Bartolomeo Cavina has carved out a unique career path as a veterinary physiotherapist, focusing on elite showjumping and racetrack horses. However, his journey into the world of animal care took an extraordinary turn during his time spent working with lions on a wildlife preserve in Zimbabwe. This fascinating experience has significantly influenced Cavina’s approach to animal health and rehabilitation.
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Cavina, who holds a master’s degree in veterinary physiotherapy and has specialised in veterinary osteopathy, has been immersed in the world of animals from a young age. Growing up in the picturesque Italian countryside, he was surrounded by family pets like cats and dogs, as well as wild horses that inhabited the region. It is this deep-rooted passion for animals that eventually led him to the African savannah, working alongside some of the world’s most formidable apex predators.
At the preserve in Zimbabwe, Cavina’s duties extended beyond traditional animal care; he played a vital role in a project aimed at reintroducing lions into national parks across Africa. His typical day involved rising at dawn to “walk” the lions, a process resembling a leisurely stroll in a park with a family pet. From 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., he and fellow volunteers guided the lions for a few hours, allowing them to experience the wild environment and engage in behavioural enrichment activities.
Cavina describes the experience of walking among these magnificent creatures as akin to taking a dog out for a walk, albeit with a few more precautions. While he acknowledged that many people might feel trepidation around such powerful animals, he himself felt a surprising lack of fear. “That’s the problem,” he joked, reflecting on his unusual relationship with these wild beasts.
In terms of safety, Cavina disclosed that he and his colleagues employed a rather unconventional method for self-defence: a simple stick. Though this may sound trivial, the use of the stick had a practical purpose. A gentle tap on the nose served to reinforce respect and minimise any aggressive behaviour from lion cubs. Additionally, the stick could create the illusion of increased height, which deterred overly energetic lions from acting out.
Cavina’s experiences in Zimbabwe have not only contributed to his understanding of animal behaviour but also shape his current work with competition horses. He now boasts a significant online presence, with over 50,000 followers who are intrigued by his videos showcasing a day in the life of a veterinary physiotherapist. He likens his role to that of a physiotherapist for humans but tailored specifically for horses and occasionally dogs.
His primary focus is to enhance the performance of athletes within the equine world. Cavina begins by evaluating potential issues that may be hindering a horse’s performance. “It can be the saddle, a muscular problem, or an injury,” he explains. Each horse is treated as an individual case, with Cavina employing a variety of soft tissue techniques and customised rehabilitation schedules designed to improve their comfort and overall well-being.
Cavina emphasises the importance of tailored treatment plans, highlighting the complexities involved in animal rehabilitation. “You never know if one protocol will work or another will be more effective,” he notes. As such, his approach is flexible, requiring a thoughtful assessment of each horse’s needs and circumstances.
As he continues to work with high-calibre equine athletes, Cavina remains committed to his mission: bringing out the best in each horse while ensuring their health and happiness. His unusual journey from wildlife conservation to equine physiotherapy illustrates not only his passion for animals but also his dedication to improving their lives through science and compassion. Through his expertise and experiences, Bartolomeo Cavina is making an impressive mark within the field of veterinary care, blending his past with his current commitment to animal welfare.