ABOUT US
ABOUT US
It all began when she was a teenager and met Yorkshire based chartered physiotherapist Janet Ellis, one of the pioneers in the field of equine and canine physiotherapy. Vicky was so inspired that she decided that this was what she wanted to do. Like all chartered physiotherapists specialising in veterinary physiotherapy she worked as a human physiotherapist first then moved on to train with and work for Janet Ellis treating both horses and dogs.
Now with her own practice and working with the British Equestrian Federation, Vicky’s contact with elite vets and therapists from all over the world keeps the team up to date with current research and techniques. This ensures that your horse benefits from the wealth of equine physiotherapy experience available.
Alongside the Equine and Canine physiotherapy services, we also offer Rider Physiotherapy Services, as well as Events and Clinics, including Rider Analysis and Saddle Fitting Clinics and Massage Courses, with lots more to come in the future.
Victoria Spalding
MSc MCSP HCPC ACPAT Cat A RAMP
Vicky was appointed assistant physiotherapist to the British Equestrian Federations World Class Programme in 2005, taking over the role of Equine Physiotherapist to the British Equestrian Teams (dressage and eventing) in 2007. She has travelled with team GBR to the Beijing (Hong Kong) 2008 and London 2012 Olympic Games plus numerous European Championships and World Equestrian Games (for Dressage and Eventing). She is now Equine Physiotherapist to the British Eventing Team for the World Class Podium and Podium Potential Programmes, working and travelling with both the senior team and with the talented horses and riders who will become the medal winners of the future.
After setting up her own business in 1998, Vicky completed the very first Masters degree in Veterinary Physiotherapy from the Royal Veterinary College, passing with merit. The practice grew very quickly and over the years many chartered physiotherapists have trained and worked under Vicky's guidance.
Vicky has been actively involved in ACPAT (the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy), sitting twice on the committee in a PR role. She has written articles for many magazines and has lectured at ACPAT, BEF and has presented at BEVA (British Equine Veterinary Association) Congress and the National Equine Forum.
Paula Drury
MSc BSc (Hons) MCSP HCPC ACPAT Cat A
Paula rode from an early age and after experiencing problems with her horse Saltie, she was referred to the Yorkshire Equine Clinic where Vicky was involved in treating him. This experience sparked Paula’s interest in pursuing equine physiotherapy as a career.
In 2006, Paula graduated from the University of Huddersfield with a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy. She then worked for the NHS in Lincolnshire followed by Northallerton until July 2012. She graduated in March 2012, with an MSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy from The Royal Veterinary College and has been working with animals ever since. Paula now owns a 17 year old Irish Sports Horse called Fly, with whom she competed at BSJA until hind limb problems ended her career. Fly is now maintained with regular physiotherapy.
Nicola Moore
MSc BSc (Hons) MCSP HCPC ACPAT Cat A
Nicola has ridden from an early age and when she left school she completed a modern apprenticeship at a competition yard. It was here where she saw the benefits of maintaining horses and treating injuries with physiotherapy and decided this was the career for her.
She then went on to graduate from the University of Bradford with a 1st class hons degree in physiotherapy. She then went on to work in the NHS and private sector specialising in musculoskeletal physiotherapy where she trained in Pilates and Acupuncture. A few years later she graduated with an MSc in veterinary physiotherapy from Hartpury.
Nicky is passionate about the horse and rider connection and regularly treats both horses and riders to make sure they are working at their best. She owns a Tb mare called Ruby and two lurchers who love long walks on the moors.
Sarah Walters
Office Administrator
Sarah was brought up in the country and always rode horses during her childhood. She worked in the Financial Services sector for many years, before deciding that she wanted to do something completely different, where she could indulge her interest in animals and the countryside. She enjoys working in a business where her role involves speaking to people who share her love of animals, handling enquiries and making appointments, as well as doing the accounts.
CLINICS & EVENTS
We run a variety of Clinics and Events. Click below to find out what’s on and when.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
Vicky has been treating my horses since 2008, as the Team GBR equine physio and also as my home physio. She is a highly skilled professional, who works hard to ensure that my horses stay in optimum condition to carry out the demanding work required of a top class event horse. With Vicky, I feel confident that my horses are in the best possible shape to do their job and would not hesitate to recommend her to my colleagues and friends
Nicola Wilson - International Event Rider, Olympic Silver Team Medallist
Vicky is a highly valued member of my team, helping our horses to maintain their athleticism and minimise the risk of injury, in what is a very demanding, competitive sport. She is an expert in her field, with a professional, no nonsense approach and I feel safe in the knowledge that my horses are receiving the very highest level of care to enable them to perform at their best.
(photo by Ken Ettridge)
Emile Faurie - International Dressage Rider & Trainer, Olympic Team GB, European Champs Team Gold, List II judge
Vicky has been treating my horses since 2006 on a regular basis. She is the GB team physiotherapist, so she is hands on at the team competitions and hence it is important for her to know my horses at home too. Vicky is great at adapting her methods and approach to the type of horse or problem she is dealing with. At competitions, it's great to have Vicky there to keep my horses feeling happy and prevent them getting tight or sore, when they're working more intensively for several consecutive days. It is a pleasure to work with someone who is easy to communicate with and understands what I want from my horses and knows how to help me to improve their physical state.
Laura Tomlinson - MBE European, World and Olympic Medallist
Vicky has been working with our horses for a number of years now. She plays a huge and vital part in our team.
William Whitaker - International Showjumper
Vicky has been looking after my horses since 2015, after being recommended by my trainer, who is on the World Class Development programme. After seeing the difference that physiotherapy makes to my horses’ way of going, I’m now a total convert to the philosophy that ‘Prevention is better than Cure’ and that regular sessions with a chartered physiotherapist are an absolute necessity, to keep my horses in peak physical condition.
Kate Hallitt - Amateur Dressage Rider
I have known Vicky for 15 years, initially when my horse was diagnosed with kissing spines. Vicky has always been the ultimate professional, exceptionally good at what she does and above all, always a call away, if you are worried or need advice.
Vicky has also looked after my last dog, following cruciate surgery, giving me advice to aid his recovery, sadly he is no longer with us, but physio did allow him to enjoy his last years. More recently, our puppy was diagnosed with a luxating patella. Vicky's skills and advice have meant that Ollie has been discharged with a follow up plan in just a few months. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Vicky for your horse or dog, she is a credit to her profession.
Chris Cromwell - Client
I wanted to write to say what a massive difference Paula has made to my little mare (Letty) but they say a picture says a thousand words. I love this picture; she’s using her back, her tummy muscles and over-tracking… this is the result of 18 months worth of work following this young pony having major abdominal surgery to remove a tumour (GTCT). Paula doesn’t need to treat my pony as part of a rehab plan anymore but she still visits to do general assessment and treatment. We are starting to get out and about this year and I genuinely don’t think we could have got this far without physiotherapy.
Sam Edwards - Amateur Rider
I really can not thank you guys enough, especially Paula for all you have done to help my boy, he's had various things wrong with him which Paula has treated and the results I'm seeing are amazing!! He is much happier in himself and it’s reflecting in his scores! Took him for a trip to dressage this weekend and came home with a 2nd and 4th which I still can't quite believe! He felt amazing! Thank you.
Sarah Jackson Bargh - Amateur Dressage Rider
Victoria has worked with me as part of the World Class Program of the BEF for a number of years and provided valuable horse assessment and excellent advice and support to the program Athletes. I have always been able to rely on her support and good humour.
John McEwen - MBE BVMS MRCVS, Director of Sports Science and Medicine, British Equestrian Federation
Victoria has been working with the veterinary surgeons and pets of Abbey House for over 15 years. In that time, I have always been impressed by her ability to bring about the best in an animal's power to recover from injury. She is patient, attentive and able to alert the veterinary surgeon if there are any problems with her charge's rehabilitation. She is also able to communicate the animal's needs to their owners and teach them how to perform the physiotherapy exercises. This is an essential, invaluable skill. She has been a fantastic member of the extended team at Abbey House, particularly when assisting the surgeons. I hope that our association continues for many years to come.
Tom Clarke - BA VetMB CertVR CertSAS MRCVS, Abbey House Veterinary Hospital
Victoria Spalding and her associates have provided Churchfield Veterinary Centre's equine patients with a reliable, effective veterinary physiotherapy service for a number of years. Victoria is very professional and we are confident to recommend her.
Phil Dixon - MRCVS, Churchfield Veterinary Centre
ACPAT Chartered Physiotherapists
We are ACPAT chartered physiotherapists and always work with veterinary approval as stipulated by the Veterinary Surgeons Act (1966), to ensure that your animal receives the best possible care.
As chartered physiotherapists, we will always obtain your vet's permission before proceeding with the initial treatment.
