Meet Vivi: more than a horse.
For Emma, dressage rider and founder of Emma Claire Collective, Vivi isn’t just a horse.
He’s her heart horse.
Vivi (Du Velv), a 21-year-old Dutch Warmblood, has been by Emma’s side for nearly a decade. Their partnership is built on years of trust, growth, and resilience — but also marked by a long history of setbacks.
From multiple tendon injuries to colic surgery, Vivi has always been the kind of horse who gives everything... even when his body makes it difficult.
And yet, through it all, one thing has never changed: His love for the work. His love for people. His heart.
The injury that changed everything.
At one point, while on lease, Vivi suffered a devastating injury. A completely torn suspensory branch.
The prognosis was grim. Emma was told what no rider ever wants to hear:
“He would likely never be ridden again.”
In many cases, injuries of this severity can mark the end of a horse’s athletic career — and sometimes far more than that.
For Emma, it wasn’t just about losing a riding partner. It was about potentially losing a piece of her life.
A different path forward.
Through her veterinarian in Palm Beach, Emma was introduced to a clinical trial involving equicenta® CTM, a connective tissue matrix designed for use in equine joints, tendons, and ligaments.
The goal wasn’t to promise outcomes. It was to support the body’s natural response and provide an environment conducive to recovery. What happened next changed everything.
A recovery that defied expectations.
Emma describes Vivi’s recovery in two words:
“Crazy fast.”
Within approximately four months, Vivi progressed in a way that allowed Emma to do something she thought she had lost forever:
Ride him again.
For a horse once facing the end of his career, this moment wasn’t just a milestone. It was a second chance.
Why this story matters.
This isn’t just about one horse. It’s about what happens when science, care, and timing align. It’s about giving horses every opportunity to maintain comfort, function, and quality of life — especially in the face of complex injuries.
And it’s about the emotional reality behind every case.
“The late nights. The uncertainty. The hope.”
For Emma, being able to ride Vivi again brought something deeper than performance back into her life.
Purpose. Connection. Gratitude.
A recommendation rooted in experience.
Emma now shares a simple perspective:
“If the solution is appropriate for the injury, it can make a meaningful difference.”
Her experience with equicenta® CTM gave her more time with the horse she loves — and the ability to continue doing what they both enjoy.
The heart behind it all.
Emma still describes Vivi the same way she always has:
“Everything.”
Not perfect. Not easy. Not without challenges. But deeply loved. And still showing up.
Moving forward.
Vivi continues his journey, currently working through a minor new injury — something not uncommon for a horse with his history. Emma plans to continue documenting their progress and sharing more moments from their story. Because stories like this matter.
They remind us:
Progress isn’t always linear. Healing isn’t always predictable. But with the right support, possibilities can open back up.
Final thought.
At Equine Performance Labs, we believe in advancing equine medicine in a way that always puts the horse first. Because the greatest outcomes aren’t measured in wins.
They’re measured in moments like this.
Considering options for a similar case?
Every horse and every injury presents its own challenges. The goal is always to support the tissue environment in a way that prioritizes comfort, function, and long-term well-being.
equicenta® CTM is designed for use by a licensed veterinarian in joints, tendons, and ligaments.
Want to learn if this approach is appropriate for your case?
→ Veterinarians: Request clinical information.
→ Horse owners: Talk to your veterinarian or explore how it works.