Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute

What Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute does

Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute (legally Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Resources, LLC) is a privately held, founder-led company established in 1990 and headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The company develops and distributes animal acupressure educational content and reference products grounded in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles, including meridian theory, Five-Element Theory, acupoint energetics, and Tui Na massage, applied to horses, dogs, and cats. Its core technology consists of codified TCM-based acupressure protocols, species-specific acupoint databases (covering 150+ major acupoints), and reference applications for iOS; the platform architecture is a multi-channel stack combining a Shopify e-commerce storefront, Apple App Store distribution, and proprietary online learning environments (learn.animalacupressure.com and SchoolAIT on Kajabi).

The product portfolio spans three foundational species-specific guidebooks (ACU-HORSE, ACU-DOG, ACU-CAT priced at $45.95–$46.95), supplementary anatomy and pathology manuals (priced at $65–$68), laminated meridian charts and 5-Element chart sets, training DVDs, two iOS mobile apps at $14.99 each, and progressively launched online courses (Fundamentals of Equine Acupressure Levels 1 and 2, bundled at $79.99–$129.95). The 300-hour NBCAAM-approved certification programs are delivered in combination with the affiliated School of Applied Integrative Therapy (SchoolAIT) via 250 hours online and a 50-hour 5-Day Intensive retreat, with credits accredited through NCBTMB and Niel Asher Education.

Tallgrass operates a direct-to-consumer go-to-market with content-led acquisition through blogs, webinars, social channels, and an affiliate program on goaffpro, shipping globally via USPS with payment methods spanning major cards, PayPal, Shop Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and iDEAL. Customer segments include individual animal guardians, veterinary and animal bodywork professionals, equine industry participants, and trainers, with no large enterprise customers and a fragmented, long-tail revenue base. The business is bootstrapped under the continued leadership of co-founders Nancy Zidonis and Amy Snow, with no external funding rounds and an 11–50 employee footprint.

Name

Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute

Legal name

Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Resources, LLC

Website

https://animalacupressure.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute is a privately held, founder-led publisher and educator founded in 1990 that develops TCM-based animal acupressure training products — books, anatomy/pathology manuals, meridian charts, DVDs, iOS apps, and NBCAAM-approved certification courses — for horses, dogs, and cats, serving animal guardians, veterinarians, and bodywork practitioners globally via direct-to-consumer e-commerce.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Animal Acupressure Education and Training

NAICS

Pet Care (except Veterinary) Services (81291), Pet Care (except Veterinary) Services (812910)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Behavioral Medicine & Training-Integrated Veterinary Services (HLAMAAAI)

Keywords

• Animal acupressure training
• Equine acupressure education
• Canine acupressure certification
• Traditional Chinese Medicine animals
• Animal wellness resources

Headquarters

HQ city

Albuquerque

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Product Sales: Direct sales of books, meridian charts, DVDs, and training materials through e-commerce storefront. One-time purchases with physical and digital delivery options.
2. Online Courses and Certification: Fee-based online courses and certification programs through SchoolAIT partnership. 300-hour NBCAAM-approved certification programs combining online distance study with hands-on training components.
3. Mobile Applications: iOS applications for equine and canine acupoint reference and client management, priced at $14.99 per app.
4. Affiliate Program: Commission-based affiliate sales program for animal acupressure advocates and partners.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute sells species-specific acupressure training materials and certification programs for horses, dogs, and cats. The catalog includes printed guidebooks (ACU-HORSE, ACU-DOG, ACU-CAT), anatomical and pathology reference manuals, laminated meridian and Five-Element charts, training DVDs, two iOS acupoint reference apps, and online continuing-education courses that lead to a 300-hour NBCAAM-approved practitioner certification delivered via the affiliated School of Applied Integrative Therapy (SchoolAIT).

Product overview

Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute offers a comprehensive educational ecosystem for animal acupressure training, centered on an integrated portfolio of books, meridian charts, DVDs, mobile apps, and online courses. The core product line includes three foundational species-specific guidebooks (ACU-HORSE, ACU-DOG, ACU-CAT) serving as primary learning texts, supplemented by anatomical manuals (Equine/Canine Acupoints & Anatomy Manuals) and health/pathology manuals for professional practice. The company provides laminated meridian charts in multiple formats (standard 11x17, compact 8.5x11, and 5-Element sets) for all three animal types, plus specialized resources including the Zang-Fu Patterns & Vital Substances Chart and Equine Stretch Poster. Digital and physical training DVDs cover session protocols and anatomy across equine and small animal species. Two iOS mobile apps (Equine AcuPoints and Canine AcuPoints at $14.99 each) provide practitioner tools for point location and client records. The company has recently expanded into online learning with Fundamentals of Equine Acupressure Level 1 and Level 2 courses (2024), bundled together as a foundation program, alongside the established International Acupressure & TCM Program with live Zoom guidance and the SchoolAIT 5-Day Intensive hands-on certification training. All certification programs are NBCAAM-approved with CEU credits available through NCBTMB.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SchoolAIT (School of Applied Integrative Therapy): Affiliate organization providing hands-on certification programs and intensive training for animal acupressure practitioners.

Products and services

• ACU-HORSE: A Guide to Equine Acupressure Full-color, 230-page spiral-bound guidebook providing step-by-step acupressure session instructions for horses, covering 12 Major Meridians, two Extraordinary Vessels, assessment protocols, hands-on techniques, and 35+ condition charts for equine health and behavioral issues, priced at $46.95.
• ACU-DOG: Guide to Canine Acupressure Full-color, 200+ page guidebook for dog guardians and practitioners with step-by-step acupressure protocols, Traditional Chinese Medicine theories, 12 Major Meridians coverage, and 32 canine health and emotional condition charts, priced at $45.95.
• ACU-CAT: A Guide to Feline Acupressure 220+ page feline acupressure manual with anatomically detailed charts and photographs, two acupressure session protocols, Traditional Chinese Medicine concepts, and 30+ feline condition charts for cat health issues, priced at $45.95.
• Equine Acupoints & Anatomy Manual Comprehensive reference for equine acupressure and acupuncture covering over 150 major equine acupoints, surface landmarks, anatomical drawings, 12 Major Meridians, Conception & Governing Vessels, and acupoint classifications including association, alarm, source, connecting, master, Jing-Well, and influential points, priced at $68.00.
• Canine Acupoints & Anatomy Manual Essential resource for holistic professionals covering over 150 major canine acupoints, axial and appendicular skeleton details, major joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and acupoint classifications including Jing-Well points, sold at varying price points.
• Equine Health & Pathology Manual Essential resource providing baseline health and pathology information for equine bodyworkers to safely stay within Scope of Practice, covering vital signs, emergency conditions, nervous system, GI, cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, dermatologic, ophthalmic, infectious, and musculoskeletal systems, priced at $65.00.
• Canine Health & Pathology Manual Baseline information resource for canine bodyworkers covering vital signs, emergency conditions, eyes/nose/mouth, skin system, respiratory system, infectious and zoonotic diseases, providing tools to recognize conditions requiring veterinary attention, sold at varying price points.
• Meridian and Five-Element Chart Sets (Equine, Canine, Feline) Laminated reference chart family covering 11x17 and 12x18 inch formats for equine, canine, and feline acupoints, including individual meridian charts, Five-Element Chart Sets, and the Zang-Fu Patterns & Vital Substances Chart, priced between $18.00 and $57.00.
• Animal Acupressure Training DVDs Training DVD product line covering Introduction to Equine Acupressure, Equine Acupoints & Anatomy, Canine Acupoints & Anatomy, and Small Animal Acupressure, with 50-minute runtime each, priced between $25.00 (digital) and $45.00 (DVD).
• Equine AcuPoints App (iOS) iOS mobile app for horse practitioners providing clear images of all 12 Major Meridians, acupoint classifications, detailed point location/energetics/functions, commonly used acupoints for specific equine conditions, and a Records tab for client records, priced at $14.99 on the Apple App Store.
• Canine AcuPoints App (iOS) iOS mobile app for dog practitioners providing clear images of all 12 Major Meridians, acupoint classifications, commonly used acupoints for 15 specific canine conditions, acupoint energetics/functions review, and a Records tab for client records, priced at $14.99 on the Apple App Store.
• Fundamentals of Equine Acupressure - Level 1 Online Course Self-paced 2-hour online course by Nancy Zidonis and Amy Snow, presented by Lori Perez, LAc. Covers TCM principles, Qi/meridians/equine energetic body, key acupoints, and safe acupressure techniques. Includes 90 minutes of video, downloadable workbook, self-assessment exam, certificate of completion, and 4 CEU hours through NCBTMB and NBCAAM via Niel Asher Education, priced at $79.99 (21% off from $99.99).
• Fundamentals of Equine Acupressure - Level 2 Online Course Advanced 100-minute online course building on Level 1, covering key acupoints for musculoskeletal/systemic support, meridian pathways, point combinations for tension/imbalance, and session structuring from assessment to after-care, with 4 CEU hours through NCBTMB.
• Fundamentals of Equine Acupressure Bundle - Courses 1 & 2 Bundle combining Level 1 and Level 2 Fundamentals of Equine Acupressure online courses with expert-led video tutorials, downloadable workbooks, and certificates for each level, lifetime access, mobile-friendly delivery, priced at $129.95 (36% off from $199.95).
• International Acupressure & TCM Program Online international program for Equine or Small Animal Acupressure including Traditional Chinese Medicine overview, Meridian Theory, Acupoint Classification, Landmark Anatomy and Acupoint Energetics, Indicators and Assessment, and Proficiency Verification, featuring real-time interactive guidance and Zoom meetings.
• SchoolAIT 300-Hour NBCAAM-Approved Certification Program 300-hour NBCAAM Approved Certification in Equine or Small Animal Acupressure combining 250 hours of Online/Distance Study with 50 hours of Hands-On Training, including a 5-Day Intensive Retreat (next session: October 10-14, 2026, Spearfish, South Dakota). The SchoolAIT partnership carries on Tallgrass's hands-on and online certification course work and honors eligible Tallgrass coursework toward completion.
• Canine Rehabilitation & Acupressure-Massage Webinar 1-hour educational webinar originally presented for the UK Rehabilitation Congress covering how Traditional Chinese Medicine principles complement modern canine rehabilitation through acupressure and Tui Na massage, with two multiple-choice quizzes and a certificate upon completion.

Quantifiable outcome

• 300-hour NBCAAM-approved certification programs
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• SchoolAIT (School of Applied Integrative Therapy)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchoolAIT partnership to carry on Tallgrass hands-on & online course work. Provides 300-hour NBCAAM-approved certification programs in Equine and Small Animal Acupressure. 5-Day Intensive training retreats hosted at Seven Down Arenas in Spearfish, SD. Honors eligible Tallgrass coursework toward certification completion.
• Hocking CollegemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTallgrass developed the premier online Animal Acupressure Program in conjunction with Hocking College, establishing formal educational credentials.
• NBCAAM (National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage)coreOthersTallgrass is a Provider of Animal Acupressure Resources for NBCAAM since its inception. NBCAAM provides examinations that uphold highest professional standards for animal acupressure and massage practitioners. Tallgrass certification programs are NBCAAM-approved.
• Holistic Actions!minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner organization dedicated to animal welfare and holistic health advocacy. Tallgrass members receive discount on Holistic Actions! membership using discount code 'Tallgrass'.
• IAAMB/ACWT (International Animal Massage and Bodywork Association)minorOthersMembers share common goal of advancing the field of animal massage and bodywork. Association encourages dialog among providers and schools of thought within the field.
• Niel Asher EducationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAccreditation partner for Fundamentals of Equine Acupressure courses. Certificates accredited by Niel Asher Education and suitable for professional development and CE credit.
• Animal Wellness GuideminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFeatured partner providing expert articles and tips on natural animal health as well as business and marketing advice for practitioners.
• NCBTMB (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork)majorOthersCE certification provider for Tallgrass online courses. 4 CEU hours available through NCBTMB for course completion.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Niel Asher Education: Continuing-education accreditation body and online course publisher for bodyworkers (already a Tallgrass accreditation partner). Comparable as a broader CE/certified learning platform serving therapeutic practitioners across modalities.

Direct peers

• Healing Touch for Animals: Provides certification programs and workshops in energy-based and acupressure-style bodywork for companion animals and horses. Closely comparable on small-class hands-on animal bodywork certification at practitioner level.
• College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies (CIVT): Offers distance-learning certifications and continuing education in integrative animal therapies including acupressure, nutrition, and herbal medicine for animal health practitioners. Overlaps Tallgrass on curriculum, modalities, and certification/go-to-market.
• Chi Institute (now US Integrative Veterinary Medicine / USIVM): Major provider of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine education including acupuncture and herbal training for veterinarians, technicians, and practitioners. Directly comparable to Tallgrass as a competing animal TCM/acu training brand with certification pathways.
• Tellington TTouch Training: Well-known animal bodywork/movement method with practitioner training, workshops, and equine/canine curricula. Adjacent modality with same practitioner-customer base and workshop-led distribution model.

Emerging players

• CuraCore Integrative Medicine and Education: Veterinarian-focused continuing education in integrative modalities including animal acupressure and rehabilitation. Comparable on modality education, target audience skews more veterinary than owner/practitioner.

Others

• International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork (IAAMB): Professional association representing animal massage and bodywork providers and schools (listed by Tallgrass as an industry partner). Comparable as a sector-organizing body and adjacent ecosystem participant in animal bodywork.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/AnimAcu
• Facebookfacebook.com/AnimalAcupressure
• Instagraminstagram.com/animalacupressureresources
• Xx.com/TGAA_CO

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Tallgrass Animal Acupressure Institute