Meet the founders of the Johnston Farina Method®
YOUR TEACHERS
Dr Ross Johnston PhD
Pain neuroscience & clinical reasoning
Dr Ross Johnston is a research-active osteopath, educator and internationally recognised pain specialist with more than two decades of clinical and academic experience.
After graduating with First Class Honours from the British College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ross became the first osteopath internationally to complete the IASP award-winning MSc in Pain at King's College London, before going on to complete his PhD investigating osteopathic approaches to persistent pain. Alongside maintaining an active clinical practice, he spent over a decade as a Senior Lecturer at Swansea University, where he developed and led postgraduate osteopathic education while teaching clinical skills, pain science and medical pathophysiology.
Ross has published widely within the peer-reviewed literature and continues to collaborate on pioneering research exploring how contemporary pain science and neuroscience can be translated into meaningful improvements in clinical practice. His passion lies in making complex scientific concepts accessible, practical and directly relevant to the treatment of real patients — empowering practitioners to think critically and confidently when managing persistent pain.
Within the Level 6 Diploma, Ross leads the teaching in pain neuroscience, clinical reasoning and the scientific foundations that underpin the Johnston Farina Method®, helping students bridge the gap between emerging evidence and everyday equine practice.
Sara Farina
Practical technique & clinical practice
Sara Farina is a registered osteopath specialising in both human and equine practice, working with horses and riders from grassroots level through to international competition.
Her clinical approach is founded on a deep belief that every horse deserves thoughtful, individualised care. Combining advanced osteopathic principles, biomechanics and rehabilitation with close collaboration with veterinary surgeons, farriers and other equine professionals, Sara is committed to helping practitioners see beyond symptoms and develop a more complete understanding of the horse in front of them.
Over many years of clinical practice and professional education, Sara has developed a reputation for making complex concepts approachable and practical. Her teaching encourages students not only to refine their hands-on skills, but also to develop the observational awareness, clinical reasoning and therapeutic partnership that sit at the heart of compassionate equine care.
Sara is the co-developer of the Johnston Farina Method®, where she has combined extensive clinical experience with ongoing research into the equine nervous system to create innovative practical techniques that form a central part of the diploma. Throughout the programme, she leads the practical teaching, ensuring students leave with skills that can be confidently integrated into everyday clinical practice.
WANT TO TRAIN WITH
ROSS AND SARA?
Enquire about the Level 6 Diploma or an upcoming CPD course.
BEGIN THE CONVERSATION