Animal Chiropractic and Rehabilitation Conference 2026 Showcases Groundbreaking Research and Celebrates Industry Leadership

The 2026 Animal Chiropractic and Rehabilitation Conference (ACAR) brought together animal musculoskeletal professionals from across the UK on Wednesday 10 June 2026 at McTimoney College of Chiropractic in Abingdon. Sponsored by Equigate, the event showcased the latest research, innovation and professional development within the rapidly evolving field of animal chiropractic and rehabilitation.

Practitioners, researchers, educators and industry leaders gathered for a day dedicated to advancing evidence-based practice and improving outcomes for animals through collaborative learning and knowledge sharing.

The conference featured keynote presentations from leading experts in the field. Lorna Cameron of Hartpury University presented research exploring the impact of female body shape on riding position, rider asymmetry and the subsequent effects on equine performance. The research represents more than a decade of collaboration between Hartpury University and the University of Portsmouth and highlights the increasingly important role of rider biomechanics in equine health and performance.

Ali Dane from Retraining of Racehorses delivered a compelling presentation on the support available to former racehorses as they transition into new care, emphasising the importance of early intervention and structured rehabilitation in helping ex-racehorses thrive beyond the racing industry.

A diverse programme of research presentations reflected the breadth of work being undertaken across the profession. Studies covering species including rabbits, sheep, dogs and horses demonstrated the growing evidence base supporting animal chiropractic care and rehabilitation. The research programme was coordinated by Sally Charlton, whose efforts brought together a wide range of practitioners and researchers to share their findings.

Conference sponsor Equigate, developer of an innovative equine and canine business management software platform, welcomed the opportunity to engage with practitioners from across the sector.
Equigate’s founder Genevieve Joyce said “We’ve had a wonderful day here at the McTimoney conference. So many of our users are already here, but also, it’s been great to meet so many new practitioners as well.”

Breakfast sponsor, NKC Equestrian Training, training and coaching company providing business and mindset coaching to therapists across the world.

Director and Founder, Nicola Kinnard-Comedie commented “Wow, what an event…We love being involved with events like this, because I really believe when we all pull together in the animal health industry we can help so many more animals.”

A highlight of the conference was the presentation of the McTimoney Animal Association (MAA) Award for Outstanding Contribution to Professor Christina Cunliffe OBE. Presented by MAA Chair Nikki Routledge, the award recognised Professor Cunliffe’s pioneering role in the development of animal chiropractic education and her exceptional contribution to advancing professional standards, education and animal welfare.

Professor Cunliffe’s vision helped establish new pathways into the profession for appropriately qualified animal science graduates and led to the creation of Europe’s only university-validated animal chiropractic programme. Her leadership has had a lasting impact on the profession, with more than 400 McTimoney Animal Practitioners of Chiropractic graduating from the programme and delivering care to animals across the UK and internationally.

Presenting the award, Nikki Routledge said: “Professor Christina Cunliffe OBE has pioneered the development of animal chiropractic education and training. Through her vision, leadership and dedication, she opened the doors for appropriately qualified graduates from animal degree disciplines to enter the animal chiropractic profession, creating opportunities for practitioners to serve animals and their owners across the UK and internationally. This award recognises her outstanding contribution to the industry and the lasting impact she has had on our profession.”
The biennial Animal Chiropractic and Rehabilitation Conference continues to play a vital role in supporting research, education and collaboration across the profession. Following the success of this year’s event, organisers are already looking ahead to welcoming delegates back in 2028 for another opportunity to share knowledge, celebrate achievements and advance standards of care for animals.