“Choose a Job You Love, and You Will Never Have To Work a Day in Your Life.” 

 

I have been involved in the equine and canine industry for many years meaning I bring a broad and practical knowledge base to therapy and rehabilitation of my patients.  Animals are a great leveler and, although I have an extensive skill set to utilise in my role as a vet physio, I am constantly learning. I have a passion to continue expanding my skills and regularly attend training courses. Being a therapist is a vocation for me, not just a job. My enthusiasm is clear to everyone I work with. My goal is to improve the comfort and well being for every animal I work with. 

 

I have been a veterinary physiotherapist since 2017, after completing my post graduate training at Harper Adams University. I am a member of the institute of registered veterinary and animal physiotherapists (IRVAP) and a registrant of the Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners (RAMP), the industry gold standard for veterinary musculoskeletal (MSK) practitioners. My professional registration is recognised by the majority of pet and horse insurance companies. I am insured for public and professional liability. I maintain my registration and insurance to provide reassurance I am offering an effective, safe and evidence-based service to support your animals' quality of life. 

 

Prior to undertaking my vet physio training, I have worked as a head groom for international and British team riders in a variety of disciplines, instructed across three countries (English and western), judged, been a stud groom and worked my way up through the BHS and Pony Club training programmes. Personally I’ve bred, produced and competed my own horses, all the way to national level (dressage). I now have two horses and a spare, my current main horse is the daughter of the first horse I ever owned. 

 

In 2012 I started fostering dogs for Many Tears Animal Rescue. After I had fostered, rehabilitated and rehomed over 100 dogs I stopped counting how many dogs had passed through my home in Exmouth. Volunteering with the rescue means I have been a step on the journey to happiness for some of the most physically and mentally abused dogs anyone has seen in the U.K. I’m proud to say every dog  has gone on to be a much loved family member. In 2014 I set up a dog home boarding business, while undertaking my vet physio training. Through the business I’ve cared for numerous dogs while their owners have been away or working. My own dogs are all puppy farm rescues (rescue is the best breed) and I’ve enjoyed training and low level agility with several of them. Over the years I have worked as a volunteer vet nurse in both small animal and equine veterinary practices. Being active in the animal sector I’ve also completed many practical hours working with farm animals, primarily dairy, sheep and goats. 

 

My first degree — a long time ago — was in Equine Science (BSc, University of the West of England). After graduating from Hartpury College I had a successful career in the NHS as a regional Public Health manager. I developed regional and national policies on a wide range of topics including smoking, mental and sexual health.  While in the NHS I completed several post graduate qualifications in health improvement and public health, this gave me the opportunity to compete on the university riding teams. My work within the NHS provided me with the skills to translate scientific evidence base and clinical research into practical results and user friendly language. This transferable skill set is still beneficial today when talking to owners and carers about the most appropriate therapy and rehabilitation options for their animal.