Horse therapist from Sudbury grateful for support of clients after reaching final of annual Equestrian Business Awards
An experienced equine therapist, who has been short-listed for a top industry award, says the recognition shows the determination to ensure the equestrian industry thrives, after the sector was hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak.
Lifelong Sudbury resident Catherine Dachtler was named a finalist for Equine Therapist of the Year in the 2021 Equestrian Business Awards, chosen from thousands of entries, which will be announced at a physical awards ceremony in Nottingham on October 22.
A veteran of the equine massage trade for 17 years, Catherine runs therapy service Back in the Saddle, having built up three decades of experience in total as a masseuse, handler, competitor and owner.
“To be short-listed for an award like this, it makes you realise there’s so much more still to give,” she told Suffolk News. “It helps put all the stress and worry of the last 18 months to bed and lets you know you’re still on the right track.
“I’m very lucky. My clients are incredible. I’ve been so grateful to not only my clients, but also the people awarding and recognising businesses in the industry. It means so much that there are people out there who want to keep our industry thriving.”
Catherine explained she had built up a varied client base over the years, from family horses to animals involved in professional competition, stating many of them used her as “an integral part of their regime”.
But she said Covid-19 had badly affected the equestrian industry as a whole, with competitions cancelled and even recreational horse riding declining significantly.
“The pandemic affected the business tremendously,” added Catherine. “If a horse’s condition deteriorated, I could legally still go out and see the horse, but many people were so cautious.
“Things have picked back up, but I think people are more cautious with what they’re spending their money on. The year before the pandemic was a great year, and it’s not anywhere near that yet.
“These business awards are really supporting people like me and it’s just fantastic. It shows I’m still here and well and truly on the map. It’s the experience and years under the belt that will keep my business alive.
“This has been from years of work – the pandemic was just a blip – so to get recognition after all this time is just wonderful.”
To find out more about Catherine’s business, click here.
Read more: All the latest news from Suffolk
Read more: All the latest news from Sudbury