Veterinary Physiotherapy – Horses
2027 Edition
Specialist training for Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians
From movement assessment to equine rehabilitation
A training path that integrates anatomy, biomechanics, orthopaedics, neurology, physiotherapy and equine sports medicine, through theory lessons, practical exercises and clinical insights.
The Equine Veterinary Physiotherapy School of Istituto ISAO was created to give veterinary professionals the knowledge and tools useful for functional assessment, motor recovery and rehabilitation of the horse.
A training path entirely dedicated to the horse
Understanding movement.
Assessing dysfunction.
Building rehabilitation pathways.
Equine veterinary physiotherapy is an important area of veterinary medicine, in which knowledge of the horse’s anatomy, biomechanics and pathologies is combined with assessment and treatment methods aimed at recovering motor function.
The horse, both in sport and in daily life, can show movement alterations, muscle compensations, orthopaedic problems and neurological conditions that require a specific clinical and rehabilitative approach.
ISAO’s Equine Veterinary Physiotherapy School offers a specialist teaching programme that takes participants from the study of anatomical and functional foundations to lameness assessment, locomotion analysis, manual therapy techniques and the planning of rehabilitation programmes.
Particular attention is given to physiotherapy of the sport horse, to the prevention of musculoskeletal problems, to the management of functional recovery and to the return to activity.
The path values clinical reasoning, observation of movement and practical application of knowledge, thanks to the contribution of professionals with experience in the different areas of equine veterinary medicine.
Who is the course for?
The Equine Veterinary Physiotherapy School is reserved for Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians who want to deepen their skills in equine physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
The path is particularly suited to those who wish to develop specialist knowledge in managing horses with orthopaedic, muscular, neurological or functional problems, and to professionals interested in sports medicine and the recovery of motor performance.
The aim is to integrate theoretical knowledge with assessment tools and rehabilitation methods applicable to professional practice, respecting the competences of each professional role.
What will you learn during the course?
The teaching programme covers the main areas of equine veterinary physiotherapy, with the aim of developing a thorough understanding of the horse’s locomotor system and possible rehabilitation strategies.
During the course you will develop the skills needed to:
- Understand the functional anatomy, biomechanics and conformation of the horse, recognising the main orthopaedic and musculoskeletal alterations.
- Analyse posture, limb alignment, gaits and movement asymmetries through clinical assessment and gait analysis.
- Interpret the main diagnostic imaging findings in relation to physiatric assessment and recovery monitoring.
- Know and apply the principles of joint mobilisation, myofascial treatment, stretching and therapeutic exercise.
- Set up functional recovery and rehabilitation programmes for the sport horse, considering compensations, prevention and return to activity.
- Deepen neurological rehabilitation and the main instrumental physical therapies used in the equine field.
The programme, shaped by veterinarians who are experts in the field, offers a complete path that, starting from the basics, will give you a high-level knowledge of the subject.
Lesson calendar
6–7 March 2027 – New course starts
24–25 April 2027
29–30 May 2027
12–13 June 2027
18–19 September 2027
2–3 October 2027
20–21 November 2027
18–19 December 2027
