Students Hear from Expert Speaker

Level 3 Year 1 Sport students and Level 2 Year 1 and 2 and Level 3 Year 1 and 2 Equine students were treated to a talk from Faith Atack-Martin, an expert in both human and equine physiotherapy.

Faith commenced her career in sport working in professional football as a physiotherapist. With a passion for, and competing herself in equine sport, Faith moved on from professional football to set up her own clinical practice to provide physiotherapy support to both human and equine athletes, a busy clinic that she still runs today. Alongside her equine clinic Faith moved into motorsport working concurrently in W Series and Formula 1. She was the travelling physiotherapist for W Series’ inaugural season and today still maintains a clinical lead and head performance coach role for a Formula 1 race team.

Faith now runs Combine Performance with her husband Dan, a company which aims to contribute to world-class performances, better health, and support sustainable careers for the people they work with.

Faith started her talk with an insight into her own journey, from leaving school at 16 with the plan of becoming a showjumper to returning to education to study Sports Science and gaining a place at University of Huddersfield gaining a BSc (Honours) in Physiotherapy. She then undertook a Postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Physiotherapy at the Royal Veterinary College.

Faith took the students through her fascinating career journey to date and reassured them that anything is possible whichever path you choose to get there. Faith said, “Don’t fear changing direction. Identify the direction you want to go by staying true to your values, but most of all have a vision!”

Students really enjoyed hearing about the excitement – and stresses – of working in the world of Formula 1 with Team Haas coupled with an insight into the world of equine physiotherapy; two worlds that on the face of it have nothing in common and yet as Faith discussed her career you could see the common themes and skills needed to succeed in both!

Danielle Fox, Head of Land-based said, “We were delighted to welcome Faith to speak with our equine and sport students. Her career journey—spanning work with professional footballers, Formula 1 teams, and elite equine athletes—offers a truly unique perspective on performance and wellbeing. Hearing how she has applied her skills across such diverse settings will inspire our students to think broadly about their own futures and the many exciting pathways open to them.”

Heather Marsden, Lecturer in Sport, Fitness and Personal Training added, “Our level 3 year 1 sport students attended an inspiring talk in the hall delivered by Faith, who shared her journey from studying BTEC Sport at college right through to becoming a Performance Coach and Physiotherapist within Formula 1.

“Faith spoke about the challenges she faced, the opportunities she embraced, and the determination required to reach such an exciting career. Hearing her personal experiences gave students a real insight into the different pathways available after completing their studies.

“It was particularly valuable for our learners to see how someone who started on a similar qualification as them has gone on to achieve such a prestigious role. Faith’s story was both motivating and encouraging, showing that with hard work, resilience, and a clear vision, they too can pursue and achieve ambitious career goals.”

Ellie Stephenson, Lecturer in Equine Studies said, “The guest talk from Faith was hugely beneficial for our Equine students, as it gave them a real insight into her career journey and experiences as a physiotherapist. Faith highlighted the importance of setting clear goals and having a vision for the future, while also sharing a realistic look at the day-to-day work of an equine and human physiotherapist. The students particularly enjoyed hearing about Faith’s experiences in Formula 1, which opened their eyes to the exciting and varied opportunities that can come from this profession.”

Jenny Hartley, Craven Arena Yard Manager and Lecturer added, “After the mornings lecture by Faith the level 3 students used various obstacles and desensitising equipment to work the horses correctly and more naturally, focusing on correct control of pace, bending, stretching; this was a confidence booster for both horse and riders. This was thoroughly enjoyed by all and was a real test in horsemanship.“

If you’d like to take the first steps on your career path, find out more about Sport or Equine courses at Craven College, or visit us on our upcoming Open Day.