TRAINING 

Osteopaths undergo a rigorous training of four or more years' duration. Once qualified, some osteopaths choose to specialise in the treatment of animals. Animal training courses vary from short 'tasters' to year-long post-graduate diploma courses.

I trained with Stuart McGregor at the Osteopathic Centre for Animals (OCA) over an academic year and achieved a post-graduate diploma in veterinary osteopathy. Training covered the key elements of anatomy, pathology, biomechanics, equitation, and the application of osteopathic principles and techniques to both the equine and canine form. With an excellent balance of practical and theoretical learning throughout, I gained lots of hands-on experience of treating horses and ponies of all types from children's first ponies to high-level eventers. 

Work experience with dogs was organised at clinics which attracted pet, working and agility dogs, and also at a greyhound kennels.