With content provided by Horse Sport
Felix attending the 2022 FEI World Championships in Herning, DEN
Photo Credit: Horse Sport
Felix completed his veterinary education at Utad University, where he gained diverse experience through internships in Spain, England and Belgium. His journey took a significant turn when he became the in-house vet for Pessoa family’s Belgian farm, caring for their horses and clients. During his time there, he also served as the team vet for Brazil and Ukraine in 2008.
In 2014, he was appointed as Canada’s official team vet for the World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France. His dedication and expertise have made him a trusted vet in the community.
Felix is familiar with two of the Canadian Pan American jumping team horses already, serving as a regular vet for Beth Underhill’s Nikka vd Bisschop and Tiffany Foster’s Figor and at staging camps and world championships.
Felix gets involved prior to the Games environment consulting about what preparations are happening at home and in lead up competitions. As for how he approaches his duties on site, prior to competition, he works daily with the horses’ grooms and support teams to ensure their health and wellbeing before they step in the ring.
Photo Credit: Equine Care Group
“On a daily basis, I assess each horse to see if something is changing and to know what is normal for them,” he said. “The major thing that people forget – everyone thinks about tendons and joints– but for me the most important thing at this stage are the muscles.”
Depending on the horse’s condition, he may recommend supplements like vitamin B6, vitamin C or creatine to support muscle stress and quicker recovery.
On the day of the jog, Felix conducts thorough assessments, including palpations checking for tendon swelling, heat in the feet and jogging each horse to ensure they are sound. “Part of my normal examination is to look at the horse under tack. It’s one thing to see the horse jog, but it’s another to see how he presents when he is working with the tack and the rider on.”
Beside providing the appropriate care, Felix incorporates FEI-approved cold laser and acupuncture to support the horses during major events. His primary goal is to ensure the horses are in optimal condition before the show, as he believes in providing support rather than treatment once competition begins.
Photo Credit: Equine Care Group
Like jumping fans from across Canada, Felix is looking forward to seeing the incredible equine athletes of Canada’s jumping team begin competition on Oct. 31, 2023. Committed to each horse’s best performance, he’s one of the last to talk to the athletes on their way to the in-gate and the first to greet them on their way back out. If you watch closely during the Games, you’ll see Felix cheering in the kiss and cry and alongside the team every stride of the way.