About Niki Matthews
Human, Equine and Canine Osteopath. British Medical Acupuncturist, Equine Science Lecturer, BHS Riding Instructor and Accredited Coach, over 30 years of experience in the Equine industry, teaching, lecturing and yard management, with particular interest in biomechanics and lameness.
Knowledgeable, effective, and proven Osteopath with 20 years of experience, Biomechanical specialist, with emphasis on conformation, posture, performance and rehabilitation, with human equine and canine patients.
Teaching
I started my teaching career in my teens in the days when you would start at a riding school helping in order to get a free ride. This progressed to weekend teaching and this experience enabled me to work for Camp America one summer teaching in Vermont.
Completing BHSAI qualification enabled me to teach in America, New Zealand and Australia whilst traveling in my 20’s.
On my return to England working as a yard manager and freelance Instructor I studied for my CertEd which enabled me to both write and run courses and to lecture in both BHS, NVQ’s, BTEC and A level courses.
I am passionate about biomechanics which started with a fascination with how a horse could look sound with one rider and lame with another this led me into the study of Osteopathy.
Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions.
Osteopathy is based on the principle that the wellbeing of an individual depends on their bones, muscles, ligaments and connective tissue functioning smoothly together. So very much restoring good posture.
In Equitation there are two biomechanical systems, each with their own unique function, together the dynamics constantly influence each other. Riders often forget to look after themselves, it is imperative to get yourself checked as your posture will have a massive impact on the horses you ride.
I offer you a unique incite in my posture lessons, educating both horse and rider to produce posture whatever level you at or working towards. I work alongside your trainer, vet, farrier and physio.
Rehabilitation
My experience with competition horses was started in Partnership with John Best Racing and Eyehorn Farm Equipro Ltd. Sole Osteopath for 40 racehorses, working closely with the Vet and Farrier in all injury and rehabilitation work.
Working on the gallops with the Trainer to enhance the horse’s performance resulting in the highest earnings in his career. Directing staff with the yearlings improving posture as they grew to help prevent Injury.
Teaching riding staff in the school using ground work to improve and strengthen the horse’s posture under saddle to advance control and suppleness on the race track.
I had the pleasure of working with some top international showjumpers in West Sussex and used both a treadmill and water treadmill as an extensive part of fitness training and rehabilitation.
Continuing Professional development (CPD) For Equine Vets. Biomechanics, and Lameness Diagnosis. Differential Diagnosis for back pain.
Basic Biomechanical anatomy, and lameness differential diagnosis, for small animal veterinary students, wanting to specialise in canine Orthopaedics.
I am passionate about biomechanics. In Equitation there are two biomechanical systems, each with their own unique function, together the dynamics constantly influence each other.
This has led me to work with a wide range of equines and offer a range of services
- Osteopathic Assessment and Treatment
- Horse and rider Postural assessments
- Human treatment Clinic
- Riding lessons
- BHS accredited courses
- Courses for local colleges
- Talks and workshops
- CPD for vets
British Horse Society
I have been a member of the BHS for as long as I can remember even before I had my first pony. I have been a riding instructor for over 30 years and the BHS has progressed and modernized as I have, as technology science and teaching methods progress.
I am proud to teach the BHS courses and would encourage anyone who wants a career in the equine industry in any sphere to use one of the BHS career pathways. They hold worldwide recognition and I have used them to teach in many countries over the years.
The British Horse Society was founded in 1947, and has have grown over the past 70 years to become the largest and most influential equestrian charity in the UK with over 112,000 members. They aim to protect and promote the interests of all horses and those who care about them, including the 3.5 million people in the UK who ride or who drive a horse-drawn carriage.
During 70 years, the BHS has made a real impact on the lives of horses and horse owners with wide-ranging campaigns and initiatives.
Their core foundations – education, welfare, access and safety are more important than ever as they demonstrably make a difference to horses live
- Welfare services for horses and advice for owners
- Campaigning for and protecting equestrian rights of way
- Improve safety for horses, riders and carriage drivers
- Promoting riding for all
- Offering world-class qualifications
- Approvals system awarding quality instruction and care
Visit www.bhs.org.uk to learn more
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