15/10/2026
WHO IS TREATING YOUR HORSE?
There is something we believe horse owners need to be talking about more.
Veterinary physiotherapy is not a regulated profession in the UK. That means the words “equine physio”, “animal therapist” or similar titles do not necessarily tell you what level of education, clinical training or competency the person has behind them. And this is where things become concerning.
Today, it is possible to access electrotherapy devices, therapeutic tools and even EPAs (electro-physical agents) without having completed the level of education required to understand their safe and appropriate clinical application.
A machine can look incredibly impressive, a treatment can look professional, a practitioner can appear knowledgeable, but the equipment is not the qualification.
There is a significant difference between knowing how to operate a device and understanding: Equine anatomy and biomechanics, pathophysiology and tissue healing, clinical reasoning, differential considerations, contraindications and precautions, appropriate treatment parameters, when a treatment is inappropriate, recognising signs that require veterinary investigation, rehabilitation principles and exercise prescription, how to monitor and modify a treatment plan, working safely alongside the veterinary team... and importantly, knowing when NOT to treat.
A horse presenting with pain, asymmetry or a change in performance cannot simply be viewed as a muscle that needs releasing. There may be an underlying orthopaedic, neurological, inflammatory or other medical problem. In the wrong hands, delaying appropriate veterinary investigation or applying an inappropriate intervention has the potential to do far more harm than good.
SO, ASK QUESTIONS.
Before allowing someone to treat your horse, ask:
“What qualifications do you hold?”
“What professional body are you registered with?”
“What did your course involve?”
“How much practical clinical training did you complete?”
“Do you work alongside my vet, farrier and other professionals?”
You should never feel awkward asking... a reputable practitioner should be happy to explain their education, scope of practice and professional standards. AND THIS MATTERS TO US. To become veterinary physiotherapists, we undertook extensive education covering the anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, pathology, assessment and rehabilitation of the animal patient- alongside substantial practical clinical training.
But qualification isn't the end of learning.
It is the beginning.
As our understanding of veterinary rehabilitation develops, we are changing the way we operate too. We are putting even greater emphasis on communication with the wider multidisciplinary team. That means recognising when veterinary input is needed, communicating findings appropriately, working alongside vets, farriers, saddlers and other professionals, and ensuring that physiotherapy forms one part of a wider clinical picture. Because ultimately, our responsibility isn't to provide a treatment simply because we can. It is to provide the right care for the individual horse... and to recognise when that care needs to involve someone else.
Your horse deserves more than an impressive machine and a treatment table.
Ask who is treating them. Ask what they are qualified to do. And don't be afraid to ask questions.
