How to Become an Equine Physiotherapist (UK)

A practical, UK‑focused guide that maps real training routes using iPET Network qualifications to becoming an Equine Physiotherapist , plus earnings, related roles, and leading employers.

Quick overview

• Typical entry routes (UK):
  • Chartered route (ACPAT Cat A): BSc (Hons) in Human Physiotherapy → HCPC registration → MSc/Postgrad in Veterinary Physiotherapy.
  • Direct veterinary physiotherapy route: BSc/MSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy.
  • Skills- and Private Study route (equine therapy): iPET Network diplomas/certificates in Animal Sports Massage (equine & canine) and Equine Hydrotherapy to build specialist skills, work in rehab/hydro centres, and complement vet physio practice.
• Work settings: Equine hospitals & referral centres, vet practices, racing and performance yards, equine hydrotherapy & rehab centres, charities/sanctuaries, and self‑employed/mobile practice.
• Earning potential (headline): Employed ~£24k–£38k; senior/consultant up to ~£65k. Self‑employed often charge £40–£70+ per session (gross) depending on service and region.

What Does an Equine Physiotherapist Do?

• Assess gait, posture, range of motion, and soft‑tissue function.
• Design rehabilitation plans post‑injury or surgery (e.g., tendon/ligament, back, neck, sacroiliac issues).
• Deliver manual therapies (soft‑tissue techniques, joint mobilisations within scope), electrotherapies, remedial exercise programmes, and progressive loading plans.
• Liaise with vets, farriers, saddlers, and trainers; maintain clinical records and informed consent; follow veterinary referral rules.

Regulation note (UK): “Physiotherapist” is a protected title in human health, and animal physiotherapy has voluntary registers/standards. Employers and clients will look for membership/registration with bodies like ACPAT, NAVP, RAMP, or IRVAP and evidence of working under veterinary referral.

UK Training Routes to Become an Equine Physiotherapist

Chartered Physiotherapist Route (ACPAT Category A)

Best for: Those wanting the most clinical breadth and highest portability across sectors.

• Step 1: BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy (HCPC‑approved).
• Step 2: HCPC registration + clinical experience.
• Step 3: Postgraduate/MSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy with equine components.
• Step 4: Apply for ACPAT Category A; maintain CPD and professional insurance.

How iPET Network helps here:

• During/after your human physio degree, use iPET Network courses to develop equine‑specific skills and supervised practice hours (see below), and to gain employability in equine rehab/hydro settings while you complete postgrad studies.

Veterinary Physiotherapy Degree Route

Best for: Focussed animal pathway from the start.

• Step 1: Apply for a BSc or MSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy (entry often requires A‑levels or Access; mature applicants welcomed).
• Step 2: Build equine placements; assemble a portfolio of cases and reflective practice.
• Step 3: Apply for membership/registration (e.g., NAVP and/or RAMP; IRVAP). Maintain CPD.

How iPET Network helps here:

• iPET Network massage and hydrotherapy diplomas can strengthen your application, prove practical competence, and create paid work options alongside your degree.

Equine Therapy, Massage and Hydrotherapy Routes (Non-Degree)

Best for: Those targeting roles in equine rehab centres, hydrotherapy facilities, or support roles in multidisciplinary teams, and for practitioners expanding an existing equine business.

iPET Network Qualifications for Equine Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

• Level 4 Diploma in Animal Sports Massage (practical focus on equine and canine).
• Level 5 Diploma in Animal Sports Massage and Rehabilitation (advanced modalities, programme design; equine & canine practical focus).
• Level 6 Diplomas in Advanced Equine Hydrotherapy (principles + applied/clinical variants) suitable for clinicians building specialist equine rehab services.
• Level 3 Award in Equine Emergency First Aid (valuable add‑on for yard/racing contexts).

Where this route leads: Work as an Equine Sports Massage Therapist, Equine Hydrotherapist, Rehabilitation Assistant/Technician, or integrate services as a self‑employed practitioner working under veterinary referral and within scope of practice. Some then bridge to degree‑level vet physio programmes.

Step‑by‑step plan (12–24 months starter roadmap)

1. Baseline knowledge & horse handling
   • Hands‑on yard experience; safeguarding, H&S, manual handling.
2. First aid & foundation skills
   • Complete iPET Level 3 Equine Emergency First Aid.
3. Manual therapy skills
   • Take the iPET Level 4 Animal Sports Massage (equine practical). Start case logs.
4. Start working in‑house
   • Apply to equine rehab/hydro centres, vet practices, or charities as an assistant/technician; begin supervised treatments.
5. Progression & specialism
   • Add iPET Level 5 Massage & Rehabilitation and/or iPET Level 6 Equine Hydrotherapy. Expand services (e.g., post‑op protocols, conditioning plans).
6. Professional recognition
   • If pursuing full vet physio status: plan for BSc/MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy or the Chartered (ACPAT) route. Keep detailed CPD and case portfolios.
7. Business build (if self‑employed)
   • Insurance (professional & public liability), consent/referral forms, pricing, data protection, transport logistics, clinical record keeping.

Entry requirements & desirable subjects

• Academic: Biology, PE/Sport Science, Psychology, Chemistry (for degree routes). Maths/English at GCSE (or equivalents).
• Practical: Confident horse handling, understanding of equine management, saddle/hoof care basics, yard protocols.
• Soft skills: Client communication, empathy, professionalism, note‑taking, time management, lone‑working safety.

Equine Physiotherapist Salary and Earnings in the UK

• Employed veterinary physiotherapist: typically £24,000–£38,000; senior/consultant roles can reach ~£65,000.
• Self‑employed: commonly £40–£70+ per equine session (gross) depending on service (massage vs. comprehensive physio), location, and travel. Hydrotherapy and specialist rehab programmes can command higher package rates.
• Day rates/event cover: higher but variable; include travel, mileage, and downtime.

Reality check: Income depends heavily on caseload, local demand, relationships with vets/yards, travel radius, and your mix of services (e.g., massage, hydro, post‑op rehab, performance screening).

Costs you should plan for

• Professional & public liability insurance.
• CPD and qualifications (annual budget).
• Equipment: massage tools, laser/PEMF (if trained/insured), tape, poles/props, yard‑safe kit.
• Transport (vehicle suitable for rural travel), mileage, PPE.
• Record‑keeping software and secure data storage.

Related Careers in Equine Rehabilitation and Therapy

• Equine Sports Massage Therapist (often mobile; strong add‑on to riding/coaching).
• Equine Hydrotherapist (treadmill/pool facilities; strong demand post‑injury/surgery).
• Equine Rehabilitation Technician (clinic/yard‑based; supports programmes set by vets/physios).
• Equine Veterinary Nurse (EVN) with rehab focus.
• Saddle Fitter (works closely with physios on musculoskeletal cases).
• Equine Osteopathy/Chiropractic (separate training & governance; multidisciplinary collaboration common).
• Canine physiotherapy/hydrotherapy (diversify caseload if your provider serves both).

The UK employer landscape (who hires equine physios/therapists?)

You’ll find roles across:

• Large equine veterinary groups & referral hospitals (multidisciplinary teams).
• Universities and teaching hospitals with equine services.
• Major equine charities & welfare organisations (rehab, long‑term case management).
• Performance & racing operations (full‑time or contracted).
• Independent clinics and mobile practices (the single biggest segment by headcount).

Five notable large employers/organisations to watch

1. IVC Evidensia (Equine) – extensive UK network of equine practices and referrals; growing rehab services.
2. VetPartners (Equine) – includes prominent referral hospitals (e.g., Liphook Equine Hospital) offering advanced surgery and rehab pathways.
3. Royal Veterinary College (RVC) – Equine Referral Hospital – equine sports medicine & rehabilitation services within a university setting.
4. The Donkey Sanctuary – international equine‑welfare charity with multiple UK centres; rehab‑focused husbandry and clinical teams.
5. Redwings Horse Sanctuary – national footprint; long‑term musculoskeletal and welfare rehabilitation at scale.

Also worth noting: Major racing and breeding operations (e.g., large training yards and studs) often contract or employ equine therapists/physios. Building relationships with yard managers and resident vets is key.

How to present your CV & portfolio

• Lead with horse‑handling competence and hours logged in equine settings.
• List iPET Network qualifications prominently with equine practical components and case logs.
• Add veterinary referral compliance statement and example consent forms.
• Showcase before/after outcome measures (ROM, muscle scoring, return‑to‑work timelines) instead of just job duties.
• Include CPD log (journals, courses, conferences) and professional memberships.

FAQ

Do I need a degree to work hands‑on with horses?
Not for massage/hydrotherapy roles where you’re trained, insured, and working under veterinary referral. For the title veterinary physiotherapist and for advanced clinical scope, most employers expect degree‑level training such as that provided through iPET Network qualifications and voluntary‑register membership.

Can iPET Network qualifications get me working while I study a degree level course?
Yes—massage/hydro roles are employable and can fund/strengthen your path into degree‑level vet physio.

Where should I get experience?
Rehab/hydro centres, equine hospitals, racing/performance yards, charities, and with established mobile practitioners.

How long until I’m fully established?
Commonly 12–24 months to build a steady caseload for massage/hydro roles; longer for full vet physio (allow time for degree/postgrad and registration).

Your next steps (action checklist)

• Shortlist an iPET Network training provider for L3 First Aid + L4 Massage.
• Contact two equine rehab/hydro centres for shadowing.
• Map a 12‑month CPD plan (massage → rehab → hydro; add business/marketing).
• Start a case‑log portfolio (photos/video with consent; outcome measures).
• Join a professional body (student/associate level) and network with local vets/yards.