Meet the Graduate: Katie Rogers

Katie’s journey into the world of animal physiotherapy has been a very personal one: driven by the desire to build a legacy for her young daughter, Skyla. Here’s her story …

At the College of Animal Physiotherapy we pride ourselves on supporting students throughout their careers and post graduation. TCAP alumni Katie Rogers, graduated in Equine Sports Massage in 2017 and completed her Diploma in Animal Physiotherapy in 2021. She now runs Sky Equine and we asked her to share her experiences of training and working in the industry.

We are also delighted to welcome Katie to the TCAP team in 2024 as a trainer for our Equine Massage courses.

Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO TRAIN AS AN ANIMAL PHYSIOTHERAPIST?

I first came across the role of a physiotherapist around 10 years ago when my own horse was treated for a locking stifle. The TCAP team were incredibly knowledgable and left me feeling like I needed to know more.
At the time, I worked at Hartwell Riding Stables and TCAP used to bring students down to practice on our horses. I would watch them in awe and listen to the stories that Fred and the team would give about previous horses and conditions. I knew then, that I wanted to train to become a physiotherapist.

Q: WHAT MADE YOU CHOSE TCAP AS YOUR TRAINING PROVIDER?

My previous experience of TCAP at Hartwell Stables played a big part. Listening to Fred talk to the students, he was warm and encouraged questions – even if students should perhaps have known the answers! The course was also well structured and accepted in the wider industry, with great flexibility in terms of training and payment.

Q: WHAT WERE YOUR ASPIRATIONS FOR WHEN YOU GRADUATED?

Studying the Diploma, I came across the condition of Kissing Spines and was able to work closely with my sister’s horse, who was undergoing ISLD surgery. His vet allowed me to take on the rehabilitation and I really enjoyed learning more about the condition and the importance of rehabilitation. I had a conversation with Fred about my Dissertation (part of my qualification) and following that discussion, we agreed it would be beneficial to study Kissing Spines further. The pathway was coming together and I just needed to keep going to develop it.

Q: WHO HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE?

My initial tutor on the course – Rachael Sivyer. I was really shy when I started and she made me feel like I could really do it. She is now my mentor and she’s always at the end of the phone for me. We work together on cases and she is incredibly supportive of me and what I want to achieve.

Q: WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU HAVE OVERCOME?

Self confidence. This is probably the same for most graduates, but I have not stopped learning through CPDs since completing the Diploma. Reading articles, papers and building my CPD hours helps you gain that confidence.

WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE TO ANYONE CONSIDERING TRAINING WITH TCAP?

Do it! I’m very lucky now that I get to do a job every day that I love. It’s hard work but it’s not a job – it’s a love. I would highly recommend training with TCAP – you get great support from both head office, the tutors and fellow students – it’s a very personal feel.

I was really pleased, and relieved, that I did the sports massage course first: it’s a great stepping stone for the diploma.

KATIE ROGERS, TCAP GRADUATE