Professional Development
Lazaris Nerve Release Self Study
Date: September 2023 - September 2024
Hours: 100+
Objective: To further my knowledge on nerves, fascia and nerve compression, and how this would affect the physical and mental state of a horse.
Description: Completed as CPD following the time I spent shadowing Yasmin Stuart who integrates these techniques into her treatments, this course is centred around anatomical knowledge of the peripheral nervous system and fascia, and using this to create a holistic treatment as part of an empathetic approach.
Reflection:
What? After graduating in May 2023, I wanted to further my knowledge on the nervous system, how this affects the horse’s body and constructing an empathetic treatment plan for sensitive horses who struggled with traditional massage techniques. Completing the course gave me insight to alternative methods of treatment that I could incorporate into a session, and the techniques have been well received by both owners and horses when I have used them.
So what? I was introduced to a new technique, thus expanding my treatment modality ‘toolbox’ and I was able to actively apply to challenging cases with great success.
Now what? I have continued to implement this into my practice whilst I am completing my Masters and will continue to use my open-minded attitude to embrace new techniques I may come across and incorporate them if appropriate.
Outcome: I have developed a new technique, thus building on my manual therapy skills and my adaptability to alter my plan to the individual requirements of each horse.
RockTape® CPD Day
Date: March 2023
Hours: 8
Objective: To explore the science behind kinesiology tape and how this can be incorporated into rehabilitation programmes for support, proprioceptive input and to aid in the recovery from a variety of ailments.
Description: I completed a full day of learning theory and practical skills, beginning by applying tape to each other to understand the process before moving onto the horses. This day provided us with the general techniques required to apply RockTape in a complimentary way to massage, as well as specific applications for injuries and conditions.
Reflection:
What? As part of my undergraduate degree, we were offered a place on a RockTape CPD day, which provided is with the theory and skills to implement kinesiology taping into our practice following our graduation.
So what? I really valued the opportunity to complete a beneficial day of learning, and I’m pleased I have been able to put the techniques I learnt into practice. I also enjoyed seeing how the horses responded to the application, including almost immediate alterations in gait patterns, showing this could have a place in improving muscular asymmetries.
Now what? I will continue using RockTape application in my practice, and I look forwards to seeing how many more horses will benefit from its use in my practice. I would also like to explore the use of RockTape in canine practice, as I feel this could be hugely beneficial to some of the dogs that are treated at my work that do not respond optimally to traditional treatments.
Outcome: I have added a valuable technique to my ‘toolbox’ that I have been able to use with repeatable great success with my own clients, and will continue to use going forwards to complement the things I learn throughout my Masters.
Shadowing Jim Hurden and Yasmin Stuart
Date: 2020 - 2024
Objective: I observed other practitioners in the equine industry, developing my client communication skills and learning through observation. This also allowed me to visit a multitude of different yards and meet many different people and their horses.
Description: I spent an extensive number of days (estimated 300+hrs) during summer holidays and weekends shadowing Yasmin Stuart (equine physiotherapist and lecturer) and Jim Hurden (animal and human osteopath) whilst they worked on their rehabilitation and maintenance horses.
Reflection:
What? Shadowing other professionals provides valuable insight to working in the equine industry for a trainee equine industry, including how to communicate effectively with both owners and other professionals. I was able to observe the treatment of post-surgical cases, sensitive horses and top-level competition horses which provided me with the opportunity to observe how each practitioners adapted their treatment plan to best suit the horse in front of them to achieve an optimum outcome.
So what? Shadowing professionals to this extent, especially two with very different techniques was hugely influential to my decision to pursue my Veterinary Physiotherapy qualification; I was exposed to further treatment modalities, which allowed me to truly understand the purpose of CPD and pursuing further knowledge.
Now what? Following completion of the 2nd year of this Masters, I would like to incorporate shadowing professionals into my work schedule; there will always be practitioners who will know more than I do currently, and I am extremely keen to further my knowledge however I can. This will allow me to become the best version of myself, and offer a superior treatment standard to my clients.
Outcome: This allowed me to experience working with clients in the equine industry and a variety of treatment modalities, which I inspired me to strive to keep developing my own practice further.
Canine OSPE
Date: 23/11/2025
Objective: As part of an assessment, we undertake a practical exam determining competence and correct handling of dogs, paired with an ability to communication clearly with an owner and/or other professional.
Description: I completed the OSPE exam to a high standard (with a score of 100/100), showing my ability to confidently select equipment, remove a dog from their crate and present for assessment.
Reflection:
What? Due to my equine-focussed previous qualification, I did not have to complete an equine OSPE. I was however, anxious going into my canine exam not due to a lack of experience but that my bad habits that I have accumulated over time would negatively affect my final result. I was the last in my cohort to complete my exam, so my dog’s tolerance of removal from the crate had definitely worn thin but with patience (and the help of cheese), he was very cooperative and we were able to complete all tasks to a high standard.
So what? The patience and willingness to work at the dog’s pace allowed me to successfully complete my OSPE and I was extremely pleased with my result. This also helped boost my confidence going into future assessments.
Now what? I will continue to develop my clinical proficiency in canine and equine handling, and I will extend this to my future treatments.
Outcome: I successfully completed my ‘proof of competency’ exam, and simultaneously improved confidence in my abilities.
Canine Orthopaedic Cases at The Woodbridge Vets
Date: June 2025 ongoing
Objective: To develop rehabilitation protocols alongside my orthopaedic colleagues for procedures completed at my place at work (including TPLO, hemilaminectomy, luxating patella, FHNE and PAUL) to improve recovery rates.
Description: I have been working with our orthopaedic vets at a small animal practice to develop rehabilitation plans for our post-orthopaedic surgery cases, offering a new level of in-house care and subsequently improving recovery rates.
Reflection:
What? Since June 2025, following my application to this Masters and a personal research product in canine CCL rupture and recovery, I have been assisting with the creation of post-operative care and rehabilitation plans, tailored to each individual case. This has subsequently exposed me to a variation of orthopaedic procedures I am likely to encounter in my future practice.
So what? This has given me the opportunity to familiarise myself with procedures from the veterinary side and I am aware this is something physiotherapists aren’t often able to do. I am also developing plans whilst under the guidance of highly skilled individuals, backed by supporting research.
Now what? I will continue developing my skills alongside my colleagues whilst I complete my Masters and I hope to consolidate my place as an in-house physiotherapist following my graduation.
Outcome: Gaining invaluable experience that compliments the learning I am doing as part of my Masters, and this will hopefully progress naturally into a position following my graduation.