This summer our fantastic Equestrian Team GB made us proud with five team and individual medals, but what goes on behind the scenes at an event and what does it take to work at one? Team Tokyo vet Nicola Lynch tells us more about event vetting…
What’s your favourite thing about working at an event?
The atmosphere is one of my favourite things. Often these events have been the target for several months for many of the riders, and especially when things are going well there is a fantastic buzz. Also, for once we are working with healthy horses – rather than trying to identify a problem. Our role is to help them perform at their best.
What was it like working at Tokyo 2020? Can you give us an idea of a vet’s role at such a big event?
My role involved almost every aspect of the horses’ daily life. From checking the stables before they arrived to monitoring the temperature and humidity in the barn and outside. The first few days after arrival were spent ensuring they were eating, drinking and acting normally.
Once they were settled in the focus switched to getting them moving and introducing some exercise, co-ordinating with physiotherapists and farriers to ensure everything was right before competition commenced. Most days were spent at the stables checking the horses, watching them exercise, practising cooling during and after training and monitoring their recovery after each session.
What is your most memorable experience from the Olympics?
Challenging the Austrian dressage team to a 5k race on the Baji Koen gallop track. It turns out there is a reason why they are Olympic athletes and I’m not!
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to work at events and how do you do it?
Just go and do it. The community is really friendly and supportive, and there is lots to learn by attending events. I would recommend becoming an FEI permitted treating vet and then volunteering/offering to work at local events.
What are the common conditions you encounter when working with sports horses?
Predominantly musculoskeletal injuries - in the forelimbs typically injuries to the foot, the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons and in the hindlimbs proximal suspensory desmitis and pain associated with the distal tarsal joints. We also sometimes encounter skin, respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
Have you got any particularly memorable patients?
Three days before the trot up at the Olympics I had a horse tie-up following a gallop. He was lame at a walk and we were limited in what we could do to treat him. The groom and I iced the area every two hours, tried massage techniques, kinesio taping and only lightly exercised him. When he was accepted it was a major achievement and a huge relief for the team (and myself). He never looked back.
Fancy working at events? Daunted at the prospect?
We’ve got you covered...
Launched last year, the Event Toolkit was designed to provide you with a framework and signposting to allow for clear, considered decision-making when attending events.
It includes...
The Pre-Attendance Check List
Make sure you’ve got everything you need before heading off
Attendance Document
Record examinations from throughout the day
The Event Kit List
Pack your bag with everything you might need
Euthanasia Document
A document to complete if the worst should happen
View the toolkit