About the Institute
If you wish to download a printed prospectus, please click here.

The Institute was set up in 2002 and has rapidly established itself as a leading centre for those wishing to learn more about complementary therapies and their benefits in the animal kingdom.

ICAT is a registered training provider with UKRLP.

ICAT has gained international status with students attending from all over the United Kingdom and further afield. One keen learner attended from Moscow and is now the first equine massage therapist in Russia! As well as setting up practices in the UK, some of our graduates are based in Canada, Spain, Australia and new Zealand!

The Principal
The Principal and chief assessor is Julie Boxall who has been working with animals for over 28 years. Coming from an equestrian and agricultural background and having a love of dogs and horses, Julie developed a keen 'eye' for conformation and movement. It was this interest in muscles and locomotion that was to develop into a lifelong career with humans and animals! A qualified adult and further education teacher and practitioner of complementary therapies on humans and animals, Julie was initially trained by the late Pamela Hannay, who was Senior Instructor of the Ohashi Institute in New York. Julie is regarded as one of the most experienced animal massage therapists in the UK, having treated a vast variety of animals over the years from dogs, cats and horses to livestock including pigs, sheep and cattle. As an experienced horsewoman, she has a thorough understanding of the stresses and strains that various activities can place upon the equine athlete. She is very interested in the association of psycho physiologic factors that contribute to muscle tension in animals.

The Team
We are proud to have a professional team of experts who regularly lecture on the programmes including veterinarians, master saddlers, farriers, equine dentists and qualified ICAT graduates. Click here for more details of our team.

Working closely with this team, the ICAT courses are regularly updated to ensure that learners are informed about any new and exciting developments in animal therapy, health and safety information or practitioner legislation.

Location
ICAT equine workshops/courses are held at local BHS recognised stable yards in Devon. Facilities include use of undercover American style barns, indoor and outdoor schools and a comfortable classroom. The Canine courses are held in warm, comfortable, spacious surroundings with practical sessions held on site and plenty of good walks nearby.

Accommodation
This is available on site or in nearby B & B’s. A list of local accommodation is supplied upon receipt of booking. All horses are provided so there is no need to bring your own. Canine companions are most welcome to stay in the hotel, and to attend both the theory and practical sessions!

Features
Julie has frequently appeared on television and radio interviews including BBC Breakfast Time, Spotlight, Newsround, BBC Radio 4 'Farming Today', BBC Radio 2 'Terry Wogan Show', BBC Radio Devon 'Justin Leigh Show', as well as being featured in many national magazines. She has written and published several articles on animal massage and has regularly appeared as a guest speaker for major events such as: Paws in the Park, Your Horse Live and the Kennel Club Canine Sports Science Seminars.

 

ICAT looks forward to welcoming you in the near future.

Julie Boxall
PGCE, ITEC, MICHT, FHFS, ATLM, MIFL
Principal

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