Horse Riding and total hip replacements.....

gillian2102

Hi
I am new to all this so apologies if I get it wrong! I wondered if there are any people out there who have had, like me, 2 total hip replacments - ceramic, non cemented and who have gone back to horse riding afterwards. I had my 2 replacments 18 months ago and I am 41 now. I have ridden all my life until the arthritis became too painful. Now with my new hips and new lease of life I would like to go back to riding but my surgeon said this was a no no for the rest of my life. I hear of so many people who have done it ... what it the concensus of opinion? Thanks. Gill

skezier

Hi Gill,

That's a difficult one as t may be unwise due to the position and movement...... I haven't had my hips done but I did ride quite a bit and when I had my decompression was told never to again.... I did for quite a few years and got away with it. I also know people who have had new hips and still ride but as weather you should........ Deep down I think it's something you have to decide your self and good luck if you do. Nice to see you posting and hello by the way. take care, Cris

mistywillow

skezier wrote:

Hi Gill,

That's a difficult one as t may be unwise due to the position and movement...... I haven't had my hips done but I did ride quite a bit and when I had my decompression was told never to again.... I did for quite a few years and got away with it. I also know people who have had new hips and still ride but as weather you should........ Deep down I think it's something you have to decide your self and good luck if you do. Nice to see you posting and hello by the way. take care, Cris

Hi Gill
Just read your post. I can understand how you feel. I always rode despite a lot of major spinal surgery. The problem that you have with your hips is I would imagine the problem of dislocation to the joints. I used to be a physiotherapist. I have nt been involved in orthopaedics for yonks, but unless they have created a new wonder hip, certain movements were to be avoided as it would potentially displace the head. Riding encompasses all these movements!! So obviously the choice is yours but if you were my sister, friend etc i would strongly advise against it. i know its a wrench giving up what you love, i had to finally give in when i got RA on top of my spinal problems. You can still do all the grooming and stuff. Even an old plod can be unpredictable and somehow i would doubt you would be riding one of those! Good luck with whatever you choose.
Gillx :P

tanith

Hi Jill I don't ride but know from another forum several people who have had THR and have returned to riding , one girl even is a riding teacher and she has returned full time to her job... she is in the USA and riding is her life... she has had no problems at all so far but thats not to say she won't I guess.

I think maybe it will depend on the type of incision and what type of implant can make a difference... at the end of the day its your decision but if your surgeon has said a definate no no then its going to be a hard choice..

gillian2102

mistywillow wrote:

skezier wrote:

Hi Gill,

That's a difficult one as t may be unwise due to the position and movement...... I haven't had my hips done but I did ride quite a bit and when I had my decompression was told never to again.... I did for quite a few years and got away with it. I also know people who have had new hips and still ride but as weather you should........ Deep down I think it's something you have to decide your self and good luck if you do. Nice to see you posting and hello by the way. take care, Cris

Hi All
Thanks for the reply - I know deep down I shouldn't ride but when it has been your life it is so hard and now with Spring here and the sunny light evenings I long to be riding out. I miss the whole scene! Maybe I will get a horse / pony that needs a rescue home but can't be ridden and I could just care for it - we can be old nags together!

Hi Gill
Just read your post. I can understand how you feel. I always rode despite a lot of major spinal surgery. The problem that you have with your hips is I would imagine the problem of dislocation to the joints. I used to be a physiotherapist. I have nt been involved in orthopaedics for yonks, but unless they have created a new wonder hip, certain movements were to be avoided as it would potentially displace the head. Riding encompasses all these movements!! So obviously the choice is yours but if you were my sister, friend etc i would strongly advise against it. i know its a wrench giving up what you love, i had to finally give in when i got RA on top of my spinal problems. You can still do all the grooming and stuff. Even an old plod can be unpredictable and somehow i would doubt you would be riding one of those! Good luck with whatever you choose.
Gillx :P

gillian2102

Thanks - I appreciate your advice. It is just nice to hear everyone's experiences and opinions. I know deep down I shouldn't ride but when it has been your life it is so hard and now with Spring here and the sunny light evenings I long to be riding out. I miss the whole scene! Maybe I will get a horse / pony that needs a rescue home but can't be ridden and I could just care for it - we can be old nags together!

skezier

Hi Gill,
I think thats a really good idea. Like I said I went against consultants advice for so many things, riding being one of the things. It could be argued I wouldn't be the state I am today had I stopped but I was still in my 20's......... See how you go and don't make a sudden decision. I think the fact your asking means you are half way there, I didn't ask a soul. I knew what they'd say. The last time I rode was 5 years ago, got off after a couple of hours so lame and hurt I knew that was it. Ground stuff is very good as well and you could do that...... Get your self a rescue, its always a good move..... Good luck and take Care, Cris

annalisa

hi i use to ride everyday then i had my hip done at 56 and was told not to i did talk to a young girl in hospital she had 2 total hip replacements and still rode so its up to you i think i was scared of having a fall even the most placid horse can have a off day you could always take up pony and trap driving not quite so dangerous annalisa x

gillian2102

annalisa wrote:

hi i use to ride everyday then i had my hip done at 56 and was told not to i did talk to a young girl in hospital she had 2 total hip replacements and still rode so its up to you i think i was scared of having a fall even the most placid horse can have a off day you could always take up pony and trap driving not quite so dangerous annalisa x

I think you are right.... I am seriously considering just rehoming a rescue horse from one of the charities. I will get my horse "fix" that way, be outdoors, be around other horsey people, get some exercise mucking out etc. I am 41 and have had a horse since I was 11 so feel like a fish out of water now and with my new hips I feel great and more like I want to ride than I have done for years and years! I had to give up riding 3 years before the hip replacements and before that was taking 8 strong pain killers a day to get by. Thanks for the advice. Gill