A lifelong passion for animals

Growing up, I was never too far from animals and with the fortune of being surrounded by them on my parent’s farm in Yorkshire, it’s true to say that in their company I was at my most contented.

My passion drove my studies, and after qualifying as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2014. I progressed to a Head Veterinary Nursing role in  a large veterinary hospital in 2016, before moving to New Zealand.

My time as both a groom and a Veterinary nurse in New Zealand introduced me to the entire scope of care, and it was there, that I discovered the true value of physiotherapy for animals.

I trained under Internationally Acclaimed Debranne Patillo, completing the Equinology Certification in Equine Bodywork. From there, I returned to England and trained as an Animal Physiotherapist, before setting up Thrive Animal Therapy in 2020.

Sophie

SOPHIE PICKARD BSc (Hons), RVN, DipAP, RAMP • ANIMAL THERAPIST

“Sophie is kind, caring and extremely knowledgeable. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her.”

Rachael Whitehead

“Sophie is gentle and sensitive with the horses. After finding and releasing tension in my horse’s shoulder, he was soon moving freely again. He absolutely loved his treatment!”

Hannah Weston

“Sophie is professional and thorough, listens to the horse at every step and makes sure they are comfortable throughout. There has been a massive improvement in my horse, and it’s lovely to see him so trusting and relaxed.”

Shelley Foster

“Sophie’s approach to positive reinforcement and cooperative care made such a difference. My pony chose to participate in his treatment, with no headcollar or restraint. I never thought he would enjoy something like this so much – fantastic and sympathetic healthcare.”

Jo Field

“Sophie was so patient with my two dogs and picked up on their individual needs so quickly. Both were noticeably calmer after their sessions. I’d highly recommend her for dogs with chronic pain or joint conditions.”

Ruth Egan-Linnecar

Frequently Asked Questions

Naturally, you may well have questions about how I can support your animal, have a read on for answers.

Veterinary physiotherapy is an evidence-based treatment that helps restore movement, reduce pain and improve your animal’s overall wellbeing. Using a combination of hands-on therapy, rehabilitation exercises and advanced treatment techniques, physiotherapy supports recovery from injury or surgery, manages long-term conditions and helps horses and dogs move and perform at their very best.

Veterinary physiotherapy can support a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, including:

  • Arthritis and age-related stiffness
  • Tendon and ligament injuries
  • Back and neck pain
  • Muscle strains
  • Lameness
  • Recovery following surgery
  • Neurological conditions affecting movement
  • Performance issues in competition horses
  • Mobility problems in senior dogs

It can also be used proactively to maintain strength, flexibility and performance, helping to prevent injuries before they occur.

Animals often hide pain or discomfort, meaning the signs can be easy to miss. Your animal may benefit from physiotherapy if you notice:

  • Stiffness or reduced flexibility
  • Changes in gait or performance
  • Reluctance to exercise, jump or climb stairs
  • Difficulty getting up or lying down
  • Behavioural changes or sensitivity when touched
  • Uneven muscle development
  • Recurring injuries or slow recovery

If you’re concerned, an assessment can identify any underlying issues and provide a personalised treatment plan.

The initial consultation includes a thorough assessment of your horse or dog’s movement, posture, muscle condition and overall mobility. Sophie will discuss your concerns, observe how your animal moves, perform hands-on treatment where appropriate and develop a tailored rehabilitation programme. You’ll also receive practical advice and exercises to continue at home between appointments.

If your animal has an existing medical condition or is currently receiving veterinary treatment, veterinary consent is usually required before physiotherapy begins. Sophie works closely with your veterinary surgeon to ensure your animal receives safe, collaborative care. If you’re unsure whether a referral is needed, simply get in touch for advice.

Every animal responds differently depending on their age, condition and individual needs. Some horses and dogs improve after just one or two sessions, while others recovering from surgery or managing chronic conditions may benefit from a longer course of treatment. Following the initial assessment, Sophie will recommend a treatment plan tailored specifically to your animal.

Absolutely. Physiotherapy isn’t only for injured animals. Regular treatment can help identify muscle imbalances, reduce compensatory movement patterns, improve flexibility and optimise performance. Many competition horses and active dogs benefit from preventative physiotherapy to help them stay comfortable, move efficiently and reduce the risk of future injury.

Yes. Physiotherapy is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that can significantly improve quality of life for senior animals. It can help reduce stiffness, manage arthritis, maintain muscle strength, improve joint mobility and keep your horse or dog moving comfortably for longer. Treatment is always tailored to your animal’s age, health and individual requirements.

If you have any other questions, please contact me.

A Compassionate Philosophy

Working in animal therapy allows me to combine my lifelong passion for animals with a natural instinct for problem solving, helping to assess each animal’s individual needs often before they are seen by a vet. I believe every animal deserves honest, compassionate care, with their wellbeing at the heart of every decision I make.

I offer clinics at Summerbridge and client’s homes, as well as regular clinics at Boroughbridge vets.