In my last blog, we took Kaja to the Animal Health Trust in order to investigate her injury. After MRI scans, the vet came to the conclusion that Kaja has a hairline fracture in her right fore. This means that she is on box rest with controlled walking for 10min twice a day and gradually building to 20min combined with hand grazing to keep her happy.
I thought she would be quite difficult to manage controlled walking with but she’s been so well behaved. We use a Pessoa lungeing aid to strengthen her correctly in the walk. Even though Kaja will be out of work for 3 months, I feel much happier that we knew exactly what was causing her to be unlevel and how to help her make a full recovery.
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
In my last blog, I said that I was looking forward to competing at the Summer Regionals at prix st george for the first time at this level but now I won’t be able to compete due to Kaja’s injury. However, I just want Kaja to recover well and so far she has been perfect!
‘It’s an honour to represent the sport of dressage’
Even though Kaja has been off work with her injury, it hasn’t stopped me from being busy! I was asked as part of the Athlete Performance Academy to accompany the baton held by former gold and silver Olympic medallist, Ann Brightwell (nee Packer) at the Commonwealth Baton Relay in Congleton, Cheshire.
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
I met several other supported athletes in other GBR teams such as rowing and taekwondo. It was a great day all round and I enjoyed every minute of it. It is an honour to represent the sport of dressage as it all helps to encourage the general public to become interested in it and want to watch it or participate in it. I am grateful to Sport Cheshire for their continuing support.
A summer to enjoy
I have also been busy doing my GCSEs. After 16 exams, I have finally finished for the summer! I just have to wait for my results which I will receive on the 21 August, so until then I can enjoy being off school.
During the holidays I will be on the yard helping out and I’m trying to find a horse to ride while I’m free.
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We also have BEF Excel Talent day in July to look forward to. I would love to take a horse as it is test riding with David Trott, but may have to settle for watching my friends.
I have just returned from a day of “go-sees” with my modelling agency in London so will wait to see what options arise. I also have an equine based modelling job in July so watch this space…
Chloe
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Chloe Vell is an up-and-coming dressage star who juggles school with representing Britain internationally at junior level and a part-time modelling career to help pay for her training and competitions.
