Equine Veterinary Physiotherapy
Turn your passion for horses into a rewarding career by mastering expert clinical skills in equine physiotherapy.
in the country for Learning Opportunities.
Source: NSS 2024
Study at ARU in Writtle and focus on equine health and rehabilitation.
Based in the Equine Training and Development Centre, which is home to around 70 horses and state-of-the-art equipment. You’ll gain hands-on experience of assessment, rehabilitation and therapeutic techniques.
This is a four-year course that includes a Masters year. As a student here, you'll develop your clinical autonomy, research skills and professional readiness. When you graduate, you'll be ready for a successful career improving equine health and performance.
Our course is pending accreditation by the Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners (RAMP) and the Animal Health Professions' Register (AHPR).
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Learn from expert tutors who are qualified veterinary physiotherapists and veterinary surgeons.
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Use state-of-the-art equine facilities, featuring an equine yard, underwater treadmill, and therapy barns.
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Bring the world of work to life through Live Briefs, developed with employers to give you exposure to ‘real world’ problem-solving.
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Join an innovative four-year course, progressing to a Masters degree after three years.
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Careers
As a graduate, you'll be ready to build a rewarding career as an equine veterinary physiotherapist.
You’ll be able to assess and treat musculoskeletal issues, design rehabilitation programmes after injury or surgery, and collaborate with vets, trainers and horse owners.
You might choose to work in clinics or rehab centres, or establish your own equine therapy practice.
Teaching and modules
Dive into the exciting world of equine anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and biomechanics.
You’ll explore essential topics such as nutrition, exercise science, pharmacology, disease management and rehabilitation. Gain hands-on experience in our equine facilities, while building professional skills in research, business and ethics.
As you progress, you'll take on more independent learning and explore advanced therapeutic techniques, including massage, electrotherapy and remedial exercise. You’ll learn to apply scientific principles with confidence, preparing you for a successful career in clinical practice.
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- Foundations of Professional Skills (15 credits)
- Factors Affecting Equine Performance and Wellbeing (15 credits)
- Equine Anatomy and Physiology (30 credits)
- Equine Therapy Assessment: Principles and Practice (30 credits)
- Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Equine Nutrition, Behaviour and Welfare (30 credits)
- Ruskin Module (15 credits)
- Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics of Equine Movement (30 credits)
- Equine Principles and Applications of Manual Interventions (30 credits)
- Equine Health, Disease and Pain Mechanisms (15 credits)
- Equine Hydrotherapy and First Aid (15 credits)
- Research Methods (15 credits)
- Undergraduate Major Project (30 credits)
- Integrated Approaches to Equine Exercise Physiology (15 credits)
- Applied Techniques in Equine Massage, Rehabilitation and Hydrotherapy (30 credits)
- Equine Biomechanics and Pathophysiology (30 credits)
- Professional Development for Career Success (15 credits)
- Postgraduate Major Project(60 credits)
- Advanced Equine Therapy: Manual, Electrophysical Agents and Exercise Prescription (30 credits)
- Advancing Equine Clinical Skills and Professional Development (30 credits)
Our veterinary surgeons help to teach subjects such as anatomy, physiology and biomechanics. Meanwhile, our veterinary physiotherapists, who have extensive experience in equine hydrotherapy and canine rehabilitation, will be lecturing in rehabilitation, remedial exercise programmes and electrotherapy.
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Robin GillHead of Veterinary Physiotherapy
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Hope JamesonSenior Lecturer in Veterinary Physiotherapy
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Aidan McAteerLecturer in Veterinary Physiotherapy
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Alissia FinnLecturer
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Charlotte Coleman-FryLecturer in Equine and Veterinary Physiotherapy
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Professor Roberta BlakeProfessor
Facilities
Benefit from specialist facilities in our Equine Training and Development Centre, including:
- three indoor riding arenas (24m x 60m, 24m x 55m and 24m x 24m)
- a 20m x 60m outdoor arena
- oval horse walker
- therapy barns
- equine water treadmill
- solariums
- mechanical horse
- semen collection area
- stabling for up to 92 horses
- classrooms
You’ll also have access to specialist biomedical equipment including Tekscan Saddle Pressure System, Quintic Gait Analysis, Equimetre, VERT and Equinosis and F-Scan pressure sensors.
Equine Academy: support for talented riders
Are you a competition-level rider? Benefit from training sessions, stabling for your horse, and access to our equine facilities and experienced support staff. Find out more about Equine Academy eligibility and how to apply.
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On campus, the Equine Training and Development Centre features stables, riding arenas and a therapy barn including the latest technology.
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There are around 70 horses on campus, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get hands-on experience.
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Use the equine water treadmill to develop and apply rehabilitation and conditioning techniques for horses.
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Get experience of using electrotherapies, to support the treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions in canine and equine patients.
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Academy barn - Writtle students are able to bring their own horses to university with them on DIY livery.
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Central track and turnout which leads to our Equine Training and Development Centre
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The Therapy Barn is a large teaching space that allows presentations to be shared with students while simultaneously apply their learnt techniques.
