HORSE MASSAGERS RUBBED WRONG WAY BY LAW

HORSE MASSAGERS RUBBED WRONG WAY BY LAW

SACRAMENTO (Wireless Flash) -- Professional horse masseuses are being rubbed the wrong way by a proposed California law. The bill would require people who professionally massage horses take special classes and register with the state's Veterinary Medical Board. But a spokesman for the International Association of Equine Sports Massage Therapists says the requirements could rub horse masseurs right out of the business. Robert W. Nelson claims the new requirements would prevent many horse massage therapists from practicing unless they attend what he calls "useless classes" while jumping through bureaucratic hoops. Meanwhile, California Assemblyman Michael Briggs, author of the bill, claims the proposed law will prevent unqualified folks from massaging horses and possibly doing damage.