E Dixon Equine Performance

E Dixon Equine Performance I'm Erin Dixon, ESMT,IAAT. Supporting performance horses across County Durham and North Yorkshire with tailored Equine Sports Massage and Rehabilitation.

Focused on improving movement, recovery and long-term soundness to support athletic performance.

This is the b***y exercise that Blaze has been performing while we are really really struggling with the ground conditio...
27/07/2026

This is the b***y exercise that Blaze has been performing while we are really really struggling with the ground conditions.

It’s called “how slow can you step down the hill and can you stop and reverse back up “ but in his head it is “how long can my mum make me starve for before I’m allowed to go back to grazing the nice fresh grass”.

He’s now completely off due to pulling his mega expensive shoes off!!!

The come back may be in 2027!

Here are a few things you might not know about me and my horses ✨ 💓 Have a little look below ;)
26/07/2026

Here are a few things you might not know about me and my horses ✨ 💓

Have a little look below ;)

The gut wrenching wait to find out if there is anything wrong with your horse when you book them in for investigations. ...
25/07/2026

The gut wrenching wait to find out if there is anything wrong with your horse when you book them in for investigations.

Most of the time, you don’t know what any of it means. You ask chat gpt to re-write and analyse or see if dr google can help. But you find yourself in a pit of anxiety wondering how you’ll approach it.

The key thing is, investigations and findings are good! At least now we know exactly what we are working with. I generally have my suspicions depending on recurring findings but it’s good to have an exact explanation for everything that has been going on.

But, you have the typical “box test for 6 weeks”, “in hand walk only”, “reassess in 8 weeks” but then what?

This is where I come in.

It is really important that we can keep on top of compensatory issues such as muscle tightness or soreness while the horse is recovering. Just because they are stood in a box for 6 weeks doesn’t mean they are rehabilitating. Once we are on top of the musculoskeletal issues, or as far as we can, with veterinary approval, we can start a structured return to work rehabilitation programme.

This includes lots of stable exercises like stretching and mobilising, straight line work like in hand walking, lots of pole work and other remedial groundwork that may benefit the condition.

My work does not stop there though. I want you to feel supported, whenever, wherever, whatever you need. Lots of my clients send me videos, text messages or even ring me, for that bit of extra support and clarity. And I am totally okay with it. Many will say to others “just give Erin a message, I promise she will not mind” and I don’t. Whether you are already a client of mine, or see me in passing, you can always ask me questions.

I try my best to align what I can do with your goals, I want to see you reach them more than you do. So if that means I have to sit up until the crack of dawn to write rehab plans and research conditions, you bet I will 100% do that.

If you’re feeling lost with your horse, have received a daunting diagnosis, or just simply want to talk about your horse, just message me x

This is one of my cases that I see and I thought you’d like to see too.This girl was found tethered a good few years ago...
24/07/2026

This is one of my cases that I see and I thought you’d like to see too.

This girl was found tethered a good few years ago and we believe that the tether actually may have acted like a cheese wire and cut through the soft tissues on her neck. If this wasn’t the case, it could have been a kick to the neck or entrapment in fencing, but we just don’t know.

The main concern when you see an injury or condition like this is the damage it has done to the muscles.

The first tissues affected would be the superficial cervical muscles like the brachiocephlicus, omotransversarius, splenius, trapezius. The other concern is injury to the spinal accessory nerve or branches of the cranial nerves. The spinal accessory nerve supplies the trapezius. The fascia around the neck is a major load transmitting structure. If this fascia has been sliced through, force transmission between the neck, shoulder and thorax becomes abnormal. The horse then has to recruit other muscles to compensate, leading to overload of the serratus ventralis, pectorals, contralateral trapezius and thoracic sling.

The nuchal ligament also runs the region. This is the passive support for the head, which luckily, we think majorly survived the injury.

So our goal with this horse is not rehabilitation. This happened long before she was given a loving home. Instead, we look at maximising the function of the remaining musculature and maintaining cervical range of motion. We look to strengthen the thoracic sling and improve postural control, preventing secondary overload elsewhere.

This pony does in fact compensate in the areas outlined above, the pecs, abdomen, shoulders and majority of her neck and into her poll. But, she is still fully functional and loves a normal happy life. She loves to gallop around with her son.

She is just one of those cases where you have to treat the horse as they are, without thinking through the complex idea of what is “correct”. This horse can’t be corrected, part of the musculature is completely gone, yet she functions.

Another reason as to why I am a trusted professional within my sector. Not only has E Dixon Equine Performance continued...
22/07/2026

Another reason as to why I am a trusted professional within my sector.

Not only has E Dixon Equine Performance continued to be recognised through nominations and even be award winning… I am also part of the International Association of Animal Therapists (IAAT).

This means that I am part of a recognised group of trusted professionals. In order to be a part of this organisation, I MUST have valid insurance, the right qualifications and submit a minimum of 25 hours CPD (continued professional development) per year.

This is to ensure that I am up to date with the most recent information, am continuing to educate myself and remain reliable.

The IAAT chooses whether you can continue your membership year by year, and I have the qualifications to do so.

So next time you’re looking for a trusted therapist, do be sure to check that they are fully qualified in all areas!

22/07/2026

This is your reminder ✨

Whether you are rehabbing your horse, you’re bringing them back into work or your simply trying to keep them ticking over through summer whilst the ground is like concrete.

You are doing enough!

You’re turning up, you’re advocating, you’re listening. You’ve already done the hard part.

You keep going even though sometimes the goal posts are moved. You’re doing enough. You’re doing everything right.

You can ask for help if you need it. You can reach out for support, even if that’s to get things off your chest or to have a little cry.

You can fill my inbox with paragraphs - even though I don’t know you! Tell me your horses story, ask me for advice. Although I might not get back to you straight away, I will always reply.

So what is it that we are actually aiming for with our horses? Of course, jumping a course of 1m10 , obtaining tickets t...
21/07/2026

So what is it that we are actually aiming for with our horses?

Of course, jumping a course of 1m10 , obtaining tickets to hoys, getting a pb in your intermediate is fantastic, but let’s think beyond that.

What is the main goal for the horse?

Longevity?
Functionality?
Mobility?
Consistency?
Lower injury rate?
Increased range of motion?
Quicker bounce back through rest?

Think about your priorities when you’re working with your horse. Having the horse pick their feet up and clear 1m with good power from behind is great, but what about things that they NEED to function “correctly”?

Things like standing comfortably to have their feet done. Having enough range of motion in their joints to place their feet on the stands.

Being able to sideways to the mounting block, reverse so you can shut a gate on a bridle way, navigate uneven terrain to help you out of difficulty when out hacking.

Maintaining bend in a tight circle so you can turn away from a conflicting situation. Lowering their head for balance over slippy or uneven surfaces.

Evenly weight bearing even when being rocked by the withers and tail so that they can manage being in a trailer or box.

These are the priorities that will aid longevity. These are the things you should be practicing between rides to strengthen your horse from the inside out.

You want your horse to cope with being ridden into their late 20’s, so start strengthening and mobilising them now for an easier transition.

Here is blaze having his back feet tidied by myself using a traffic cone I have lying around - completely loose after eating his tea.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ wow! In the last 3 months, I have been nominated for 3 awards, the Small Business Uk awards, the Animal Star Award...
20/07/2026

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ wow!

In the last 3 months, I have been nominated for 3 awards, the Small Business Uk awards, the Animal Star Awards and the Prestige Awards.

Well I had a lovely phone call today explaining that I have in fact won the BEST EQUINE REHABILITATION SERVICE of the year.

I am absolutely flattered to have so many recognitions and accomplishments in such a short space of time.

My main goal is advocation for all of your horses and working closely with para professionals alike to ensure that each horse is given the best care as an individual.

Very proud of this achievement

You’re not behind, you’re not failing, you’re not a “bad owner”.Your expectations are just a tad too far out to reach.It...
19/07/2026

You’re not behind, you’re not failing, you’re not a “bad owner”.

Your expectations are just a tad too far out to reach.

It’s hard to keep motivated when plans are constantly changing when it comes to your horses exercise regime. Field injuries, ground conditions, time, weather, equipment. Something tends to go wrong when you plan your week out in advance.

Now you could choose to give your horse the week off, yeah - they might deserve it. Or you can just slow down.

Do something small but meaningful.

Teach your horse the thing you really want them to do ridden from the ground first. Try that thing you taught them last month and see if they remember. Give them a challenging pole maze and see if they can figure it out. Move their body. Entertain them. Enrich their mind.

They don’t need to be running endless circles around an arena to have “exercised”.

Spend 15 minutes with your horse after their breakfast or before their tea and do something , anything.

You will accomplish a lot.

It will make your goal easier.

It will make your bond stronger.

And you will feel fulfilled.

Want some more focus this weekend? Take these 4 polework exercises and have a play around. Not only are they great for b...
18/07/2026

Want some more focus this weekend?

Take these 4 polework exercises and have a play around.

Not only are they great for building proprioception but they offer advantages for the trunk and spine. Encouraging rotation and upwards flexion/extension with increased dual limb flexion.

It is going to help work on fluidity of the horses body, balance and really work on strengthening the fascia through the ribs, shoulders, pelvis and spine.

Tell me how you get on 💪

*p.s im not that artistically skilled digitally so I hope you understand what each thing replicates :)

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Darlington

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