ANY HORSERIDERS ON HERE

kmr
kmr Member Posts: 108
edited 9. Apr 2012, 10:50 in Living with Arthritis archive
HI HOPE YOU ARE ALL WELL, JUST WONDERED IF THERE ARE ANY HORSE RIDERS ON HERE, AND IF THEY CAN SUGGEST ANYTHING THAT HELPS THEM GRIP THE REINS
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Comments

  • Folara
    Folara Member Posts: 568
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi kmr

    Despite everything I still manage to ride my boy twice a week for a little walk out. Thankfully I have a lovely friend who helps me with everything else and keeps him nice and fit too.

    I have rubber reins and wear sealskin gloves which are brill as they keep your hands warm and dry no matter what.

    Another tip is get a Heather Moffett seatsaver if you have any back or hips/leg problems as its made from memory foam and is like sitting on a comfy settee. She also does stirrups with a wide tread to really help support your foot.

    It's great to know others ride too. I love my horses and get very depressed that there will come a day when I just can't do them anymore. When I can no longer ride I am going to get a carriage that will take a wheelchair lol

    Fols x
  • kmr
    kmr Member Posts: 108
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    thanks for your reply, my daughter is doing showing and showjumping this year, she is also going to a xc on saturday so fingers crossed it all goes well, i will look into the items you suggested xx
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,697
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I rode with the local RDA until my knee revision. I used fabric reins that were threaded through about 2" long rubber 'stoppers' and I gripped them in the palms of my hands as my only grip is between thumbs and palms. Other disabled riders used ladder reins. Once, in USA, I used reins made of thick, soft rope. I think your local RDA group would advise you.

    I used a seat saver too in UK but in USA they put me on what was essentially just a denim pad with stirrups. It was brilliant. I had so much contact with the horse, it was like riding bareback and great for my stiff hips.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • Folara
    Folara Member Posts: 568
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Good thinking Stickywicket, totally forgot about the RDA which was remiss of me, especially as I worked at one lol

    I use a Heather Moffett treeless saddle which is made from all soft materials and is soooo comfortable. I can feel my horses back moving underneath me which is great. I don't think I could ride on anything else now.

    Good luck to your daughter kmr, I hope she gets lots of roseys x

    Fols x
  • kmr
    kmr Member Posts: 108
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi and thanks for the reply, she has to be carefull as showing/showjumping ect has to have correct dress, i have ordered some of the bionic glooves which sound very good and worth a try, she was competing to quite a high level then had to have time out, so hopefully its all systems go this year :) . ive always fancied working with RDA helping the kids ect
    thanks
  • Folara
    Folara Member Posts: 568
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I used to compete at affiliated dressage until a few years ago so I know how strict they can be with dress and tack.

    Really hope it all goes well for your daughter, you must let us know how she gets on.

    Contact your local RDA they always need helpers and would love to hear from new keen people. I loved the time I spent helping and wish I still could. It's incredibly rewarding.

    Fols x
  • resusjan
    resusjan Member Posts: 290
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi,

    I still ride my horse - he's a big 16.2 Irish Draught and can be quite strong. My Occupational Therapist gave me some wrist supports to wear whilst riding - they are quite good. The worst thing for me is getting off afterwards. Can no longer swing my leg and get off in the normal way so have to swing my leg over the front and slide down to the floor (its a long way down!).

    I have seen some loops you can attach to the reins to hold onto so the reins don't slip through your hands but I'm not sure if they'd be any use whilst jumping.

    I intend to keep on riding for as long as possible.

    Good luck, hope your daughter does well.
    Jan xx
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,697
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Just remembered – it was called the Natural Ride Saddle and I’m smiling as I type with the memories of me riding the lovely Chiquita on it although they probably wouldn't allow it in competition.

    Kathryn Wheelock, an Irish paralympic equestrian, has a great website on which she has a whole section on helpful dressage equipment for disabled riders. She herself has CP, learning difficulties and hemiplegia but you would never believe it if you saw her riding a dressage test.

    SusieG's a rider too.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • dachshund
    dachshund Member Posts: 8,899
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Kmr.
    my sister and i ran our own riding school we did it for over 30 years.
    on sundays we taught disabled children to ride and twice a year we had our own show every 6 months so everyone's familys
    could see how they had improved.
    i could not do it now as i have thr and tkr.
    Kmr i hope your daughter does well at the show.
    take care.
    joan xx
    take care
    joan xx
  • Folara
    Folara Member Posts: 568
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Ooh Jan, my big boy is 16.3hh Irish x warmblood and I know what you mean with getting off. I have to slide down slowly and my friend supports me till I get my crutches. Couldn't do it without my friends, I really owe them big time.

    I will carry on riding for as long as I can manage it and then I'm gonna learn to drive and be the mad woman with the Shetland and cart that hurtles round the village :lol:

    Fols x
  • resusjan
    resusjan Member Posts: 290
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Good for you Fols,

    I actually thought about selling my horse before christmas - advertised him, someone came to see him - then I just couldnt do it.

    I've only had this horse for a year - I've had horses all my life but the one I've got now is the best one I've ever had, he's such a lovely boy, he looks after me when we're out riding and can be fun when I want him to be, but will also happily plod around the lanes if I'm in pain on that particular day. They just seem to know somehow! When I bought him, he was quite nervous and not used to being around people much, but now he's like a great big puppy!

    So glad I didn't sell him, I think I would have totally given up if it wasn't for him.

    I have decided, he has a home for life with me, my daughter rides so if I get to the stage that I can't manage any more, she can help me look after him.

    Don't think I could manage the driving though - I'll just have to be content to watch my daughter ride instead.

    Keep on riding as long as you can - it's good for the soul if not the hands!
    Jan
  • SusieG
    SusieG Member Posts: 30
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi

    Just seen this post and so happy there are so many of us on here. I have just had a hip resurfacing, (2 weeks ago), and so not riding at the moment, but can't wait to get back.

    My consultant couldn't believe that I was still riding, didn't seem to understand that we are a different breed !! I found that I could ride for 10 mins every day or 30 mins once or twice a week, and so opted for a little and often. As the others have said getting off was the hardest, getting on I think gravity took over once I got my leg over the back of the saddle.

    Kmur, all the best for your daughter at the weekend, let us know how she gets on. My daughter events, I find it very frustrating not being able to walk the course with her.

    Sue
  • kmr
    kmr Member Posts: 108
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi to everyone its great to see there is a lot of riders on here some of the horses sound fab, my daughter is 25 and her horse is a 16hh TB mare hse is stunning liver chestnut. they are doing a XC on sat so will let you know then the shows start derby count/lincoln ect
  • kmr
    kmr Member Posts: 108
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    wish i could show you all the pics of them xx
  • resusjan
    resusjan Member Posts: 290
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hope the XC goes well, I used to love that, didn't like showjumping but loved XC.

    I think you can upoad pictures on here somehow, other forum members have done it but I have no idea how.

    Hope it goes well on saturday - let us know

    Jan xx
  • Folara
    Folara Member Posts: 568
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Fingers crossed for Saturday. Used to love x-country (not show jumping tho). Wish I could more but am grateful for the little I am still able to do.

    Fols x
  • kmr
    kmr Member Posts: 108
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    had a fab she went brill and it gave clare the confidence she needed as she has not done anything for quite a while due to the ra i am going to try and upload a picture xxxx
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,697
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Sorry the pic didn't work but that's great news about the riding. I hope she goes from strength to strength.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • crinkly1
    crinkly1 Member Posts: 156
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello.

    I'm a long-term rider and specialised in RDA instruction though I'm no longer able to look after a horse of my own. I found brilliant reins via the internet, from USA. If you google 'Mike's Handle Bar Reins' you should find them. They consist of two loops each fitted with a rubber handle-bar grip. These clip onto the reins at whatever length you need them for the horse you are riding, although you may have to add an extension for a horse with a really long neck.
    I've used then for several years and had a certificate of dispensation from BD so I could compete with them in British Dressage competitions.

    My grip is very poor and I'd struggle to ride at all without these. Have a look in case they will suit you too. Happy riding!
  • Folara
    Folara Member Posts: 568
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    That's great news kmr. I am really pleased it has boosted her confidence. Shame the pic didn't work, would have loved to have seen it.

    Fols x
  • iamme
    iamme Member Posts: 13
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Wow!

    My consultant told me to stop riding as the pain in both knees was so unbearable - perhaps he was wriong..........?
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,697
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    The trouble with knees is that you do use them a lot in riding. I already had 2 TKRs before I took it up (only RDA) and my consultant was happy for me to do it. (RDA wouldn't have accepted me if he hadn't been.)

    I wouldn't have thought the riding would actually damage your knees further (on the contrary, it might strengthen the muscles, which would help) though coming off could :lol: Still, if your consultant's told you not to, best take it up with him rather than just going back to it.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • resusjan
    resusjan Member Posts: 290
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Just thought I'd let you horse riding people out there know that I am going to attempt to ride my horse to the beach today. Its about a 45minute ride to the beach. I know he will probably play up a bit when we get there cos he's never seen the beach before and he will think its a big,scary thing. I am going with a friend so hopefully can just follow her horse onto the beach. I won't be doing anything exciting once I get there, I just want to see if I can get him to walk along the edge of the sea. I'll try to take a photo and post it on here later.

    So..........look out for me moaning tomorrow about how much pain I'm in.

    Hope you are all having a good easter break

    Jan xx
  • Folara
    Folara Member Posts: 568
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Good for you Jan. hope you have a brilliant day.

    I've not ridden all week cos my back hurts too much plus my loaner has been away for a week so the neddie is turning into a hippo. I think my loaner will have fun when she gets back on him on Tuesday lol.

    I might go for a plod next week if I am feeling ok.

    Fols x