CVAP

My name is Lucy Bryce, I have been riding, competing and caring for horses for 18 years. After finishing school I was accepted into Oaklands College to study a National Diploma in Equine Studies. This was the perfect course for me - studying horses in depth and covering all subjects from physiology, nutrition and equine management to equine science, veterinary science and business studies. This course provided me with a great foundation and on completion I gained a position in a top event and dressage yard - later being promoted to head girl. During my time in this position I worked with a Grand Prix dressage rider, 4* Event rider and an FEI Pony Event rider.While working with these riders I gained a huge amount of ‘hands on’ experience and was lucky enough to groom both Nationally and Internationally at some amazing venues including Badminton Horse Trials in 2005 and 2006, Ballindenisk Pony Trial and at the National Dressage Championships.

Whilst working I chose to study an Advanced Modern Apprenticeship (NVQ Level 3) in Equine Management; this was an enjoyable and informative course which helped to ensure my knowledge was vast and current.

Lucy has definitely got not only a natural way with horses but also a huge amount of knowledge and her passion for her work is obvious. Lucy was lovely and calm when working with my horse and she explained everything she was doing as she worked. At the end of the session Lucy advised me on how I could help my horse by simple stretches. I am looking forward to Lucy coming back and I’m sure my horse is too

In 2004 I bought my lovely little horse Willowhill Classic, ‘Clive’ to his friends. Clive is a 15.2hh registered British Riding Pony (he didn’t stop growing!) who at the time had only done a little pony club. He loves his dressage and has now competed at affiliated level, qualifying for and being placed at the British Dressage Regional Championships.

Throughout my time working with top quality competition horses I had lots of exposure to the benefits of physiotherapy to the horse, physiotherapy was used throughout the horses usual fittening programme, to ensure the animal was developing correctly and in a strong, supple way. We also regularly used physiotherapy in the rehabilitation period after injury, here my passion for animal physiotherapy was initially ignited, the difference that a physio session can make to a horse is often a substantial one, but substantial or subtle, I knew animal physiotherapy was something I wanted to pursue.