Equine physio: any experience?

[Ormirian]

Hi horsey folks! I'd really appreciate the benefit of your wit and wisdom please.

DD rides and loves horses. She is keen to work with horses but I'm not sure stable girl is much of a career! She doesn't want to be a vet. She has found about people who work with horses as physics and is thinking about it.

Is anyone here a physio? Or used one for a horse? Is it something she could make a living out of?

Thankyou

Physios obviously, not "physics" - stupid iPhone!

cavemum - that would be great, thankyou

Found her! Her name is Mary Bromiley and she is based in Exmoor. She runs a number of courses, details on her website here. She has also written a number of books on the subject of equine massage, though many of them seem to be out of print. You may be able to find them on second hand websites, etc.

This is a quote from David Pipe (trainer and son of top trainer Martin Pipe) on hearing the news that Mary Bromiley had been awarded an MBE earlier this year:

I would like to start off by offering my heartfelt congratulations to Mary Bromiley for being awarded an MBE in the New Year's Honours List for services to equine sport. Mary pioneered the transference of human physiotherapy methods to horses many years ago and set up the country's only specialist horse and human rehabilitation centre at Down's House, as well as founding the "Flying Physios" who tend to injured jockey's at the race. Mary has tended to the horses at Pond House for many years and I have been privileged to see the amazing work that she has done first hand - not only does she care for the equine inmates, but such is her kind and caring nature, she has also helped numerous employees. I am sure that everyone in racing will join me in congratulating Mary on this award, it is a thoroughly deserved recognition of her talents.
Mary helped my father Martin to train countless winners and he is as delighted as anyone that she has been recognised. On hearing of her award he said "It was Mary who helped me to rebuild Carvill's Hill after all the bone scans and vets said that he would never be able to race again. He would certainly be one of her earlier success stories - we defied them by winning the Rehearsal Chase, Welsh National and Irish Hennessy. None of it would have been possible without Mary's regular contribution and expertise. It wasn't just the horses that she was so good with either, she helped to fix numerous members of staff and I was also a patient of hers as she helped considerably with the rebuilding of my new knee. She certainly put me through my paces, both before and after my operation! I couldn't be more pleased for Mary, it is great that she has been recognised for all that she has contributed to both equine and human health."

Thanks cavemum. That is really helpful.

Happy to help

It might also be worth looking at Bowen Therapy.
You are in a great part of the world for it as there is an excellent lady in Gloucestershire that offers training courses.

My old college lecturer does a lot of work with her and helped her to develop the training courses. Have a look at her site here

I was trained by Mary Bromiley, she's a formidable lady!
Although she is a physio herself the training she offers is for qualification as an Equine Sports Massage Therapist, not a chartered physiotherapist. Her course requires you to train as a human massage therapist first and to have extensive experience working with horses. She's getting on in years and takes no prisoners but her knowledge is incredible. Once qualified you can register with ESMA www.equinemassageassociation.co.uk
Other equine massage courses are available through Equine energy based at Writtle College in Essex which do not required the human qualification.

Competition in the industry is hotting up as there are so many variations of physical therapy available from traditional physiotherapy to Bowen, Equine Touch, Craniosacral therapy, Mctimmoney I could go on....!
I'm happy to answer any other questions, yes I make a good living but it's hard, physical work and I wouldn't describe myself as rich!