Testimonials
"Leah has worked on our horse Bluey many times, she has found and addressed any problems he has, mainly in his hind quarters which to us had shown as a back problem, Leah identified the problem straight away and her magic hands soon sorted him out. She gives plenty of advice and exercises to maintain and improve Bluey in his performance for Dressage and Jumping.
Leah has also worked on myself and my two daughters, between us we have back/knee /feet problems, Leah re-aligned my daughters patellas which had given her constant pain for 2 years .
Very highly recommended."
Liz and Bluey
"Leah has been instrumental in helping Bestie come back after injury.
A typical 7/8ths TB, Leah has helped maintain muscle and suppleness, and I’ve seen my training and scoring improve.
With her help we’ve come 3rd at Prelim National Area Festival Champs and recently a 3rd at Novice Regional Area Festivals."
Rachel and Bestie
"Leah is a valued member of my horse Hugo’s support team. Over the last couple of years he has become so much happier in his body and is now really relaxed and enjoys his treatments.
Leah has an amazing eye and sensitive, knowledgeable hands that work magic!
She is so passionate about her work and takes a keen interest in the changes Hugo has undergone since an injury two years ago; transitioning to barefoot, change in saddle/bridle/feed and different concepts in training.
She is also very generous with her knowledge, helping my understanding of anatomy and muscle function to aid my studying to become a Personal Trainer!
Hugo has gone from being a Novice dressage horse to successfully competing at Medium level, and his posture has greatly improved as well as his muscle development.
Hugo and I both really enjoy and benefit from Leah visits!"
Penny Lock
"For anyone that is considering the Rider Symmetry and Biomechanics session with Leah, all I can say is book it!
For years, I have spent unthinkable amounts of money on Chiropractors and acupuncture to help my bad back; saddlers to correct my saddle slippage; and Pilates classes to correct my asymmetry in the saddle.
Within 10 minutes of watching me ride, Leah recognised the many physical limitations I had.
As a PE teacher, I thought I had fairly good body awareness, but she recognised injuries that I'd forgotten about. Not only that, but within a short session on the treatment couch, working through my thick winter coat, she felt areas of tightness which impacted my riding, and manipulated them to give me movement that I hadn't experienced for years.
The next stage was to wake up muscles which had become lazy when I ride. Leah reminded me of the importance of your seat to aid steering and straightness. She gave me simple and effective exercises to train my body to use when riding.
The final stage of the session was to re-mount.
Leah spent a significant amount of time putting all of the initial part of the session into practice in the saddle.
The results were incredible. I was instantly straighter, and my horse was more responsive. He was more consistent to the contact due to my body absorbing the movement better and my contact becoming more secure.
After years of being nagged about my jiggling right hand, Leah's manipulation and the muscle awareness work had sorted this! His lateral work was more fluent and required a much lighter aid due to the more effective use of my seat.
After the session, Leah sent me a personalised exercise plan. The information was clear and detailed and has allowed me to strengthen my areas of weakness.
As a result, I am a much straighter rider, whos saddle slips far less, and whos horse moves with more freedom and expression.
This was the best money I have ever spent!"
Vicky and Baz
"Leah has been treating my horses for approximately 2 years. I moved up from Devon 2 and a half years ago and left my network of horsey professionals behind. I was worried that I would never find another physio like I had in Devon! Having moved to a big yard of 80+ horses I was soon recommended Leah. I event my horses and like to know that they are in good shape with their workload and that I am doing things correctly.
From our first session with Leah, I was confident that I had found a committed, confident and extremely knowledgeable physio for my horses. Any doubts or worries with my horses way of going are worked on via massage and always explained in a confident manner and I know that we are in good hands. I am very guided by Leah and have complete confidence that my horses are working correctly and comfortably between visits. I would have no hesitation in recommending Leah to anyone that I know within my equine circle."
Amanda and Missy and Indi
"I've owned my stressy sports horse, Billy, for 5 years now.
Tension has always been a major issue; I had to learn to manage separation anxiety and keeping his weight on, but a recent increase in workload made it clear that he was beginning to struggle with what I was asking from him.
I knew the right rein was an issue and was concerned about his back as he would throw his head and argue when I asked for lateral movement and he would rush in canter.
I had his saddle and teeth checked and everything was fine, so I contacted Leah.
Leah carried out an incredibly thorough, hands on investigation and was able to isolate the problem. Tension in his bum and neck had made him extremely tight in his way of going. The difference after that first session was incredible; he was more supple and fluid in his movement and so much more relaxed. He's even had some recent success in the show and dressage arenas, qualifying for the summer Chiltern and Thames championships in both, something I couldn't have dared imagine beforehand.
Billy doesn't just let anyone touch his neck. Leah takes her time to get to know the horse and treats them as she would her own. I now ask Leah to see Billy regularly for follow up treatments, I think it's important to maintain his muscular health, especially as I demand more from him.
He is always noticeably more relaxed, I think he quite enjoys her visits!"
Natalie and Billy
"Leah has worked her magic touch on all my showjumpers and is very thorough from head to tail taking her time working through the problem areas . The horses show through their expressions & movements how they benefit from the treatment and at the same time Leah is giving verbal advice on how to continue working them to get the most out of the horses . Very professional , approachable and always does a consistently good job."
Natasha, Showjumper and Freelance Coach
"When I picked up my 'new horse' in April 2013 he was in a pretty sorry state having been turned away a few years back. At 15 yrs young I knew I had a lot of work to do to get him back to full work and competition fit.
Leah Clarke came out within days of him arriving and worked on him weekly to ensure that the muscle we were building was in the right place and developing evenly. She was unfazed by his kicking and then, when he was strong enough, his barging. Having weaned me off her weekly visits she now sees him every 6 weeks for maintenance and will continue as competition work increases and his veteran years draw in.
She has been an essential part of the team that has kept this little horse sound and her calm manner and insightfulness alongside her skills as a practitioner are second to none.
I can't recommend her highly enough."
Bella and Sammy
"You feel in very safe hands with Leah, her years of knowledge and expertise coupled with the ability to translate the technical terminology to the average person helps to build a trust and understanding. It has enabled me to develop my knowledge and continue with exercises in-between treatments. Alfie has improved since seeing Leah on a regular basis, he thoroughly enjoys his sessions and I am confident it’s a key aspect of his all round maintenance and well being."
Sue and Alfie
"I have had some amazing results with my horses after Leah's treatments. Always friendly and professional. The horses love it and she treats the whole horse not just parts. Definitely recommend if your horse needs treatment."
Tina - Livery Yard Owner
"Leah has been treating my advanced dressage horse for the past couple of years. She has made a really positive difference to his well-being and overall performance. We have very much worked as a team to relate his issues to his way of going and formulate a structured work plan.
I have recommended Leah to a number of my clients and seen a positive difference in their horses."
Charlotte Holes, Freelance Riding Instructor
"Leah is extremely knowledgeable and professional, beautifully tempered with a really kind manner that just makes you feel that your horse is important (because he is of course!).
No question too silly and no request too random, her experience and understanding is fantastic but her beside manner is second to none. My WIllyBob loves Leah’s visits, she makes him go all gooey.
He came to me 18mths ago rather stiff, with a very dipped and sensitive back and very little muscle. Leah has been my "go-to-girl" to help me ensure my boy feels the very best he can. He’s my 14 years young super cob with a heart of gold so I owe it to him, even if we mainly hack out.
Leah treats the problem but also looks at the whole picture, sharing with you what may help maintain a condition or eventually (and hopefully) cure/avoid the problem to allow you to manage your horses conformation quirks/difficulties/injuries whether they be old tried and tested ways or new advancements… Whatever it takes…"
Emma and Will