Susan Davies, MCHA

HandsOnHounds was started by Susan Davies in April 2004. Originally trained at the London School of Sports Massage I gained my diploma in Sports and Remedial Massage with honours. However, after 6 years in practice the physical demands were becoming too much so I decided to re-train and make the transfer from treating people to dogs. I trained at I.C.A.T. in Devon and completed my studies achieving a Distinction in Canine Remedial Massage Therapy some 18 months later.

I have always had a real passion for dogs and have kept dogs as companions for many years gaining experience handling many breeds including Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (my first dogs), Weimaraners and Border Collies. I also have a working knowledge of many breeds along with their physical characteristics and temperaments. The breed I live with and adore is the much maligned but wonderful Rottweiler.

I have also spent many years around horses, particularly racehorses, riding for John White and Rod Simpson. I held an amateur jockey’s licence for 15 years and rode in such prestigious races as the Ladies Derby at Newmarket. I went on to race Arabians for a few years before retiring from the sport. I have recently started riding again after a break of a few years.... however, I'm aiming for the dressage arena now rather than the fast pace of the gallops and racecourses! .