Diagnosis and treatment of all animals is controlled by veterinary surgeons (Members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons).

You should discuss the treatment of your horse, by an equine osteopath, with your vet before booking an appointment. Some vets are happy to do this by phone, whilst others prefer to visit the horse in question.

Please download and complete this form which will be required at your first appointment before any treatment can be given. If you cannot download the form please contact the office on 01527 892216 and we will fax/post a form to you.

It is important to ascertain the training, regulatory body and insurance cover of anyone treating your horse. Whilst it is illegal to call yourself an osteopath (treating humans) if you are not a GOsC registered osteopath, unfortunately a person can call themselves an equine osteopath.

Osteopaths are currently lobbying to have the name 'equine osteopath' protected by law as we believe it is misleading the general public and putting horses' welfare at risk.

If you see a 'back man' not previously qualified as a recognised therapist you may not have any come back if your horse receives poor treatment.

Andrew Marling is an osteopath registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC).

Registered osteopaths need to have professional indemnity insurance and adhere to a strict code of conduct. Patients (human or animal) have the same safeguards and confidentiality as when you consult a doctor, dentist or vet.

Osteopathy is an established system of diagnosis and
manual treatment, which is recognised by the British
Medical Association.

In 1993 osteopathy became the first major complementary health care profession to be accorded statutory recognition under the 1993 Osteopaths Act. This culminated in the opening of the statutory register of osteopaths by the GOsC in 1998.

Only qualified insured (human) osteopaths that are able to show safe and competent practice along with continual professional development are allowed onto the register.