The Story Behind Ellie Robinson Vet Physio
As my first blog post, I thought it only fitting to explain a little more about myself and why I chose to set up my own business as a Veterinary Physiotherapist.
For as long as I can remember, I have dreamt of a career based around helping animals and their owners. Neither of my parents are horsey, so I started riding at a local stables at the age of 14. I caught the bug very quickly and soon enough I was spending every possible hour of my weekends and school holidays helping at the yard. It was here that I was able to train for my BHS exams and buy my first horse, Dexter. I spent over five years working at the riding school part-time around my GCSEs and A-Levels, I have some wonderful memories and made friends that I know will be for life. Since then, I have worked on various livery and competition yards, gaining as much experience as possible in all aspects of horse care and management.
A year or so after I bought Dexter, we noticed he wasn’t feeling ‘quite himself’ and after a lameness workup with our brilliant vet Amy, he was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in his hocks and lumbar spine, as well as mild gastric ulcers. Managing Dexter’s symptoms and keeping him happy and healthy following this is what inspired me to become a Veterinary Physiotherapist. Anyone that knows Dexter, knows that he is definitely not ‘textbook’ but he has certainly taught me more than I ever could have imagined about riding, caring for and managing horses.
In 2020, I started studying my degree in Veterinary Physiotherapy validated by the Royal Agricultural University. I have spent the past three years juggling completing assignments and placements, revising for exams, working part-time, and looking after and competing my own horses. It has certainly kept me busy, but I know I am very fortunate to have learnt from some incredible people along the way, I am so very grateful to everyone who has taken the time to help me build the foundations of my career, from lecturers, placement providers, trainers, friends and all of the incredible animals I have been lucky enough to meet.
This year I qualify as a Veterinary Physiotherapist and I am so excited for the next chapter. To be able to spend my time helping horses feel their best really is a dream come true! Setting up my own business has certainly been a little daunting, but I am very lucky to have an incredible network of family and friends who have given me that push I needed and supported me in launching the business…thank you will never be enough!
Ellie x