Vikki Weaver Dressage

02/07/2024

25/12/2023

Merry Christmas! 🎅🏻🎄🦄

06/10/2023

I have discussed this with vets and clients. This is especially needed if the horse is to be ridden direct from the stable, as they will have been standing rather than mooching in the field. Walk is an important pace and not one to be skipped through to get to the more exciting/ interesting paces.

There is a lot you can do at walk in 10 mins to supple your horse and prepare not just the tendons and ligaments but help relax, stretch and supple the muscles too. Would you get up from the sofa and launch straight into exercise without stretching or easing in gently? No and nor should our horses.

Everything we do with our horses has an impact physically and mentally, please try to make sure it’s all positive and helpful 😊🥰

02/08/2023

⚠️ LAMINITIS WARNING ⚠️

🌦️ The continued rainfall and warm conditions promote the ideal environment for grass growth 🌱

🐎 Laminitis can cause extreme pain, lameness and permanent damage to the hooves. Being aware of the more subtle signs of laminitis can help you act faster, resulting in more efficient diagnosis and treatment.

👀 Be extra vigilant with horses and ponies with metabolic conditions and those who are overweight, as this puts them at a greater risk of laminitis.

🔎 Just because a horse hasn’t had laminitis before doesn’t mean they can’t get it.

For more information visit 👉 https://www.bhs.org.uk/horse-care-and-welfare/health-care-management/horse-health/equine-diseases/laminitis/

30/06/2023

Why can exercising your horse on hard ground cause a problem?

Riding your horse on hard ground can cause concussion-related issues and negatively affect the structures in the horse’s hoof and leg. When the horse’s hoof meets the ground, it’s subjected to a great deal of concussive force. When the ground is softer, it absorbs some of the impact and provides cushioning to the foot - but the harder the ground, the less force is absorbed and the more stress on the horse.

As well as potential injuries to tendons and ligaments, working or jumping your horse on hard ground can also cause inflammation to the sensitive laminae in the foot and trigger a bout of concussive laminitis. Hard ground also increases concussion to joints so horses with known osteoarthritis may struggle and show lameness.

Here are some tips to reduce the risk:
🐴 Be aware of the ground you’re working your horse on and try to avoid working them on hard ground day in, day out and let your horse’s legs recover in between sessions
🐴 Try and choose a softer surface, such as an arena, for your harder ridden or jumping work during the summer months
🐴 Apply cold water or ice therapy to your horse’s legs after working on hard ground
🐴 Maintaining your horse’s overall fitness and strength will help prevent injuries. Injuries are more likely when a horse is asked to work at a higher level than that to which it has been conditioned to
🐴 Know your individual horse - some cope much better with firm ground; some prefer not to be exercised on it at all

If you need advice on how to help your horse cope with the hard ground or if you’re worried your horse has sustained an injury, call us for advice on 01564 783404 📞

📸 Pictured is client Felix out eventing this summer at Moreton Morrell. The ground had been well prepared with adequate grass coverage to help provide some cushioning!

14/02/2023

Happy birthday to Flash aka My Charming Valentine, 30 years old today! 🦄 🥳 🎂 🥂 🍾

13/02/2023

Due to ever-rising energy costs, fuel costs and food costs, I am offering 25% off any training or test riding sessions to try and help people keep riding & training during this difficult time (B90 1PG)…

Ex international Grand Prix rider, BD List 1 judge & UKCC Level 3 dressage specific coach 👩🏼‍🎓🏅

⭐️ ALL levels welcome from Prelim to GP 😊

22 x 63 outdoor arena, fully fenced and complete with white boards

11/02/2023

Due to ever-rising energy costs, fuel costs and food costs, I am offering 25% off any training or test riding sessions to try and help people keep riding & training during this difficult time (B90 1PG).

Ex international Grand Prix rider, BD List 1 judge & UKCC Level 3 dressage specific coach 👩🏼‍🎓🏅

⭐️ ALL levels welcome from Prelim to GP 😊

22 x 63 outdoor arena, fully fenced and complete with white boards

21/01/2023