Program Overview
A good veterinarian is able to diagnose the source of the lameness and get the horse back to competition quickly; a great veterinarian is able to see variations in gait and performance before they lead to lameness and correct them as well as rehabilitate the horse after injury.
In this program, we will explore how the equine athlete functions. Beginning with the powerful way the muscles, bones, and tendons work together for high-level performance we will go on to develop skills to spot small performance deficits and learn ways to correct them, and then we will investigate the etiology of injury, the process of healing, the use of rehabilitation tools and case management.
The knowledge and skill gained in this program can be used in general equine practice, high-level sports medicine practice, and rehabilitation facilities. Our goal is to give you the tools to get your patients to their best possible performance.
Major Topics
This program is intended for veterinarians with little to no background in equine rehabilitation. The major topics in this course are:
- Muscle, tendon, and joint physiology
- Developing strong tissues to avoid injury
- Mechanism of action of rehabilitation therapies
- Cardiac and muscle issues for the performance horse
- Creating high-level performance programs
- The impact of environment on performance
- Hoof structures and balance
- Shoeing methods and corrections
Equine Rehabilitation and Performance Medicine Certification Track
Taught in English
For veterinarians and veterinary student only
80 RACE-approved CE hours
Curriculum
Session 1
PMBT (Photobiomodulation Therapy) I, II, & III
3h
Equine Strength and Proprioception
1h
Hyperbaric I & II
2h
Equine Conditioning
1h
Rehabilitation and Physical Exam
1h
Dynamic Mobilization Exercise and Unstable Surface
1h
Anatomy Review
1h
Demo: Gait Evaluation
1h
Lab : Painting Anatomy
1h
Lab : Exam & Therapy Case 1 (Laser, Digatherm, DME and Unstable Surface)
1.5h
Lab: Exam & Therapy Case 2 (Laser, Digatherm, DME and Unstable Surface)
1.5h
Equine Hoof Radiology
1h
Using Mechanics to Address Imbalance and Distortion
1h
Therapeutics and Keeping Yourself out of Trouble
1h
Lab: Yoga
1h
Lab: Corrections to Hoof Balance
1h
Demo : Assessing Hoof Balance
1h
Lab: Unstable surface, Dynamic Mobilization Exercises, Training Exercises
1h
Vibration Therapy
1h
Trigger Points and Fascia
1h
The Psoas
1h
Lab: Acupuncture Demo
1h
VMM Demo
0.5h
Lab: Cases using VMM, Acupuncture, Trigger Point Unstable Surface and Laser
3.5h
Lab: Case 1
1.5h
Round with whole class to discuss changes (horses stay)
0.5h
Lab: Case 2
1.5h
Round with whole class to discuss changes (horses stay)
0.5h
Session 2
Cryotherapy
1h
Heat Therapy
1h
Saddle Fit
2h
PEMF
1h
Cases
1h
Etiology of Injury
1h
Exercise Post-Injury
1h
Underwater Therapies
2h
Heart and Respiratory Response to Exercise
1h
Nutrition
2h
The Middle Compartment
1h
Counteracting Confinement
1h
Raising the Athletic Foal
1h
Young Horse in Training
1h
Role of PTs and Integrating Rehab into Practice
1h
Neuropathies
1h
Putting it Together
2h
Cardiology / Cardiac Architecture and Function
1h
Conditioning the Athlete
1h
Monitoring During Training: fitness and cardiac status
1h
Healing I
1h
Lab: Saddle Fit and General cases with saddle fitting
4h
Business of Rehab
1h
Gaining Client Compliance
1h
Horse-rider Dynamics
2h
Lab: Cases
4h
Healing II
1h
Rehab dry lab
1h
Update on joint
1h
Practical ultrasound in the field
1h
Lab: Cases
4h
Certification
CERPV Certification
Students of the Certified Veterinary Rehabilitation and Performance Medicine program are eligible for the Certified Equine Rehabilitation and Performance Veterinarian (CERPV) certification, endorsed by Chi.
The certification requirements are:
- Complete all sessions of the program.
- Pass Final Written Exam with a score above 75%.
Please note that Chi cannot issue any certification to veterinary students until their DVM or equivalent has been obtained.
Instructors
Elizabeth Yorke
DVM, DACVS-LA , CVA, CVMMP
Dr. Elizabeth Yorke graduated from the Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007. Dr. Yorke is board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. She spent five years as an associate professor of large animal surgery at Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine in Alabama prior to moving to Florida in 2020. During that time, she pursued her certification in equine medical manipulation and acupuncture through Chi University. She offers EMM clinical services at Chi Animal Hospital and is an instructor for the MSIVM-E program.
Enrollment Options
Semester
2026
Schedule & Tuition
Access to all sessions will end at the conclusion of the final session.
Session 1
Online Portion
Jul 1 - Aug 19, 2026
On-site Portion in Reddick, FL
Aug 20 - 23, 2026
$3,150.00
Session 2
Online Portion
Aug 24 - Dec 2, 2026
On-site Portion in Reddick, FL
Dec 3 - 5, 2026
Includes the CERPV Certification
$2,650.00
Payment Information
A $200.00 non-refundable course deposit is charged upon enrollment to reserve your seat.
Payment is due 60 days before the start date of each session, course, or event.
Add-ons
Printed Binders
$50.00 / on-site
Discounts
Prior Performance Horse Medicine Student Discount
-$375.00 / course