Francesa Leslie
Equine Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation

Francesca is an equine physiotherapist covering south west Scotland and north Cumbria. She is a Member of the Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners (RAMP), she is licensed and insured and runs weekly clinics from her yard at Oxstart Green, just outside Lockerbie.

Working with a broad range of horses, including racehorses, competition horses and happy hackers, Francesca is trained in the use of Winback TECAR therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, pulsed electro-magnetic field therapy and phototherapy. She also uses a variety of manual therapies, including myofascial release, passive and active range of motion stretching and is one of the few practitioners in the UK trained in fascial manipulation by the renowned Stecco Institute.

Having trained as a veterinary nurse in Cambridge, before moving to the United States of America to pursue a career with racehorses. She worked as a technician and practice manager for the resident equine vets at the Fair Hill Training Centre in Maryland. On her return to the United Kingdom, she worked for racehorse trainer Nick Alexander, moved to Dumfriesshire to set up a rehab and point-to-point yard and qualified as an animal physiotherapist in 2013.

Why Physiotherapy?

What to expect

I have used Francesca on a couple of occasions over the last few years for my pony and have always felt a good difference in him after each session. This year my pony has been having treatment for gastric ulcers, arthritis and has been on a strict weight loss programme. More recently he hasn’t been himself - really down, depressed and lethargic. I knew something wasn’t right and contacted Francesca who came out assessed him and gave him a treatment. The very next day after treatment he was back to his usual cheeky self and is floating around the arena like a dream again. Francesca is very reliable, friendly and approachable when you have a problem. Her knowledge and expertise is amazing. Thank you so much Francesca

Today was the second time Francesca had seen my horse and there had been some improvement. What I watched today was amazing. My mare's response to Francesca was truly wonderful. She went from being her usual tense watchful self, looking out the door to standing calmly at the back of the box, very still, processing what had been done to her and being totally relaxed. She stood like that for several minutes. She put her trust in Francesca and co-operated with her like I'd never seen before. It was a quite emotional and uplifting experience. Can't wait to get on her and see how she feels. Thank you so much.

Had Francesca out at my horse today for the first time, amazing is all I can say. Highly recommend. Fantastic professional friendly service and my wee horse loved it!

Francesca has been treating my mare since she was diagnosed with caudal heel pain, my mare was incredibly sore all over from compensating & is now feeling so much better after her treatments. I have found out how important it is that your vet, physio, farrier & saddle fitter working together. Francesca spends time & explains everything while she is treating and as an owner I have learnt so much. Amazing to see the horses release tension, whilst having their treatment. As an owner, it has helped me understand my horse even more. I’m given exercises to help maintain soundness & suppleness for my mare in between visits, very refreshing to have somebody who invests their time and is happy to help over the phone if you have any questions.

What a wonderful lady. So knowledgeable and caring about how she treats each horse but also at helping owners understand the issues / stiffness the horse has. Nothing is forced and she's not in and out within 30 mins. She is so calm around the horses. This lady really cares about working with the horse to free up tight spots gradually ... and lets the horse know when it’s doing what she wants to help it. Lots of relaxation from my mare who will no doubt think Francesca is her new best friend. I would recommend her to everyone.

Recommend Francesca all the way. Was recommended by my vet. And what a great recommendation it was. Fantastic lady. We all think we know our horses then someone comes along and shows you something new. She really does go above and beyond her call of duty. Showing that she really does care.

Friendly, professional, goes above and beyond to make sure she gets to the route of the problem and treats it well. After care, advice and an interested ear all part of the amazing service. If you are deliberating then make the plunge, you won’t regret it.