He’s Worked with Lions, Elephants and Horses as a Vet Physio, but There’s One Animal That Scares Him Most (Exclusive)

**Meet Bartolomeo Cavina: The Veterinary Physiotherapist Working with Lions and Elite Racehorses**

Bartolomeo Cavina, a veterinary physiotherapist, has carved out a unique career path that takes him from the wilds of Africa to the elite sporting arenas of horse racing. With a passion for animals that began in his youth, Cavina has dedicated his life to helping creatures of all kinds regain their health and improve their performance. His work spans a variety of species, including lions, elephants, and high-calibre racehorses.

Cavina’s journey began in the idyllic countryside of Italy, where he grew up surrounded by pets and wild animals. This early connection fostered a strong desire to contribute to animal welfare, motivating him to embark on a veterinary career after finishing school. However, his aspirations were met with significant challenges. The entry process for veterinary school in Italy involves a national test that boasts a notoriously low pass rate, and Cavina faced setbacks when he failed the exam on two occasions.

Feeling disheartened yet determined, he made a life-changing decision to relocate to Zimbabwe. It was there that he truly tapped into his passion for animals and had the opportunity to work closely with lions at a private national park. Cavina recalls being captivated by these majestic creatures, stating, “I was obsessed with felines.” This experience not only allowed him to gain invaluable knowledge about animal behaviour but also to participate in crucial conservation efforts aimed at reintroducing lions into the wild.

While in Zimbabwe, Cavina’s responsibilities included walking the lions in the early mornings and providing them with what he described as “behavioural enrichment.” This involved allowing the lions to roam their enclosures, explore their surroundings, and engage in instinctive behaviours that GBayrecalls being transformative experiences, though he acknowledges that the routine eventually became somewhat repetitive. “It was beautiful, but it was repetitive,” he admits.

Cavina’s fascination with animals extended beyond lions; he also worked with horses, managing a stable that specialised in show jumping and horseback riding safaris. This aspect of his work instilled an enthusiasm that he describes as “unbelievable,” enriched by breathtaking sunrises reminiscent of classic films.

His passion for veterinary medicine led him to the UK, where he undertook six years of rigorous training to earn a master’s degree in veterinary physiotherapy, alongside studies in animal osteopathy. This training provided him with a comprehensive understanding of animal care, especially with respect to horses.

“My time in France was particularly formative,” Cavina notes, expressing admiration for the French expertise in equine care. He reminisces about his experiences with young horses, which helped him develop a deeper knowledge of these animals.

Now, Cavina is a sought-after veterinary physiotherapist, providing his services to high-performance show jumpers and racehorses worldwide. His freelance work allows him to consult with various clients, assessing horses’ physical conditions and helping them achieve optimal performance levels. His impressive roster includes the first and second place winners of the 2026 Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes, which confirms his status in the elite equine world.

While he initially hesitated to share his work on social media, Cavina eventually embraced the platform after encouragement from friends and family. “I thought, ‘Let me post this one and see what happens,’” he recalls, and the response was overwhelmingly positive, leading to a significant increase in his visibility and engagement within the veterinary community.

In practice, Cavina acts as a physical therapist for horses, working to identify and alleviate issues that hinder their performance. He explains, “I look at the horse, not just the physique. I need to fix the horse to make him perform better.” This approach involves diagnosing problems, whether they stem from saddles, muscular strains, or chronic imbalances that have developed over time.

Cavina’s commitment to understanding the horses he works with is evident, as he notes the importance of being flexible in his methods. “In a normal job, you follow protocol. Here, you have to adjust it every single time,” he explains, highlighting the individual needs of each animal. His expertise allows him to navigate the complexities of equine physiotherapy, making adjustments as necessary to create personalised treatment plans.

Through a blend of intuition, training, and a profound understanding of animal behaviour, Cavina has established himself as a leading figure in veterinary physiotherapy, dedicated to improving the lives of animals around the globe. His journey, from the sun-drenched savannahs of Zimbabwe to the prestigious racecourses of the world, exemplifies his unwavering dedication to animal health and welfare.