Physiotherapist

Rachel Greetham on her path from Pony Club to multiple Olympic Games – and the satisfaction of treating all clients, whether on four legs or two

- Lauren Williamson

I grew up around horses - my parents bred sport horses, and my mum used to compete.

I was a member of the Vale of York branch of the Pony Club and tried a bit of everything. One of my fondest Pony Club memories was being a mounted runner at Bramham. As a local event, it was incredible - especially having attended since I was young.

As a teenager, I knew I wanted to work with horses, but I wasn't sure in what capacity.

I quickly realised I wasn't destined for veterinary school, so I wasn’t sure where that left me. Fortunately, my mum knew an experienced veterinary physiotherapist, Janet Ellis, who kindly took me along for work experience.

That was it - I was hooked. From that moment, I knew I wanted to become an animal physiotherapist and I've never looked back.

I studied human physiotherapy at the University of Nottingham.

After two years working with people, I returned to train full-time with Janet Ellis and a team of vets to qualify as a chartered physiotherapist specialising in animal therapy. Janet's guidance and inspiration were invaluable.

These days, there's a dedicated master's in veterinary physiotherapy, and it's possible to go straight into that route without first completing a human degree. As for me, I also treat riders, owners and grooms, as well as their horses.

I treat dogs regularly, too.

My own dog, Roxy, comes to work with me - she loves nothing more than visiting the yards, rolling in the arenas and making a nest in the shavings. I'm sure she believes her job is to collect as much sand, wax and shavings in her coat as possible each day.