Sharon Classen, PT, ATC, CERP, graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 1981 and has worked for over 38 years in Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. She took additional training and received her Certification of Equine Rehabilitation Practitioner from the University of Tennessee. She is also a Permitted Equine therapist for FEI events. Her past work experiences include working at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, the University of Nebraska Cornhusker’s dynasty football program,  NCAA sports, and private orthopedic and sports medicine practices. Her current practice, Serenity Physical Therapy, involves working with Equestrian and Equine Athletes throughout the United States and Internationally. Both at the national and FEI levels.

Sharon has presented at the APTA’s (American Physical Therapy Association) annual meeting (CSM), at the AAEP (American Association of Equine Practitioners), at the International Association of Veterinary and Physical Therapy Rehabilitation. She teaches VetPD courses, ISELP,  and on the faculty of University of Tennessee’s CERP (Certification of Equine Rehabilitation Practitioner at UT).  She is also part of the USEF High Performance Sports Medicine Symposium and does consultation with the FEI with various program developments. She is also a member of the APTA’s special interest group Animal Rehab. She has treated both Equestrian and Equine athletes at World Cup competitions and was the Head Physio at the World Equestrian Games.

Her main focus is prevention, maintenance, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement of both the horse and rider. Focusing on biomechanics and return to full function/sport. Sharon’s primary research interests include Biomechanical Interplay of Horse and Rider, Concussions management, and Therapeutic Exercise for the Equine Athlete. She brings her unique perspective as a clinician, rider, and trainer to the world of Equine Sports Medicine.

Sharon has been working with the Equine Athlete using her skill set as a Physical Therapist for almost 40 years - evaluating, treating, and implementing plan of care and Therapeutic Exercise programs. She has been passionate about horses from an early age and the marriage of PT and her love of horses has been a natural union.

Sharon lives in Elkhorn, NE with her husband and two daughters and owns a 26 stall barn where she has trained and treated show jumpers for 38 years. She has trained with many of the US Olympic team trainers and top trainers here in the United States. Both Sharon and her daughters compete at many top jumper shows throughout the United States.