Vicki Hoban's Inspiring Journey of Para-Equestrian Advocacy

We're thrilled to introduce you to Vicki Hoban, an extraordinary Irish para-equestrian who is not only making waves in the equestrian world but also championing greater inclusion and accessibility in para sports. Vicki's story is one of resilience, passion, and the unwavering belief that "everybody is an equestrian body."

 

Meet Vicki Hoban

Vicki lives with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), a hereditary connective tissue disorder that affects collagen production. This means she faces daily challenges with joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility, and tissue fragility. Despite these hurdles, her passion for promoting equality and inclusion in para sports shines brightly.

Vicki Hoban AV Edge Advocate

Vicki owns two incredible horses, Beltrim Sweet Clover and Murphy’s Law, and has her sights set on competing in the Los Angeles Paralympics. Her journey has been featured in prominent media outlets such as Horse & Hound, RTÉ, BBC, and the Motability Scheme, helping to raise awareness about inclusion in equestrian sports.

However, Vicki faces significant challenges due to the current classification system in para dressage. The Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) does not recognize EDS as a classifiable condition, making it incredibly difficult for her to compete at the para level. This is an issue she is determined to challenge, advocating for the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and other governing bodies to update their classification criteria to be more inclusive.

Through her advocacy, Vicki hopes to inspire others and drive necessary changes within the equestrian community, championing the belief that everyone deserves the chance to participate in this incredible sport.

 

How AV Edge Products with EF Technology Have Helped

Vicki's experience with AV Edge products and EF Technology has been transformative, both for herself and her horses.

 

"As someone with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), maintaining stability and balance is a daily challenge—not just for me, but for my horses as well," Vicki explains. "When I started using AV Edge products with EF Technology, I was amazed at the difference they made, not only for me but also for my horses’ performance and well-being."

 

Vicki Hoban AV Edge Advocate

 

For Vicki, the technology improved her stability in the saddle, allowing her to maintain her position and ride with greater confidence. "I felt more in control, which is a game-changer when dealing with joint instability and muscle fatigue," she says.

 

Vicki Hoban AV Edge Advocate

 

Vicki also introduced AV Edge products to her horses, with remarkable results. "They seemed more balanced, more relaxed, and even their movement felt smoother," she notes. The products helped improve her horses' posture, reduce stiffness, and enhance their overall comfort.

 

Vicki Hoban Horse with Mojo Horse Patches

 

Vicki emphasizes the importance of consulting with professionals before trying anything new, acknowledging that every horse and rider is different. However, for her, AV Edge products with EF Technology have been invaluable, supporting both her and her horses to perform at their best.

 

Upcoming Competitions and Events

Vicki is currently preparing for the RDA National Championships, scheduled for July 11–13, 2025, at Hartpury College, Gloucester. To qualify for nationals, she will participate in the Northern Ireland Regional Qualifier this year, with the date yet to be confirmed. Additionally, she will compete in online equestrian leagues throughout 2025 to stay connected and maintain her competitive edge.

Vicki is excited to showcase her abilities and continue advocating for inclusivity in para-equestrian sports.

 

Follow Vicki's Journey

You can follow Vicki's journey and support her advocacy on her social media platforms:

Instagram: @vickihobanparaequestrian

Threads: @vickihobanparaequestrian

TikTok: @vickihobanparaequestrian

 

Support Vicki's Mission

Vicki is also working with more organizations to promote the health and well-being of disabled people. To support Vicki's horse riding training and competitions, you can use the following:

🌟 Discover AV Edge products at theavedge.com/vickihoban and get an extra discount applied at checkout (plus, you can use discount code VICKIHOBAN at checkout on all future orders).

🚀 FREE Premium Shipping Upgrade - Enter VICKIHOBANFREE at checkout, select Premium Shipping, and enjoy a £5.99 shipping upgrade for free on every order!

 

Vicki Hoban's dedication to para-equestrian sports and her advocacy for inclusion is truly inspiring. AV Edge is proud to support her journey and share her story with our community.

 

Explore Our Product Range for Equestrians and Horses

AV Edge products with EF Technology help protect against everyday EMFs, potentially enhancing energy, performance, and well-being. Our products are trusted by professionals like William Fox-Pitt MBE and Gary Wolstenholme MBE. AV Edge Wristbands/Bracelets are backed by a scientific study showing a "significant increase in peak pelvis acceleration, increased thorax speed, and an increase in peak club head speed". Try our simple Balance Test to see if you feel a difference - just like many customers have reported over 15 years - or test our Equine and Canine products on your horse or dog.

 

AV Edge LEGEND Wristband/Bracelet with EF Technology

AV Edge bracelet for golfers: May Improve club head speed and golf performance and reduce the effects of hip pain, anxiety, and vertigo

Unique EF Technology (not magnets): Scientifically proven to “significant increase in peak pelvis acceleration, increased thorax speed, and an increase in peak club head speed” in a golf study by Dr Mark Bull PhD.

This study might suggest that AV Edge wristbands could potentially help equestrians improve their stability, balance, and reaction times across disciplines like eventing, dressage, show jumping, cross-country, and polo.

Equestrians also report improved balance, energy, sleep, and relief from pains and ailments.

“The AV Edge wristbands have been a game-changer for me,” says Lara. “They’ve helped me stay more balanced and focused in the saddle, and I’ve seen an incredible difference in my horses’ performance too.” - Lara Edwards - International GP GB dressage rider, trainer, and breeder

For £35, you get a low-cost, high-impact performance and well-being product - no effort required, just wear it 24/7 (and replace every 12 months).

➡️ Get the AV Edge Legend Wristband/Bracelet

 

AV Edge ADVANCED Wristband/Bracelet with EF Technology

AV Edge bracelet for golfers: May Improve club head speed and golf performance and reduce the effects of hip pain, anxiety, and vertigo

Unique EF Technology (not magnets): Scientifically proven to “significant increase in peak pelvis acceleration, increased thorax speed, and an increase in peak club head speed” in a golf study by Dr Mark Bull PhD.

This study might suggest that AV Edge wristbands could potentially help equestrians improve their stability, balance, and reaction times across disciplines like eventing, dressage, show jumping, cross-country, and polo.

Equestrians also report improved balance, energy, sleep, and relief from pains and ailments.

"Dressage rider Daisy Mansfield has relied on AV Edge wristbands for years to manage pain and fatigue from her demanding sport. 'If my wristband breaks or gets lost, the nagging back pain becomes constant. The moment I put it back on, the relief is like magic.' Daisy has seen the transformative effects of AV Edge not just for herself but also for her horses and aging dogs, all of whom benefited from the same EF Technology. For Daisy, AV Edge is more than a product—it’s a vital part of her journey in competitive dressage." - Daisy Mansfield - Equestrian, Dressage

For £35, you get a low-cost, high-impact performance and well-being product - no effort required, just wear it 24/7 (and replace every 12 months).

➡️ Get the AV Edge Advanced Wristband/Bracelet

 

AV Edge Protect Filters with EF Technology

AV Edge Protect Filters with EF Technology may help mitigate the potential dangers of EMFs from mobile phones

Helps mitigate the potential dangers of EMFs from mobile phones

Effectively modulates harmful EMF frequencies emitted by mobile phones

May stimulate the production of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) in the body

➡️ Get AV Edge Protect Filters

 

MOJO Classic Horse Patches with EF Technology

MOJO Classic Horse Patches with EF Technology - May enhance your horse's balance, energy, well-being, spooking, behaviour, focus, concentration, balance, poll tension, and more…

May enhance your dog's natural balance, energy levels, and overall strength

Helps with arthritis, pain, anxiety, balance, travel sickness, and more...

“For us, AV Edge has been a game-changer! Our horses are calmer, more focused, and perform better, while Thijs has experienced incredible improvements in his mobility and well-being” - Thijs and Lizzy, Ruitershop - Equestrian, Horses

➡️ Get MOJO Classic Horse Patches with EF Technology

 

MOJO Deluxe Horse Pastern Wraps with EF Technology

MOJO Deluxe Horse Pastern Wraps may enhance your horse's energy, recovery, well-being, windgalls, arthritis, lymphangitis, filled legs, recovery, and balance

May enhance your dog's natural balance, energy levels, and overall strength

Helps with arthritis, pain, anxiety, balance, travel sickness, and more...

“My spotty horse has definitely improved so much her leg has stopped swelling and she is moving normally. I'm very pleased. I have told all my horse friends tonight about the pastern wraps etc.” - Jo - Horse

➡️ Get MOJO Deluxe Horse Pastern Wraps with EF Technology

 

Disclaimer: We’re all different, so while we can’t guarantee the same benefits for everyone, many of our 20,000+ customers over the last 15 years have reported improvements in balance, energy, focus, sleep, and relief from pain and ailments. Meanwhile, a scientific study led by Dr. Mark Bull PhD found that category 1 golfers wearing an AV Edge wristband showed a statistically significant increase in peak pelvis acceleration, thorax speed, and club head speed. You may experience similar benefits too. Discover more about Who Uses AV Edge and read our latest testimonials on our website.

 

Back to blog