Back In The Saddle

Equine Massage, East Anglia, UK

The Mindful Touch

A client once said to Catherine ” You have The Midas Touch with those horses” and when her client went on to ask what her secret was, Catherine explained that she uses her own methodology which they then aptly named, The Mindful Touch.

This therapy is Catherine’s passion and purpose and is solely and holistically for the love of the horse.

Who we are and why we do it

Back In The Saddle is a Massage Therapy service that offers equines and their riders a unique, physical therapy support system, with deep tissue body work and sports massages for the maintenance of overall health and fitness, specialising in remedial therapy with fitness/rehabilitation plans when in recovery from accident or injury.

The company is run by Catherine Dachtler IIHHT ITec (Equine) VTCT who has over 30 years’ experience as a professional masseuse, equine handler, competitor and owner.

We are a conscientious ethical business which means that our core values are morally based and driven around the use of natural alternative therapies that can supplement veterinary care and are promoted to be an integral part of horses’ routine care and management.

Clinical In-depth Understanding of
Anatomy and Physiology

All massage therapy is based on a thorough/deep understanding of how muscles work, how locomotion effects everything, and how everything affects efficient locomotion.

“Horses love to move – it’s their natural way – they are born to move, and if they don’t, or can’t move freely then there is something very wrong”

Catherine Dachtler

For the love of the horse.

For the love of the horse.

A Way of Being Present

Catherine uses what she terms being in the present to hear, see and feel the horse clearly for a true assessment.

Catherine describes one component of The Mindful Touch as being present and explains this mindset as a synergistic and holistic way of being with horses. Catherine’s slogan underpins, For the love of the Horse and the total well-being of the horse. This means keeping calmly focused on being present, yet always open to and accepting of change and influences.

Holistic Approach and Aftercare

Catherine’s approach which is different from many other physical/remedial therapists is that her aftercare is a critical part of how Catherine works with a team and within a horse’s regime.

Every body here at Back In The Saddle are truly humbled by being nominated, and then awarded Finalist. Catherine would like to express her happiness when accepting the award at this stage and she says in her own words:

“It is so rewarding, much further than the award itself, to be recognised like this is truly amazing and exciting for the future of my company. Thank you all whom have supported me and my work over the years! I am so looking forward to the Awards Ceremony and meeting every one.”

What My Clients Say

  • “Catherine sees our whole yard on a rotatory basis, she works with each horse as an individual, she listens to every thing and is so focused on the horses that every time I see her I learn a little more which is fascinating. It’s so good to find a therapist that really cares and really wants to work with us, see us all do well and cares for the horses well being as much as we do.”

    Lucinda

  • "Catherine is professional, knowledgeable and above all, a lovely person. She is at all times gentle and sympathetic when working with my dressage horse. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Catherine to anyone considering equine massage therapy and indeed, would urge people to make this a part of the routine care of their horses."

    Camilla, Norfolk (now Bedford)

  • “Catherine is very patient and happy to stand and chat to learn about the horses history for as long as you need. Her empathy for horses shines through and her calm and relaxed state really helps to inspire the same emotions in the horses when they are being treated. I am very pleased to have found such an open minded and empathetic horse woman.”

    Gemma

  • “Catherine is professional, courteous, polite and to the point at all times, I totally trust her with my animals whether I am around or not and I ALWAYS feel the difference in their way fo going after her sessions with us. I also have massages from Catherine to keep myself in good form and she is very knowledgeable about the human body as well as the horse. She is a great therapist and friend and I often recommend her.”

    Jonathon, Suffolk