CV Dressage PEMF Therapy and Saddles

CV Dressage PEMF Therapy and Saddles Independent saddle fitter, NC/VA/SC representative for Ikonic Saddlery and NC/VA representative for Erreplus. Certified PEMF practitioner

Courtney Vesel is the owner/trainer of CV Dressage. Biomechanics of the horse and rider have always been a passion of mine and I am eager to share that passion in all of my services. I am the East Coast Sales Director for Täkt Saddlery, a certified PEMF practitioner, and certified in Level III Dressage from the American Riding Instructors Association. Making the horse feel comfortable in their bod

y and perform at their utmost ability is very important to me, I treat all of my clients horses as if they were my own! Visit my website at www.cvdressage.com to learn more about what I offer!

For those who know me, I'm honest to a fault. I will not sugarcoat anything and I will tell the truth. So when I see num...
05/19/2026

For those who know me, I'm honest to a fault. I will not sugarcoat anything and I will tell the truth. So when I see numerous other equine "professionals" continuously being dishonest and fraudulent it gets me really upset.

When we decided to be an equine professional, in any field, it was because we love the horse first and foremost. So don't you think we should also agree to put the horse first in all decisions?

When I get asked to saddle fit and asked to check the fit of a current saddle, you are hiring me to tell the truth about the saddle. So if It's the wrong tree shape, headplate, width, panels, etc, for the horse, I will speak up. Even if its a brand new saddle you're getting a second opinion for.

One of the hardest parts of my job is telling clients their current saddle does not fit and they need to invest in a new one. I don't tell people that because I enjoy it or want to hate on their old fitter. I tell people that because their horse can't speak up in our terms, and I'm one of your horses many spokespeople. I am not one of those many fitters who will sell a client a saddle because I want to make a buck without caring for if it fits or not. If I'm recommending a new saddle, there's a welfare reason for it.

While scrolling yesterday, I came across an ad for a horse owned by the gal I originally "sold" Enzo to. She had breached our contract and never paid in full for him so I pulled him and sold him to an amazing woman who has since given him everything he needed and more. (One of these days I need to make a trip to visit him!) Not even 2 months later that original young lady purchased another horse. 2 weeks after that she posted the same horse for sale and said she was getting out of horses. So imagine my surprise when I saw her listing yet another horse for sale. This time, through the hundreds of comments, Including comments from the mares original owner, I find out she bought this mare as broodmare sound after an injury for $1500, and was selling it as competition sound for $60k one month later. Without any proof of maintenance history or new show history. Forget about how unprofessional and fraudulent all of that is, once again, the horse is the one that will ultimately suffer. Some unknowing person will purchase this horse not knowing it's full history and it will break down again in the show ring.

I also got confirmation last week that the original trainer I sent Enzo to completely lied to me about everything. Not only did she never ride him for the month and change he was there and that I paid full training board for, he never recieved vet care that I asked him to get. And she lied to my face and told me he got seen by the vet when he never did. Thankfully I trusted my gut and pulled him to send him to a more reputable trainer. Once again, my horse was the one that suffered ultimately. He lost out on over a month of training and fitness when I was trying to market him.

If you are in the horse industry, it better be because you love the horse and you want to do right by them, not because you want to make money. I, like many others, try to be one of the good eggs in the basket, and the dishonest "professionals" make it very hard for the honest professionals.

The equine industry is smaller than we realize and we have to work together for the love of the horse.

*gets off my soapbox*

Why did this week feel like a month long? Thankful to all of my amazing clients this week that reminded me why I do this...
05/16/2026

Why did this week feel like a month long?

Thankful to all of my amazing clients this week that reminded me why I do this.

Did some Ikonic Saddlery and Erreplus demos, delivered a friend her new Erreplus Elevation WR (and she got me to teach her a little bit too), switched out some plates in a clients Ikonics after her horse changed shape after recently changing programs, got a new client situated with his Erreplus jump saddles with some flocking, steaming, and adding long tree points for his event horses, laughed with some clients during their fitting, and took one of my demos on a field trip to Lowes in search of a special screw.

And drove all over timbuctu in the process.

Staying more local this week as its graduation week for Eli, but then off to Virginia again!

The hardest part of my job? SCHEDULING! School is out (or about to be out) so everyone's summer schedule is filling up q...
05/14/2026

The hardest part of my job? SCHEDULING!

School is out (or about to be out) so everyone's summer schedule is filling up quickly, mine included!

Somehow, I am now booking for the week of June 15 and beyond! (With availability in Raleigh on the 8th and available the 11th.)

I have a few scattered appointment availabilities in the next few weeks but to be safe, we are looking at June 15 at the earliest for all saddle fit and sale appointments.

Please also note that I am away from July 10th to August 4th, so nothing will be happening between those dates.

If you would like a fitting or a demo, please reach out ASAP!

WOW what a fantastic weekend!! Neither Brittany nor I had a chance to sit down for 2 days. We helped a ton of riders and...
05/11/2026

WOW what a fantastic weekend!!
Neither Brittany nor I had a chance to sit down for 2 days. We helped a ton of riders and horses with either current saddle fitting questions or new saddle demos, did hands on Ikonic training with flocking work, and talked fitting philosophies and how to address fitting problems. And somehow had time to catch a couple of rides!

I am so happy to welcome Brittany Hunter/Elysian Saddlery to the Ikonic team. She is going to be a wonderful addition and I'm excited to have her to bring Ikonic to the Midwest!

It was wonderful to see CV Dressage clients and friends and cheer everyone on this weekend! Congrats to all riders!!

Ikonic Saddlery and Erreplus are all set up at War Horse this weekend! I'm happy to host Brittany Hunter who flew down f...
05/09/2026

Ikonic Saddlery and Erreplus are all set up at War Horse this weekend!

I'm happy to host Brittany Hunter who flew down from Michigan for some Ikonic training this weekend. We are having a lot of fun talking saddles and fit!

Come bring your horse by to meet Brittany and I and try out some saddles. We have monoflap event, dual flap, dressage mono and dual flap and pony saddles!

All adjustable and all wool flocked.

Working on scheduling my June Virginia trip today! I will be in Virginia the entire first week of June. From Bristol, to...
05/07/2026

Working on scheduling my June Virginia trip today!

I will be in Virginia the entire first week of June. From Bristol, to the coast, to NOVA!

Let me know if you want to be added to the list.

Will be doing fittings and showings for both Erreplus and Ikonic. If you need a new saddle or just need one fitted (I'm an independent fitter), let me know!

Proper Saddle Placement -----------------------------One of the things I go over with every client at their fitting is p...
05/05/2026

Proper Saddle Placement
-----------------------------
One of the things I go over with every client at their fitting is proper saddle placement.

What do you think is the most common mistake riders make while tacking up their horse?

If you said putting the saddle too far forward, you would be correct!

Why does saddle placement matter?

Saddle trees are designed to sit BEHIND the shoulder blade. This ensures the shoulder has freedom to move. When saddles are placed on top of the shoulder blade, the shoulder can not rotate freely. Saddles sitting on top of the shoulders will affect your horses movement and comfort. Their stride length will be affected, their jump not as tight, and your balance will not be correct.

Proper saddle placement-
Step 1- Run your hand down your horses shoulder blade to find the back edge of the scapula.
Step 2- Locate your tree point of your saddle by lifting the flap.
Step 3- Use the 3 finger rule! The front of your saddles tree point should be located 3 fingers behind the back of the shoulder blade.
Dressage saddles are easy- in most dressage saddles, the front of the panel should tuck up right behind the shoulder.
For jump saddles you will have to feel around a bit more. You can use the nail head as a marker on most saddles to line up with the back of the shoulder blade.

YES, your jump saddles flap will now be over the front of the scapula. Jump saddles are made so you can get up out of the saddle and out of your horses way, so need to have a forward flap. Do not worry- panels are flexible and your horses shoulder will slide under it.

I like to see riders tack their own horse up at fitting appointments so I can make sure the saddle is being placed in the right spot. If you are unsure of where to put it, please ask! I love questions, and that is what I am there for!

Client question: How should I approach my saddle fit when my horse unexpectedly has time off and what should I do to bri...
05/03/2026

Client question: How should I approach my saddle fit when my horse unexpectedly has time off and what should I do to bring them back into work?

Great question!
Your horse may have time off for many reasons. Work schedule, horse injury, weather, etc. can all play a part in your horses vacation time.
Now, time off for your partner is NOT a bad thing! They are like elephants, they don’t forget what they’ve learned. Time off can be good for them to give them a mental reset. While their brain and body may need the break, the body does have to be slowly built back up in order to properly carry a saddle and rider again.
If your horse has had an injury, your veterinarian may recommend a very specific rehab program to bring your horse back into work.

Regardless of the reason behind their time off, as a saddle fitter, my recommendation is to have your saddle fit checked before you bring them back into work. Your horse may have lost topline and muscle on their vacation and the saddle is a very important piece of the puzzle. If you try to ride them in the saddle that fit them pre-vacation time, it may not fit now and end up causing other damage.

One reason why I only carry adjustable treed saddles at this point is due to how often horses change- they change through the seasons, workload, and age. These saddles also give you the ability to make sure the horses saddle fits perfectly at all stages in their development and training.

Your fitter can then recommend the next best course of action after seeing them in person. Sometimes, a minor flocking change may be all that is needed. Other times, a proper shimmable half pad can help fill in and provide some support while you bring them back up. Sometimes the tree may need to be adjusted.

Now, what can you do as an owner/rider to help their development properly as they come back into work? Any exercise done should fall into one of several categories: Strengthening, stretching, mobility are just three of them.

#1- GROUND WORK.
This ground work can happen both in the barn and in the ring. For some of them, you don’t even have to leave the crosstie area!
Some of my favorite exercises include belly lifts, pelvic tucks, and thoracic sling sways.
Please take note of your horses ability during these exercises. If your horse struggles to do a certain exercise, bring it down a step and ask for a much easier variation.
In the arena, poles and SLOW in hand work will be your friend. Something as simple as handwalking them over raised ground poles will help them lift their backs and flex their joints.
Ask them to reach their hind legs under their body on a small circle. SLOWLY.
Gentle rein backs- diagonal pairs only folks!
If you have access to trails and hills, hand walk them!!! This can be great to strengthen your relationship with them as well and introduce them to things in a safe manner.

Remember, any exercise done needs to be done WELL. You need to keep in mind straightness and relaxation. Quality over quantity!

#2 PATIENCE
When you get them back under saddle, be patient. Do not expect them to canter on day 2.
A ton of strength can be built up just at the walk.

During your horses ‘rehab’ time, (the first 4 months) you should expect to see your saddle fitter at least twice. Once before bringing them back into work, and then at least once again. If you see your horses back visibly changing, please call your fitter so they can make appropriate adjustments to your saddle. One reason why I love shimmable pads so much is that an owner can easily remove or add shims as needed with my guidance, without needing to pay me to come out every 2 weeks.

If your horse has had an injury and has a vet recommended plan- please please please listen to that plan. Do not rush it just because you have a show coming up.

I love to work hand in hand with your vet and farrier. After all, it takes a team!
Regardless of the reason for your horses time off, don’t sweat it. Take the chance to breathe, bond with your horse, and remember that you have nothing but time and that your horse has zero performance aspirations in life. Work with your horses professional team to set them up for success!

Erreplus Saddlery and Ikonic Saddlery will be at the War Horse Event Series 2026 Kickoff show this weekend, May 9-10.We ...
05/02/2026

Erreplus Saddlery and Ikonic Saddlery will be at the War Horse Event Series 2026 Kickoff show this weekend, May 9-10.

We are so excited to see everyone! We have dozens of saddles to sit in of all sizes and disciplines. All of the saddles I carry feature an adjustable tree- either with a heat press tree or gullet plate system, and are ALL flocked. No foam here! A saddle that can ACTUALLY change with your horse? Yes please!

Remember, come by our booth to sit in a saddle and you'll get a free gift from me!

As always, FREE demos on our saddles all weekend!

CV Dressage was honored to host Lorenzo Asola from Erreplus earlier this week. We went on several client calls, fine tun...
05/02/2026

CV Dressage was honored to host Lorenzo Asola from Erreplus earlier this week. We went on several client calls, fine tuning some saddles, doing a showing, and a delivery! It is always wonderful to have another set of eyes on the ground and someone to bounce ideas off of.
Huge thank you to Lorenzo for stopping by on his whirlwind US trip!
I am planning on hosting him back again this fall, so stay in touch!

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Raleigh, NC
27613

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Monday 8am - 9pm
Tuesday 8am - 9pm
Wednesday 8am - 9pm
Thursday 8am - 9pm
Friday 8am - 9pm
Saturday 8am - 9pm

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