Dorothy Marks - The Back Lady......any reviews?

[EMC]

I have Dorothy Marks 'The Back Lady' coming out tomorrow afternoon to see to Fred my ex-racer after he has been dragging his hind toes in trot and showing reluctance to roll/lay down or have his hind feet picked etc, but I haven't been able to find any reviews?

She is also going to assess his saddle (s) fit to check he is comfortable incase this may be contributing to his other symptoms. Hopefully he is just a bit sore or tight with new muscles being worked, but I have a sneaking feeling it's either his back/pelvis from falls in racing or maybe due to his hock confirmation causing issues which is the next route of investigation with the vet.

She sounds lovely and very knowledgeable, I do hope she is as good as she sounds but it would be nice if anyone else had any experiences or a review to share?

Hopefully all will go well, if anyone is thinking of booking her and would like a review feel free to PM me and I'll do my best after tomorrow, obviously I'm not quite sure what is up with Fred so no miracles expected on my behalf!

 

[TigerTail]

Fabulous - I attended a lecture of of hers that was more educating than X years in school! Very interesting and intense lady when lecturing, also know several people who have used her on horses and highly rate her. If you want someone to check a saddle she is one of the best as she fully understands how every individual cell of the horses back needs to be able to function

 

[spottyUnicorn]

I had her out years ago to see my older horse. She was professional, competent and didn't invent problems that weren't there. I do remember she was very interested in the fit of the saddle and I think that was even before she had done her saddle fitting course/qualification. As TT said she was quite 'intense' but nothing to not like really and if it wasn't for the fact that I came across Helen Jacks Hewitt (who was just more my sort of person) I probably would had carried on using her.

 

[EMC]

Thank-you both for the reply, after today I have to say I recommend her too!

Very knowledgeable lady, not just about the back but specifically about the problems Ex-racers may have or develop as a result of their confirmation and training. She explained everything she did and why she was doing it, showing me where Fred showed signs of unevenness, also showing how his back muscles would 'lift' under saddle when working correctly. We were also given stretches to carry out to help Fred bend through the neck to aid his re-training.

She really went in depth into his saddle fitting, showing me with the various gullets how fitting may differ with a TB who has less muscle either side of the withers. I had my saddles checked and although only one was a close enough fit to be 'used as a stop gap' she showed me how I could pad it out to achieve a better and more comfortable fit in the meantime.

We also tried a Thorowgood which was recommended for Fred's shape, with both Polypads and a NuMed pad and how they could be shimmed to achieve and even better fit. Also assessed my girth (a d-ring stretchy type) and showed where it may be causing pressure points under hard work. There was no pressure to buy anything and everything was explained so I could understand the principles of how different saddles fit. I'll be saving up for a new Thorowgood and the pads/shims and will happily have her visit Fred again to fit it properly. The best part was that she tried her best to work with the saddle we do have, and although she said she would be happy to treat Fred again it wouldn't be necessary as he really doesn't need it.

Luckily nothing is wrong with Fred, just a little stiffness but overall very good back condition for an ex-racer having had falls and an accident involving a gate (I'm told it swung shut on him and he kicked out, entangling his back legs in it). I'm very happy with his treatment and I think he was too, very relaxed chappy with lot's of contented sighs and closed eyes.