Nikki Routledge PGD BSc (Hons) EBW BHSAI Int SM

McTimoney Animal Therapist - 07890 968115

Nikki has ridden and worked with horses from an early age, competing regularly in showjumping, dressage and more recently in Endurance competitions. She completed the 100mile Golden Horseshoe event in 2000 on her previous horse, Moment of Justice, winning the award for the highest placed competitor taking part in the event for the first time, and in 2005 Nikki came a close second in the 120km (75mile) FEI race at Cirencester Park on her current top mare, Ca Shia Merishia. In 2006, Nikki qualified her younger mare Ca Daisha for the World Endurance Breeding Young Horse Championships, held in Compeigne France. For up-to-date information on how this competition season is progressing look at www.mimi.me.uk

Nikki has a wide variety of equine clients from dressage horses (prelim to PSG,) eventers  (Intro to Advanced) and showjumpers (Grade C and B), not to mention top endurance horses, as well as the many pony club ponies, happy hackers and hunters, and she spends several days each week out on the road attending to those appointments.

She has also worked with dogs for a number of years and trains her own dogs Paddy and Maisi. She has given lectures and clinics to dog training clubs around the South West and has been called upon to help out at shows. She is also called on to treat dogs working for the local shoots.

Over the last 6 years there has been an increasing demand for her Merishia Massage Courses attended by over 350 students from various backgrounds, from beginners and horse/pet owners to qualified osteopaths, manipulators and vets, all of which have been well received and with very positive feedback. She also has a growing number of students on the saddlefitting course.

Nikki graduated with a 2:1 Honours degree in Equine Science at the University of the West of England in 1998 and qualified as a McTimoney Animal Therapist after successfully completing a two-year Post-Graduate Diploma at the McTimoney College, in Abingdon. Nikki is now studying her Master of Science degree.

She is a qualified Equine Sports Massage Therapist, certified by Equinology in California, USA and as part of her training, Nikki spent a year working with various physiotherapists, aiding in the treatment of top racehorses, eventers, showjumpers and dressage horses.

Nikki is also trained to BHSAI Int SM and has completed courses in Handstitching, Intermediate Bridlery and Repairs by the Cumbria School of Saddlery. Nikki has written articles for and appeared in Your Horse, Endurance GB magazine, Horse Matters and Riding magazine and her book, Cat Massage is available in all good bookshops.

Nikki says

"My aim is to help animals and their owners by providing information in the form best suited to each individual, be it by appointment to treat their animal or by education through the courses I provide."