course. Confirmation letters, course outlines, required pre-study (if applicable), directions and lodging options will be sent when the $350 deposit has been received.
Learn Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) with Lola Michelin, LMT, LAMT, SAMT, internationally recognized educator and pioneer in animal bodywork. This course explores the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system—the body’s intricate and essential waste management network responsible for maintaining fluid balance and supporting immune function.
Based on established human methodologies and carefully adapted for use with animals, MLD is a gentle yet powerful technique designed to relieve lymphatic congestion and stagnation while enhancing detoxification and overall wellness.
This modality is especially beneficial for horses in competition, those recovering from injury or illness, and aging equines with metabolic or circulatory considerations. Through a blend of lecture, demonstration, and guided hands-on practice, participants will gain both the theoretical understanding and practical skills necessary to safely and effectively incorporate MLD into their professional work.
Upon completion of this course, participants will:
-
Describe the structure and function of the lymphatic system and its role in immune and circulatory health.
-
Identify common signs of lymphatic congestion or dysfunction in equine clients.
-
Learn and apply Manual Lymphatic Drainage techniques adapted for use with horses.
-
Understand how MLD supports healing, recovery, and performance optimization across a range of equine conditions.
-
Integrate MLD techniques within a broader bodywork, conditioning, or rehabilitation program to promote whole-horse wellness.
This course is open to anyone with a working knowledge of veterinary vocabulary, anatomy and horse handling skills. Students new to the field are welcome to participate but must first register for the EQ50: Equine Anatomy Precourse Distance Study. Participants of the Equinology® Equine Body Worker Certification course will be well prepared for this course, even if the externship has not yet been completed.
Course Materials (included in tuition):
Course Handouts
Externship (included in tuition):
Externship Grading (Case Studies and Visual Presentation)
Lola Michelin, LMP, LAMP, SAMP
Lola Michelin founded the Northwest School of Animal Massage in 2001. She has practiced animal massage for over 30 years and massage for people since 1998. A graduate of the Animal Science program at Michigan State University, she has work experience in both the veterinarian and zoological fields. Lola is a founding board member of the National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage (NBCAAM).
Currently, Lola maintains a private practice for animals in addition to teaching and curriculum development. She consults with zoological park veterinary teams and owns Paxhia Farm, an equine retirement and rehabilitation facility on Vashon Island. She speaks and writes regularly on the topic of animal bodywork and is active in promoting standards of practice and legislation for the industry. Her interests include equestrian competition and foxhunting. Her work has been featured in numerous magazines and she appears on television and radio as an advocate for animal therapies.
A $350 deposit is required to hold your spot in a course – the remainder of the tuition is due at least 45 days prior to the course start date. The $350 deposit is nonrefundable and nontransferable, and is credited to the total tuition for the course. Confirmation letters, course outlines, required pre-study (if applicable), directions and lodging options will be sent when the $350 deposit has been received.