Fenella Grigsby (née Bovill, Ch, 1996)

Whether it’s horses, dogs, cats, prize bulls or alpaca, it’s my job as an animal chiropractor to address issues that affect how the whole body moves and functions, and to reduce pain to improve general health and wellbeing.

My practice is Cotswold & Equine Animal Therapies based in New Zealand where I have been for 21 years. Growing up on a farm in the UK, I have loved animals all my life so it was almost inevitable I would end up working in this field!

I left College in 1996 and was enrolled to study at Bristol University West of England, but unfortunately in September 1996, just before I was to start, I incurred a traumatic brain injury (TBI) so ended up in Frenchay Hospital rather than Frenchay Campus!

However, this was a turning point for my career. McTimoney Chiropractic was the rehabilitation system that worked for me. I was not able to lift a half empty glass of water without excruciating pain in my right elbow before receiving treatment. I had always dreamt of being a vet but on the basis that chiropractic had sorted me out I was drawn to do that.

I decided to enrol to study human chiropractic and, before I started the course, took a year off and headed to New Zealand to play polo and groom. After qualifying in 2003 back in the UK, I decided a change of direction would be exciting, so made the big move to New Zealand where I have been since. I qualified as an animal chiropractor and undertook further studies.

I have always loved dogs, so breeding a tricolour litter from the English pointer who came from UK to NZ with me was very special. Plus breeding horses that I can ride and take through to competition is so rewarding!

I love the life here especially with the variety of my different patients and, as I travel around the NZ countryside, feel privileged to enjoy the many different beautiful vistas.

www.ceatnz.co