Advanced Equine Masterclass

Osteopathic Approaches to Equine Autonomic Dysregulation, Visceral Conditions and the Cranium.

Great practitioners never stop refining their clinical eye.

As osteopaths, we know that many of the most complex cases do not present as simple musculoskeletal problems. Performance issues, respiratory concerns, digestive disturbance, behavioural change, and unexplained systemic dysfunction often sit at the intersection of the visceral and autonomic nervous systems.

This advanced masterclass is designed for AOI graduates who want to extend their osteopathic thinking beyond structure alone and deepen their ability to recognise and treat systemic patterns within the horse.

Over ten immersive days of face-to-face learning (divided into two extended weekends), we will explore how osteopathic principles can be applied to autonomic dysregulation and visceral conditions, strengthening both your clinical reasoning and treatment toolkit.

The aim is simple: to help you become a more confident, thoughtful, and effective practitioner when faced with complex cases.

“Eleanor and Dustie teach with an incredible combination of knowledge, excellence, passion, and genuine love for osteopathy. What stood out to me most was that there was never any ego attached to their knowledge or skills. Instead, there was a constant willingness to share, teach, question, and help us become better practitioners.”

10-Day Face-to-Face Masterclass

100 Hours CPD

Who

This course is solely for AOI students who have successfully completed AOI’s Year 2 Equine Diploma.

What

10-day face-to-face advanced practice masterclass: Osteopathic Approach to Autonomic Dysregulation and Equine Visceral Conditions

The ten days are split over two weekends, with a rest period in between.

Where

The event will be held in the UK, at one or two of our regular facilities. To be confirmed.

When

We are currently looking at the summer of 2027, in line with facility availability. August being the most likely month.

Closing date for applications

The last date we will accept a completed application is the 1st March 2027.

Cost

The cost for the entire course is £3300.00 (plus VAT)

Including light refreshments, supporting handout and a digital CPD Certificate on completion.

Small group tuition

To maintain a focused learning environment and ensure meaningful hands-on supervision, this masterclass is limited to a maximum of 8 participants. This allows time for deeper discussion, clinical reasoning, and individual feedback throughout the programme.

Places are sold on a first come, first serve basis.

This masterclass will strengthen your ability to recognise when systemic dysfunction may be influencing performance, behaviour, or recovery — and how osteopathic reasoning can contribute to those cases.

Course Content

1. Clinical Presentations and Differential Considerations

  • Case introduction: presenting complaints
  • Recap of relevant pathology and clinical reasoning for possible causes

Consideration of internal and external stressor impact on the autonomic nervous system

2. Clinical Assessment

  • Recap of relevant anatomy and osteopathic models (biomechanical, respiratory-circulatory, neurological, etc.)
  • Introduce key anatomy of the equine cranium (including the hyoid and TMJ);
  • Discuss of viscerosomatic reflexes and their relevance to the case;
  • Emphasis on case history taking and system-specific questioning.

Observation and Testing

  • Recap systemic assessment: adapted tests relevant to the condition/system;
  • Passive assessment: adapted osteopathic testing techniques;
  • Identifying somatic vs somatic manifestations of visceral restrictions;
  • Consider the head and assess the function of the TMJ and hyoid.

3. Osteopathic Treatment Approaches

System-specific approaches integrating current techniques.

Introduction of new techniques including:

  • – Short lever thrusts;
  • – Toggles;
  • – Recoils.

Applying a range of technqiues to influence the cranium.

NOTE: It is the responsibility of each delegate to verify that the techniques being taught are permissible for use in their respective countries of employment. It is important to note that not all countries permit individuals who are not licensed veterinarians to utilize these techniques.

4. Integration and Clinical Reasoning

  • Encouraging critical thinking and autonomous decision-making;
  • Reflective practice and clinical discussion;
  • Dedicated time to consolidate learning and contextualise new material.

If you are ready to expand your osteopathic lens and strengthen your ability to work with systemic equine conditions, we would be delighted to welcome you back for this advanced clinical masterclass.

Request an application form

This masterclass is intended solely for AOI trained practitioners who are ready to think more deeply about systemic presentations in the horse and expand their osteopathic approach beyond structural work alone.

If you are an AOI graduate and feels ready to take this next step in your clinical development, we invite you to request consideration for a place.

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The course is taught in English and it is the practitioner’s responsibility to ensure the techniques taught are appropriate for use in their home region.

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