Advice for Para Rider

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AHarley

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9 April 2017
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I've just come back to riding after a 5 year break from illness which has left me with some long term complications in my spine, abdomen, legs and basically everywhere! I've been struggling to build up consistent strength to ride more than once a week and really wanted to hear any stories of anybody else out there who has come back to riding after illness and if anything specific helped them.

I'm currently riding with rein-bows as struggle to keep grip, plus a few compression garments to try and correct my sciolsis/neuromuscular problem and anything I can find that will reduce shock throughout the body. I experience a lot of pain from riding so if anyone has discovered something that has helped them please share!

Also has anyone here gone up for Para classification? I have been waiting for about 3 months and haven't heard anything as of yet.

Cheers!
 
I had an injury rather than an illness. I have found that the horse I'm riding makes a huge difference to how my body copes. Anything with a 'waddly' movement really makes me hurt. Unfortunately that included most of the horses at the RDA I rode with at the time as they were calm, wide cob types. It is impossible to build up your riding fitness when that is the case. Luckily I was leant a TB who I did a bit of RDA dressage on. What a transformation! His movement was bigger and more forward but somehow it didn't hurt me in the same way.
 
Faracat said:
I had an injury rather than an illness. I have found that the horse I'm riding makes a huge difference to how my body copes. Anything with a 'waddly' movement really makes me hurt. Unfortunately that included most of the horses at the RDA I rode with at the time as they were calm, wide cob types. It is impossible to build up your riding fitness when that is the case. Luckily I was leant a TB who I did a bit of RDA dressage on. What a transformation! His movement was bigger and more forward but somehow it didn't hurt me in the same way.
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Thanks for the reply, what injury did you have? I'm currently riding a Welsh sec D with the RDA who is very choppy but has come on quite a bit in his balance in the last few weeks. I have to work pretty hard to get a tune but we do get one, and then he is like riding a jumper pony. Any tips on convincing someone to lend out there Horses? 😅
 
Spinal injury.

I think the owner just took pity on me as she liveried at the yard where I was riding. Plus he was a sweet natured old boy who had been used by other RDA riders.
 
Are you on Facebook? If so look for dressage crocks with attitude, it's a group for people coming back to riding/dealing with injuries/illness and is very supportive. I have a few issues due to a connective tissue disorder and have to make sure I have the correct equipment (my saddle is made to support me) etc, and I make sure to keep up with physio. I also try not to punish myself if I don't feel up to riding. But for the most part I'm fine so I try not to moan! But check out the group!
 
shortstuff99 said:
Are you on Facebook? If so look for dressage crocks with attitude, it's a group for people coming back to riding/dealing with injuries/illness and is very supportive. I have a few issues due to a connective tissue disorder and have to make sure I have the correct equipment (my saddle is made to support me) etc, and I make sure to keep up with physio. I also try not to punish myself if I don't feel up to riding. But for the most part I'm fine so I try not to moan! But check out the group!
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Will do, thanks for the heads up I'll check them out. What saddle did you get to support you? I'm really interested to hear this as I've noticed because the way my spine has changed shape it's thrown me back in the saddle a fair bit. If you have the name of the company do please let me know!
 
Honestly, I gave up and took up driving. Riding was bearable pain wise but the recovery time was up to a week and I was awful, so I decided if I couldn't do it properly, I didn't want to do it at all. I don't have any of those issues with driving, other than being a bit rubbish! I can and do make improvements with driving though so its worth it for me.
 
AHarley said:
Will do, thanks for the heads up I'll check them out. What saddle did you get to support you? I'm really interested to hear this as I've noticed because the way my spine has changed shape it's thrown me back in the saddle a fair bit. If you have the name of the company do please let me know!
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I had a WOW saddle made for me. I know not everyone likes them, but I got to create a seat that helps me and knee blocks positioned to help me. Really did make a difference.
 
I'm a t12 incomplete paraplegic after an up and over . I've been through the para classification process . Disappointingly my local Rda were awful to me but I've found a fantastic group of people at my , not so local Rda , they are an amazing support . I represent them proudly . My beautiful boy ( my first ever horse of my own ) have done everything from xc, showing , pleasure rides , le trec , riding with the Bloodhounds , riding the bounds , dressage , jumping , everything really . I have just joined BD yesterday , eek !! It's only taken my instructor and trainer years of pushing to go for it haha. There's very little that gets in our way , other than chronic pain that can leave me bed bound.
Please feel free to message me :)
 
You are all an inspiration..Henmother I’m ashamed I don’t do more! Can’t offer any useful advice OP but didn’t want to read and run.
 
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