The Vital Equine

08/19/2025

TVE proudly offers:

Meet Finn (Jockey Club: I Strong), a 2020 Thoroughbred gelding standing a solid 16.1 hands with a thick, athletic build. Retired sound from the track in May of 2024, Finn was lightly restarted and has been most recently enjoying some well-earned downtime. Since coming here he has been working on getting back in shape and building muscle. Finn is currently w/t/c under-saddle and has been introduced to small fences. He has done everything with a willing and uncomplicated attitude. He has clean legs and no known history of injuries or limitations, he’s a blank slate for any program.

Finn has an excellent brain and a temperament—no bolt, buck, rear, or funny business. He’s not spooky and handled barn construction during his first rides at our farm like it was just another day. On the ground, Finn is easy to load, trailer, tie, and bathe. He does have a mild cribbing habit, but it’s fully controlled with a collar (which will go with him to his new home).

This guy is the perfect project for a junior or adult amateur looking for a straightforward and quiet prospect. He’s laid-back enough to thrive in a lesson program and truly shines with his “more woah than go” attitude under saddle. With his looks, mind, and movement, I see him excelling in the hunter ring, but he’s absolutely a blank canvas for whatever direction you want to take him.

Finn is offered at $🖐🏼,🖐🏼🥕🥕, with his price set to increase as his training continues—so now’s the time to grab him if you’re looking for a sound, sane, and solid prospect.

Serious inquiries only, please. Located in Ruffin, NC. PM for more details, video, or to come meet Finn in person!

Meet Finn (Jockey Club: I Strong), a 2020 Thoroughbred gelding standing a solid 16.1 hands with a thick, athletic build. Retired sound from the track in May ...

07/30/2025

Oops… we got a little caught up in post-show naps and celebratory snacks 😅 But fashionably late is still on time when the show weekend was this good. Team TVE showed up and showed out at July WarHorse — and now it’s time to give these rockstars the spotlight they deserve 🐴✨

🐎 Jordan & Charlee
The weekend didn’t start how they planned, but Jordan & Charlee came through when it counted. 💙 No schooling, no problem — they came out and gave it their all. They finished on their dressage score and walked away with 🥈. That kind of try is worth more than any ribbon. Oh, and did we mention Jordan & Charlee also took home TIP High Point for the day? Because of course they did 😉✨

🌟 Marisa & Oliver
Marisa tackled her very first horse trial like she’s been doing it for years — and Oliver was right there with her every step 🐎💪 They kicked things off with a 27.3 in dressage, then jumped double clear in both phases to bring home the win 🏆🔥 Talk about setting the bar high!

🎓 Kendle & Traveler
Kendle wrapped up her first horse trial with a steady, composed ride. A few forgetful moments in dressage kept their score a bit higher, but the test was still a nice one — and they crushed both jumping phases 💥 She’s headed back to school soon, but we look forward to seeing her again on her next break 📚💛

🔥 Jenn & Dunkin
First horse trial for both — and what a debut! Dunkin kept things extra spicy on Saturday 🌶️ but come Sunday, they pulled it together with a 33.8 in dressage and a flawless stadium round 🐎✨ A careful XC added some time faults, but no jump penalties and lots to be proud of for this pair still learning the ropes of eventing.

🎀 Baylee & Traveler
This was Baylee's second show ever and her first time ever competing Traveler — but this pair has been putting in the work for months 💪 They faced down Trav’s dressage arena PTSD, laid down super solid tests, and brought home some well-earned ribbons 🎉 So proud of how far they’ve come, and excited for what’s next 🌟

Pics or it didn’t happen, right? 📸

07/17/2025

07/17/2025

07/17/2025

At The Vital Equine, even the skies join in on the magic 💙🌈

Featuring Ellinor and Baylee in tonight’s lessons!

07/11/2025

Our kind of outdoor activity 🌞🐴

07/06/2025

🤣🤪

06/21/2025

Saddle fit is not a single-factor equation. It’s a dynamic relationship between saddle, horse, rider, and equipment; and it’s constantly in flux.

1️⃣ Saddle Variables: There’s no industry-wide standard for tree width or sizing. A “medium” in one brand can fit like a “wide” or even “narrow” in another. Fit must always be evaluated on the horse, in motion, with the rider in the saddle. Just like shoes, saddles need to be tried. Not guessed.

2️⃣ Horse Variables: Horses change shape seasonally, with training, and even after bodywork or an adjustment. A saddle that fits in Spring may create pressure points by Summer. Conformation details like wither length, girth position, and barrel shape all complicate the equation.

3️⃣ Rider Variables: Rider balance, symmetry, and even posture affect saddle fit. Small rider misalignments often result in uneven pressure on the horse’s back, mimicking a poor saddle fit, or making an existing one worse.

4️⃣ Pads & Shims: Pads can improve comfort if chosen wisely. But most are used to compensate for poor fit, often creating more pressure, not less. Pads must be selected to work with the saddle, not just added on top.

True saddle fit requires a comprehensive understanding of all the moving parts: the horse, saddle, rider, and even padding. When these elements are aligned, performance improves, and problems stay away.

06/18/2025

Jordan and Charlee said they were not to be left out of gridwork day!

Jenn & Moriah… I think yall are next 😈

06/18/2025

Gridwork fun for Marisa and Kendle tonight!