ABOUT
Sophie has been involved with a variety of animals throughout her childhood, and currently has Lola, an eighteen-month-old golden Labrador, who loves swimming, mud and sleeping by log fires in equal measures! Sophie has been living and breathing horses since a very early age, spending most of her childhood riding and caring for ponies. She knew she wanted a job involving animals from an early age, and an interest in lameness and therapy later developed. From her mid teenage and university years, Sophie groomed and rode part time for a 4* professional event rider, learning valuable skills and understanding the qualities required for the successful competition horse. Sophie also groomed for an equine charity. A yearlong build up included shows at HOYS, Olympia and the Royal Windsor Horse Show, leading up to a ten-day long challenge with ‘Horses help Heroes’- a non-stop challenge driving a replica horse drawn WWI carriage from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise money for wounded veterans. She still rides regularly and is lucky enough to have a job that entails her love for the equine and canine worlds!
Sophie graduated from Hartpury College with first class honours in BSc (Hons) Equine Science degree at undergraduate level. Here, Sophie became interested in the therapy and sports medicine modules, particularly how animals move, and how their jobs, conformation and breeding is impactful on injuries.
Sophie then studied Veterinary Physiotherapy at Writtle University College, obtaining a MSc with merit, meaning she is fully insured to practice physiotherapy. She has completed a thesis to fulfil the full Master’s degree, which is the highest level of training available in the field.
As part of Sophie’s continued professional development, she is required to undertake regular research, courses, and lectures to help keep up with the latest veterinary and physiotherapeutic treatments and techniques. This is a requirement of the National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists (NAVP) and helps to keep her as up-to-date as possible.