The Back Lady
Intro
I am Dorothy Marks, and I am the ‘Back Lady’.
I am a Back Care Specialist*, a Saddle Fitter, and a Riding Instructor
My primary objective is to improve Balance and Symmetry for horse and rider by addressing three key aspects of the horse & rider interaction. I can help you with just one aspect, or all three.
I consider these key aspects as a triad of:
HORSE – SADDLE – RIDER:
- If a Horse is unbalanced or asymmetrical, he cannot move straight or perform well, this can make the rider sit unevenly causing the horse and / or rider to have back or neck problems, and can unbalance and damage a saddle.
- If a Saddle does not fit the horse or rider, it can cause a multitude of problems for both, resulting in pain, muscle damage and poor performance.
- If a Rider is unbalanced and asymmetrical, this can make the horse uneven and push him onto the forehand, or cause physical injury or lameness problems for the horse. It can also lead to saddling issues, even if the saddle is a good fit.
**** now you can find me on FaceBook - Dorothy Marks, The Back Lady! ****
I have been working away steadily on my practice of Philippe Karl's method and principles. I am seeing week by week changes in Solo, and enjoying huge strides forwards in my clients' riding and also their horses! The next course is in the third week of January - the start of the second year, WOW!!
*Very sadly, after nearly 20 years of Chiropractic being a major part of my life, I have decided to de-register from the General Chiropractic Council register of Chiropractors, which means that I am no longer entitled to call myself a Chiropractor.
What I do has not changed. I am still using the same eclectic mix of McTimoney, Craniosacral Therapy, Equine Sports Massage and other profound methods of treating horses and dogs.
Horse
To have balance and symmetry your HORSE must be physically able to do what you are asking of him or her. Whether this is hacking along the lanes, jumping, pulling a carriage or foot perfect accuracy in the dressage arena, your horse’s musculoskeletal system needs to be free of restrictions, stiffnesses and pain. Using McTimoney and other complementary methods together with core activation exercises and in hand work, I can help ensure your horse can do what you want, in a willing, joyful way.
Saddle
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To have balance and symmetry your horse’s SADDLE must allow as much freedom of movement as it can. The saddle needs to allow you, as the rider, to sit in a neutral, balanced way, appropriate for your chosen discipline. As an Independent Saddling Consultant I can evaluate your existing saddle, and work with it to give the best fit possible. Alternatively, I sell a range of well designed leather saddles that provide exceptional comfort for both horse and rider.
Rider
To have balance and symmetry you need to be aware of your own twists and unevennesses as a RIDER, and how these will affect your horse. I am an Accredited Mary Wanless RWYM Coach, and can use this powerful approach to help you sit straight and in balance, allowing you to influence your horse for the good. If you want your horse to move straight, you need to sit straight!
Dogs
Many dogs, especially working, agility and obedience dogs, have significant demands put on their bodies, which can take a toll on their musculoskeletal systems. McTimoney can greatly improve these dogs’ performance and wellbeing. McTimoney can also help companion dogs that suffer with the stiffness of joint wear and tear, and mild intermittent lamenesses can be helped hugely.