What our students say

Over the years we have trained hundreds of osteopaths to work with animals, both here in the UK and abroad. We receive consistently good feedback from them.

Here`s what some of our students have said about their time and experience at the OCA.

Aimee Popay

"For anybody who is considering studying animal osteopathy, I cannot recommend the OCA highly enough. The level of teaching is unbeatable, it was a privilege to work with Stuart and his team. Their knowledge and understanding in both the theoretical and practical elements of osteopathy just aren’t comparable and they really are experts in their field.

Following my course with the OCA I felt inspired and driven to apply my skills immediately. I now treat predominantly horses in the north east with fantastic results, and I have the OCA to thank for that"

Elisabeth Swann

"The OCA course is absolutely fantastic and I enjoyed every minute of it! Stuart and Hannah have so much experience and knowledge; they really are leading experts in the field of animal osteopathy. This course has enabled me to achieve my long-term dream of becoming an Animal osteopath; it has provided me with the relevant tools and knowledge to be able to effectively help animals lead pain free lives as well as enhancing their performance.

Since graduating I am now predominantly treating horses, as well as running a canine clinic from within a veterinary surgery and I love every minute of it. I cannot recommend the OCA enough, not only did I learn lots it was also so much fun and I have met some wonderful people along the way; I will definitely be back in the future for more CPD!"

Jason Bianchi

"After attending the open day with Stuart at the OCA, and seeing how Stuart applied osteopathic treatment to both horses and dogs, I was really inspired to enrol on the OCA course. Even though I had no experience in handling horses, I could see how Stuart’s teaching method and osteopathic technique would benefits the animals.

On starting the course, Stuart's teaching provided a step-by-step approach to learning. From applying head collars, taking on and off rugs, to picking up front and hind limbs safely.

Each training weekend provided excellent theory lectures with Hannah, that allowed a detailed understanding of the horse and dog anatomy, covering the anatomy areas that would be covered in the practical sessions in the afternoon. Stuart’s teaching tailored needs for all levels within the class and by the end of the course, my knowledge and handling of the horses was greatly improved and I was able to experience and handle really difficult horses safely, and provide effective treatment. At the end of the course we were assessed on our practical skills with horses, to ensure we met the high standards of technique, approach and understanding of treating horses.

The course has provided me with valuable practical and theory skills, which has led me to incorporate treatment of horses and dogs on a weekly basis as part of my practice. It has also improved my osteopathic skills with human patients, as well as allowing me the versatility to treat in different environments. I can wholeheartedly recommend Stuart's course!"

Julia Empey

"Studying at the OCA was a fantastic experience. Both Stuart and Hannah have a wealth of knowledge to share, and Pat is incredibly helpful and a huge support to all the students. Stuart really is fantastic with animals, and teaches you how to understand them and treat them safely and effectively. I always looked forward to the teaching weekends, and really do miss them. Stuart ensured that we did as much hands-on practical lessons as possible which really meant you could cover a lot of ground during the weekends. Now I love the fact that my week is broken up by treating animals and getting out of the clinic room. Absolutely could not recommend this course or profession more highly."

Mark Joszt

"I enrolled on the OCA post-graduate course in June 2013 with completely zero horse experience. I had never even touched a horse, let alone attempted to comprehend the complexity of its movements, structure or psychology. As such, I was very apprehensive, but my fears were quickly calmed by Stuart and Hannah's exceptionally positive and professional attitude. They certainly had more faith in me than I did at the time.

Over the duration of the course my confidence grew. The hours spent in stables were invaluable and the workload was intense, but delivered in such a way that even with a busy clinic and home life, the steep learning curve was both manageable and rewarding.

I graduated in April 2014 having progressed so much, and I have not looked back since. I now have not only a busy human practice, but a thriving animal one too. I could not recommend the OCA course enough, regardless of your experience."

Dennis Jensen

"Animal Osteopathy, a complex subject made simple by Stuart McGregor. To my mind this is something rarely experienced. I was looking for old-school osteopathy and found it at his school. Well worth the journey from Sweden to train with the best. Highly recommended."

Anna Shawcross

"The OCA course is excellent. Fantastic detail on anatomy and great attention to detail on technique and routines which gives you what you need to know to get started working with animals. I have always been particularly interested in working with horses and before the course I surmised it would be harder to figure out what was wrong with a horse because they can't speak to us, but I was surprised to find that horses communicate very effectively, what and where the problem is, and in many ways it is a more simple interaction than with people. I would thoroughly recommend learning with Stuart and his team."