My Professional Qualifications

    I am extensively educated in all aspects of equine health care as follows:

    • Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) Registered Veterinary Nurse (AnScVN) in Animal Science through Cork College of FET (formerly St John’s College), Douglas Street Campus, Cork – QQI Level 6

    • Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Postgraduate Certificate (PGCertAVN) Advanced Equine Veterinary Nursing (Critical Care) through Hartpury University, Gloucestershire – UK Level 7 (QQI Level 9 on Irish framework)

    • Equine Integrative Support Therapies (Equine Sports Massage & Rehabilitation Therapy) through Equi-Ed/EMA, Co. Wexford – UK Level 5 (QQI Level 6 on Irish framework)

    • Equine Nutritional Management through Equi-Ed/EMA, Co. Wexford – UK Level 5 (QQI Level 6 on Irish framework)

    • Advanced Professional Development Certificate in Electrophysical Therapy for Animals through The Animal Rehabilitation & Health Academy. This certifies me in the use of the following modalities:
      • Photobiomodulation (Laser) Therapy for Animals
      • Radiofrequency and Pulsed Shortwave Therapy for Animals
      • Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy for Animals
      • Ultrasound Therapy for Animals
      • Electrostimulation for Animals

    • Animal Care & Grooming through Cork College of FET (formerly St. John’s College), Douglas Street Campus, Cork – QQI Level 5

    • Currently studying a Postgraduate Diploma in Equine Osteopathy (PGDipEO), for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses, through The London College of Animal Osteopathy
    QQI Level 6 Award Veterinary Nursing
    Advanced Equine Veterinary PgCertAVN Certification Nursing (Critical Care) Postgraduate Certification (Hartpury University)
    EIST (Equine Integrative Support Therapies Certification
    UK Rural Skills Equine Health & Nutrition Management Certification
    Electrophysical Therapy for Animals QLS Level 5 Certification
    Electrophysical Therapy for Animals QLS Level 5 Certification
    Animal Care QQI Level 5 Certification

    Continuing Professional Development (CPD)


    I am constantly upgrading my equine knowledge and education, not only because it is a professional requirement, in order to meet the highest standards for equine physical therapists and registered veterinary nurses, but because I am extremely passionate about continuously broadening my knowledge in my field and having the most up to date understanding of all things equine.

    I believe that one can never have enough equine knowledge and that education should be a lifelong process. Education is vital, in order to stay relevant and abreast of the latest equine science which, like every science, is constantly evolving and changing. What was relevant yesterday, could be outdated today!

    By keeping up to date with the most recent equine science advancements, I believe this give me a competitive edge and this gives clients the confidence that the advice and treatments I provide for every horse, will be very relevant and of top quality. It will always be up to date, relevant and evidence based.

    I have undertaken a huge volume of CPD, including, but not limited to, the following:

    • “How to Recognise the 24 Behaviours indicating Pain in the Ridden Horse“, online course delivered by Dr. Sue Dyson, MA, VetMB, PhD, DEO
    • Dr. Sue Dyson’s “Lameness Training Day, Theory and Practice”, attended in person training at Equi-Ed, Knightsfield Stud, Kildare
    • “Recognising Pain-related Poor Performance”, online webinar series delivered by Dr. Sue Dyson, Horses Inside Out
    • “Prevention is Better than Cure”, online webinar series delivered by Dr. Sue Dyson, Horses Inside Out
    • “Recognising and Preventing Lameness”, online course delivered by Ann Ramsay, BS, CERA, APF
    • “Live Equine Dissection Training Day”, attended in person learning at Becks Nairn & Equi-Ed, Kildare
    • “Bit, Bridle & Saddle Fit Assessment for Equine Professionals Training”, attended 2 days of in person training at Equi-Ed, Wexford
    • “Advanced Assessment & Prescription for Performance & Rehabilitation”, online course delivered by Equi-Ed, Wexford
    • “Equine Water Treadmill for Training & Rehabilitation”, online course delivered by Equine Massage Academy
    • “Healing & Rehabilitation of Tendon & Ligament Injuries”, online course delivered by Dr. Carol Gillis, DVM, PhD, DACVSMR, Diplomate, Equitopia Center
    • “Sacroiliac Ligaments & Iliopsoas Muscle Group”, online webinar series delivered by Horses Inside Out
    • “Equine Lameness & Rehabilitation”, online certificate course delivered by The Open College of Equine Studies
    • “Equine Colic & Gut Health, Prevention & Management Training”, attended in person training at Equi-Ed, Wexford
    • “Training the Biomechanics of Engagement”, online course delivered by Equitopia Center
    • “Equine Exercise Rehabilitation”, online course delivered by Justo Development Limited
    • “Equine Myofascial Kinetic Lines”, online course delivered by Vibeke S. Elbrønd, Veterinary & Associate Professor, University of Copenhagen