BY ALLISON LEE
We are all familiar with the ways in which aches and pains can disrupt daily life, and I understand the work that chiropractors do—using hands-on, non-invasive therapies to relieve pain and improve mobility. However, until recently, I had no idea that chiropractors could also treat animals.
Living on a smallholding with a variety of animals, I was intrigued to learn about the work of Charlotte Steer, a qualified chiropractor based in Wantage, Oxfordshire. Charlotte grew up on stud farms, helping her father during foaling, and spent much of her childhood riding—whether her mother’s horse or any other she could borrow. At the age of 13, she was fortunate to receive her own horse, Willow, a rescue from the RSPCA, whom she still owns today, some 16 years later.
Driven by her love of horses and a desire for a fulfilling career working with both people and animals, Charlotte decided to train as a chiropractor. She told me she initially considered nursing, but after completing her A Levels, she realised it wasn’t the right fit and began exploring other paths. Her decision was cemented during an open day at McTimoney College, when she observed a chiropractic treatment and knew instantly that this was the direction she wanted to take.
When I asked Charlotte what her job involves, she explained: “It’s a very hands-on profession, but also quite an emotionally invested one. You’re not just treating people’s and animals’ physical aches and pains—you’re dealing with how those issues affect them day to day. Pain isn’t only physical; it has an emotional dimension too, so it’s important to address both. The role requires a great deal of empathy, understanding, and deep knowledge of the body and how it responds to treatment.” She continued: “The chiropractic technique I use is gentle and light—it’s not the typical ‘cracky’ style that most people associate with chiropractic, known as the diversified technique. It’s called McTimoney, and it involves very light but fast adjustments that focus primarily on aligning the spine and pelvis. When you correct a misalignment, you allow clearer communication between the nervous system and the brain, which in turn enhances overall body function. A misalignment is when a joint becomes locked in an incorrect position, leading to restricted movement, pain, muscle tension, and compensatory issues—all of which we assess during a chiropractic consultation.”
Charlotte’s practice is not limited to humans. “I also work with a wide range of animals. While chiropractic can benefit many species, the animals I treat most often are horses and dogs, with the occasional cat too,” she told me.
Charlotte completed a four-year integrated Master’s Degree in Chiropractic, followed by a Diploma in Chiropractic with the Royal College of Chiropractors. Eager to expand her expertise, she then undertook a two-year Master’s Degree in Animal Manipulation. It’s safe to say Charlotte truly knows her field.
Speaking with Charlotte, it was clear she is passionate about her work. Her training was demanding, requiring countless hours of study and perseverance, yet she told me she has never once regretted her career choice. When I asked what she enjoys most, she said: “I love seeing the difference chiropractic care can make. Many of my patients and animal clients come to me at their lowest—living in pain, feeling frustrated, or unable to do what they love. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching them recover, whether that’s welcoming them back into the clinic with a smile or receiving a message from a client saying they’ve been out on their first ride in months and their horse is feeling fantastic. Knowing I’ve contributed to someone’s recovery is incredibly fulfilling. But I always say recovery is a team effort—I never take all the credit. My role is to assess, treat, and guide, but the patient or owner does the hard work—making time for appointments, following rehabilitation exercises, and investing in their health. Seeing that commitment pay off is the best part of my job.”
Like any profession, chiropractic has its challenges. For Charlotte, the most difficult aspect is the lack of understanding surrounding it. “It’s sad, because it means many people and animals miss out on the healing potential of chiropractic due to bad press or one person’s negative experience. What makes it harder is when other professionals speak negatively about chiropractic out of ignorance. That’s unprofessional, and it may cost an animal or patient the chance of a pain-free, high-quality life,” she said.
She added: “I firmly believe that the more professionals involved in a patient’s or animal’s care, the better the outcome. We all bring different strengths and perspectives. I would never claim to treat everything—there are things outside my skill set, and I’ll refer on when needed. I hope that awareness and understanding of chiropractic will continue to grow. I think it is improving, but there’s still a long way to go.”
Charlotte is deeply committed to ongoing learning and regularly undertakes continuing professional development. She has a particular interest in the relationship between horse and rider, and how chiropractic care can enhance their function, movement, and performance.
Fortunately, Charlotte hasn’t encountered any major setbacks, though she admits there have been memorable moments. “Working with animals means you have to expect the unexpected—horses don’t always stand still, dogs don’t always cooperate, and plans don’t always go smoothly,” she said with a smile.
Looking to the future, Charlotte dreams of opening her own small practice with treatment rooms where she can treat both people and dogs. She is also open to collaborating with other chiropractors or massage therapists to provide complementary services. Currently working long hours six days a week, she hopes to achieve a better work-life balance and reclaim her weekends. “If I manage that, I’d love to start riding again. Horses have always been a huge part of my life, but I want to return to it when I have the time to truly enjoy it, rather than squeezing it into an already packed schedule.”
More information about Charlotte and her work can be found on her website: https://charlottesteerchiropractic.co.uk/
Allison Lee is a smallholder from North Yorkshire who has written for the Yorkshire Times and other publications. Her website can be accessed here.