My Work
I am Sara Farina. I am a fully qualified, registered and insured human and animal osteopath.
I work with horses and riders of all levels, from international competition level to hobby horses. I believe osteopathy can benefit horses and riders of all levels and disciplines.
I am passionate about horses and patient-centred care. I work hard to deliver the highest standard of treatment, through keeping up to date with the most recent research and working in affiliation with vets, farriers, trainers and other equine professionals.
I specialise in treating horse and rider, with a holistic focus which can get to the bottom of riding issues. This means that I provide tailored solutions to how individual riders and their horses can be integrated, from an osteopathic perspective, to optimise performance and wellbeing as well as reduce the risk of injury.
I combine my extensive knowledge of human and equine biomechanics, my hands-on skill of specific treatment techniques, my belief in exercise rehabilitation and my personal experience in the equestrian field to provide a comprehensive approach which puts horse and rider at the centre of a personalised treatment and exercise plan.
In addition to my clinical work across the UK and Europe (Belgium, Netherlands, Italy, Poland) I also teach professional development courses for osteopaths and manual therapists in the U.K. and abroad.
Background
I grew up in Italy, studied at university in Wales and now live in England.
Growing up, I practiced horse-riding and dance. The love for these two disciplines, as well as a big curiosity as to how the body functions, gets injured and heals, pushed me to study Osteopathy and then Animal Osteopathy.
Being a horse rider myself, with a background in competing at dressage, showjumping and eventing, I understand first-hand what is required of horse and rider in this sport.
Education
I completed an integrated masters at Swansea University (Wales, U.K) in Osteopathy, graduating with a first class honours.
I continued my studies with a postgraduate Animal Osteopathy degree in Oxfordshire, graduating top of my class and being awarded “Student of the Year” recognition.
I also completed a course in Clinical Pilates at the University College of Osteopathy (London) in order to expand my knowledge of Pilates principles to better apply them to horse rider training.
I now run my business Equilibrium Osteopathy across the U.K. and Europe, as well as providing lectures for educational institutions.
Registration
I am registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) and the International Association of Animal Therapists (IAAT)