Gatehouse Awards - Animal Care and Veterinary Science

Want to know more about the GA Level 4 Diploma in Canine Physical Training?

Interested in developing your knowledge and skills in canine physical training?

Whether you're looking to expand your career opportunities or deepen your understanding of canine fitness and conditioning, this qualification could be the next step for you.
Want to find out more? Get in touch today Gatehouse Awards - Animal Care and Veterinary Science We’d be happy to answer your questions and provide further information or get intouch with one of Gatheouse Awards approved training providers The Canine Education Company SVPS Education

We have a new home.

Our new Johnston Farina Academy website is now live.

We wanted to create somewhere that properly reflects what the Academy is becoming — a place for rigorous, thoughtful clinical education, grounded in science, shaped by experience, and always centred on the individual in front of us.

On the new website you can discover more about the Johnston Farina Method®, our approach to teaching, and the GA Level 6 Diploma in Equine Osteopathic Pain Management.

You can also meet the people behind the Academy, explore the Diploma in detail, and find out about joining our next cohort.

Applications are now open for September 2026.

Visit johnstonfarina.com

Science. Compassion. Education.

🐴 We’re always learning… because the horses are always teaching us.

Every horse we meet has something to teach us.

Every new piece of research helps us understand a little more.

And every conversation with fellow practitioners gives us the opportunity to grow.

As our understanding of equine pain, behaviour and neuroscience continues to develop, so too does our ability to support the horses entrusted to our care.

The practitioners who make the greatest difference aren’t defined by how much they already know.

They’re defined by their curiosity.
Their compassion.
Their willingness to keep learning.
And their commitment to giving every horse the very best care they can.

That’s the philosophy behind the GA Level 6 Diploma in Equine Osteopathic Pain Management (Johnston Farina Method®).

This innovative, Ofqual-accredited programme has been created for qualified animal therapists who want to deepen their understanding of equine pain, develop advanced clinical reasoning and gain practical skills informed by contemporary evidence—all within a compassionate, horse-centred framework.

Because learning isn’t about leaving the past behind.

It’s about building on the knowledge and experience we already have to create an even better future for the horses in our care.

📅 Applications are now open for September 2026.

If you’re passionate about lifelong learning and would like to explore a fresh, evidence-informed approach to equine pain management, we’d love to hear from you.

📩 Request more information or arrange your entry interview today. DM or [email protected]

For the horses. For your practice. For the future of equine care.

Know a veterinary practice that goes above and beyond for rescue pets? Tag them below 👇

Applications are now open for Best Veterinary Practice for Rescue Pets as part of the Rescue Pet Awards.

This category celebrates veterinary teams who go the extra mile for rescue animals; whether that’s tailoring care for nervous or traumatised pets, supporting new adopters through the early days, offering discounts for rescue pets, donating to or supporting charities and shelters, or giving employees time off to volunteer at shelters.

We’re looking for practices that truly understand rescue animals and actively support the communities behind them.

This award is proudly sponsored by Gatehouse Awards Limited

Applications are free and take just 10 minutes: www.rescuepetawards.com

Gatehouse Awards - Animal Care and Veterinary Science is delighted to announce an exciting qualification development partnership with Dr Ross Johnston, Sara Farina, and the Johnston Farina Academy. This collaboration has resulted in the creation of the GA Level 6 Diploma in Equine Osteopathic Pain Management (Johnston Farina Method®️).

This Ofqual-regulated qualification sets a new benchmark in professional education for equine practitioners seeking to advance their clinical skills and knowledge. The programme combines advanced study in anatomy, pathology, and biomechanics with practical clinical application. It equips learners with the expertise to assess and manage soft-tissue injuries, as well as support horses experiencing chronic orthopaedic conditions, such as arthritis and related musculoskeletal disorders.

Across seven comprehensive modules, learners will gain access to specialist techniques informed by osteopathic, myofascial, indirect, lymphatic, neurodynamic, and other physical therapy practices.

The curriculum covers equine behaviour, psychology, pain neuroscience, advanced anatomy and physiology, and core osteopathic principles.

By combining Dr Johnston and Ms Farina's extensive expertise in both animal and human osteopathy with Gatehouse Awards’ reputation for quality, innovation, and professional standards, this partnership represents a significant step forward in evidence-informed equine therapy education.

Whether you look to enhance your existing practice, expand your therapeutic skill set, or earn a recognised advanced qualification, this diploma offers a unique opportunity to learn from leading industry experts. Graduates will develop the knowledge and confidence required to make a meaningful difference in equine welfare and performance.

For more information please get in touch with [email protected].

Gatehouse Awards - Animal Care and Veterinary Science are delighted to announce the launch of two new introductory qualifications:

1. Level 3 Award in an Introduction to Canine Hydrotherapy

2. Level 3 Award in an Introduction to Equine Hydrotherapy

These qualifications have been developed in collaboration with industry Subject Matter Experts, and we would like to extend our sincere thanks for their valuable time, knowledge, and expertise throughout the development process.

Designed as introductory qualifications, they provide learners with foundational knowledge and introductory practical skills to support hydrotherapy practice within supervised environments.

These qualifications are ideal for:

- Individuals considering a future career in hydrotherapy
- Veterinary and animal care professionals seeking introductory knowledge and skills
- Learners wishing to progress into further study within animal rehabilitation and hydrotherapy

Important Notice

These are introductory level qualifications only and do not qualify learners to practise independently as canine or equine hydrotherapists.

Learners who complete these qualifications are not qualified hydrotherapists and must not represent themselves as such. Further study, supervised clinical experience, and additional qualifications are required before independent practice can take place.

These qualifications are intended to provide the first step into the hydrotherapy profession and support progression into further learning and supervised industry experience.

For more information or to register your interest, please contact: [email protected]

Are you an Allied Veterinary Professional—such as a veterinary nurse, hydrotherapist, or massage therapist—looking to build on your existing skills?

We’ve developed a course specifically for professionals like you. Delivered in conjunction with Gatehouse Awards, this pathway enables you to train as a Level 4 Ofqual-regulated Galen Myotherapist.

Find out more and take the next step here👇
https://www.galenmyotherapy.com/product-page/level-4-practice



Canine Myofascial Health | Ofqual Level 4 Diploma | Canine Posture | Canine massage | rehab for dogs