Osteopathic Approaches to Autonomic Dysregulation and Equine Visceral Conditions
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 systems, the autonomic nervous system, and the cranial mechanism.
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.
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.
10-Day Face-to-Face Masterclass
100 Hours CPD
Who
This course is solely for AOI students who have successfully completed their Year 2 Equine Diploma studies.
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
Attington, Oxfordshire, UK
When
18th–22nd September and 25th–29th September 2026 (inclusive)
Closing date for applications
The last date we can accept a completed application and payment is May 1st 2026.
Cost
£3300.00 (excl. VAT)
That’s just £330 per day including light refreshments and a digital CPD Certificate on completion.
How many places are available?
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.
How do I get a place on the masterclass?
This masterclass is intended solely for 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 who feels ready to take this next step in your clinical development, we invite you to request consideration for a place.
Please email contact@animalosteopathyinternational.com with:
• Your name and contact details
• Confirmation of completion of the AOI Year 2 Equine Diploma.
• A short paragraph outlining your current practice and why this masterclass interests you
Following this, our team will contact you with further information and an application form, as appropriate.
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.
We are looking forward to welcoming a small group of thoughtful practitioners ready to deepen their osteopathic understanding of systemic equine conditions.
Course Content
1. Clinical Presentations and Differential Considerations
• Case introduction: presenting complaints
• Recap of relevant pathology and clinical reasoning for possible causes
2. Clinical Assessment
• Recap of relevant anatomy and osteopathic models (biomechanical, respiratory-circulatory, neurological, etc.)
• Discussion 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
3. Osteopathic Treatment Approaches
• System-specific approaches integrating current techniques
• Introduction of new techniques including:
– Short lever thrusts
– Toggles
– Recoils
– Approaches to the cranium
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.
©️Herdwick & Goose Limited.
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