Am I mad? - disabled rider related

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Valadictory

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Short story: I had a car accident at the age of 28, which has caused traumatic arthritis. It effects all of my joints in my body, mostly the knees, hips, back, necks, shoulders and hands.

I work (mostly) full time , and have been trying to get back into horse riding with no success, as although I have advertised, I can't find anyone with a suitable horse who is willing to help. I have a friend who is very horsey, and who has offered help if I were to get my own horse. This situation has been ongoing for the past year, I've been working on my flexibility (I do oodles of stretches and physio exercises per day) and am finally now at the point that I can consider riding again as long as it is a very gradual process. I have contacted riding schools in the area however I am over their weight limit, and the meds play havoc with my weight, so much that I am now trying just to eat healthily and not focus on what the scales say.

Today I have emailed the Blue Cross regarding a horse that they have available for loan, part of me thinks that I am utterly mad, the other part thinks that this could be a springboard for me to start moving forwards again with my life. Thinking about what I can and can't do, I could do: grooming, tacking up (with a synthetic saddle) and possibly fetching in and turning out (depending on how I am. ) I could also check on them every day as the fields are accessible by car and I would only have to get out of the car and to the horse. Summer wouldn't be so much of a problem as my joints are better, Winter and Spring would be more difficult

My friend would be OK to do the other stuff e.g mucking out, and we agreed that I would pay her for this, worst case scenario we could look at full livery. I'm aware of the huge costs involved in owning a horse, so that's not an issue. I don't know any other disabled riders and as my disability is rather recent, I don't know anyone who can share their experiences with me.

Thank you for reading.
 
If you could afford full livery and the blue cross would be fully aware that it may have to go back I think you should defiantly look into it more but may be abit much if you have to rely on your friend especially if she goes on holiday and you have a bad day. Or try the rda like above poster suggested hope you find something
 
It might be worthwhile finding your local RDA group, just in the early days while you get back into the horses. They would then be good people to advise you on suitable horses to buy/loan down the line if you decide you do want your own.

Also, not sure how much your disability affects you, but if you do go down the purchasing route maybe look for a horse that is already broken to harness? That way if you find riding too physical you have something else to fall back on?
 
I would defintatley try riding with the RDA first if at all possible. It'll give you so much more of an idea of what you're capable of and what you need to look for in a horse. You might find that you are better off turning to driving, for example :)
 
Thank you both very much for your replies :) Unfortunately I am a teacher and the RDA locally doesn't run sessions during school holidays
 
I'm disabled following a spinal injury and I got back into riding with the help of my local RDA group who were wonderful. Like you I was very worried about whether I would ever be able to look after a horse on my own.

I started off on part livery but both me and the mare hated it, so we ended up moving to DIY, but I was able to keep her out 24/7 which suited both of us much better. The DIY yard was also alot friendlier and had very helpful liveries.

The most important bit was finding the right horse as I can't cope with bargy horses, strong pullers or when tacking up, lifting saddles onto a tall horse.

I have amazed myself as I never thought that I would be able to cope with youngstock anymore, but I now have a 4yr old, who I've had for three years and a 2yr old but they are both easy horses to do. All my horses are quite happy to stand and patiently wait while I have an 'ow' moment and have to pause what I'm doing until it passes. ;) I do have a support network which is invaluable but luckily not called on very often.
 
There are at least 3 RDA groups within reasonably easy driving distance, in my area. Would you be able to get to a group a little further away? Or could you ring and talk to the organiser/instructor/YO of the local group? The group I volunteer with only works over the Summer and works mainly with riders with learning disabilities but I'm sure that if someone in your position rang and spoke to YO, she would be able to arrange something to suit you.
 
Thank you ever so much for the helpful replies, in all honesty I thought I'd be lucky to get one or two :)

I'd not even thought of driving tbh as I have been so determined to get back into the saddle, but it's certainly worth considering, thank you ihatework :)

Faracat - it's hearing from people like you that gives me hope, thank you :)

Pearlsasinger - I contacted the 2 closest but didn't think of contacting those a bit further afield, thank you I will look into that now
 
Oh that is lovely Spudlet :) Thank you for the link :)

Pearsasinger - about 20 miles from Birmingham, so fall into the West Midlands/ Staffordshire cross over. I've just had a look at the RDA list and am going to start emailing them in a bit :)
 
are you wanting to have a try or two to see whetheryourbody willcopewith ridingain.

I am in the west midlands ( herefordshire)and my welshie (14.1) is a good weight carrier (I will pm you re that). She has had several people with different disabilities ride her including pictured her young Matthew


( will comeback with a pic... cant get link page up atm)

back .... here we are

prommountingblock.jpg



If you wanted to have a visit here you would be most welcome.
 
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If you're mad I am too :D I'm partially sighted and still have my own horse and ride 6 times a week. People think I'm crazy because I can't see more than about eight feet in front of me and I can't judge distances, but I maintain the horse can see perfectly well for both of us :o We're taking it easy at the moment as I'm returning to ownership after a bit of a break, but I used to do cross country and all sorts despite not being able to really see the jump!

I would definitely recommend getting in touch with the RDA as they'll be able to help you find solutions to any challenges you face. I think most RDA instructors are also 'normal' instructors in riding schools too, so if you get some names of recommended instructors you could always book private lessons with them directly if the 'official' RDA times don't suit you? I know that's what some people do at my current yard. Also, the RDA might be very helpful in pointing you in the direction of some suitable horses as they often hear of the more sensible ones that go by word of mouth.
 
I am a disabled rider, my physical disability presents similarly to spina bifida, I have to wear a leg brace most of the time and have very little use in that side, plus I have joint issues (sublaxation).
I'd second trying riding before committing to loaning or purchasing, as I'm sure like myself you have good and bad days, so some days riding doesn't nothing and isn't painful, after others I can be bed ridden.
When I was born, first they said I'd probably not survive, then that I'd never walk, I was utterly miserable spending the first few months of my life in hospital having countless operations - but the second I was taken home and put on my older brothers pony I smiled for the first time. All but one dr told my parents to never ever let me ride, it was too dangerous and would damage me further, plus my internal issues left me very open to infection; I can't tell you how happy I am that they ignored drs advice!
It was through RDA that I got my first double bridle converter to help me progress in dressage without dislocating joints in my hands every five minutes, they also helped me when Luce went lame in the run up to a major para event, so although I don't ride with them myself (though I did for a few months as a teen) they are so willing to support any disabled rider that needs them! I wouldn't be where I am today without them, as it was them that encouraged me to get graded so I could compete as a para (previously I'd been competing through pony club against the able bodied) and then aided me into competing internationally and helping with coaching.
Go for it!
 
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I am afraid I can't help but I just wanted to say how inspired I am both by the initial posting and by the responses. I know how important my horses are to my mental health, and understand how they can help to keep you going both mentally and physically but your stories are heart warming and show what is so special about a life with a horse.

Good luck Farcat in finding your special horse and sorting out the care, I definitely don't think you are mad.

Tazzle, the picture of your pony is wonderful.
 
Scoutie said:
Good luck Farcat in finding your special horse and sorting out the care, I definitely don't think you are mad.
Click to expand...

I'll pass that horse finding luck onto Valadictory (the OP) as I have my special horse (get better soon chestnut mare) and I really think that I don't need five neddies! :eek:
 
Do it. Look at our para olympian riders. I see no reason not to do the things that are important to u and u seem to have considered the logistics. Enjoy your horse :-)
 
HDPE and ghostie - your stories are both heart warming and inspiring at the same time, thank you ever so much for replying.

I've been mulling things over today, and have (prompted by this thread) sent emails to all of the local RDAs to see whether they can help with the riding side, but if not I think I might ask if there is any chance I could spend some time with their horses just grooming while I lose weight, as it might soothe me just to have contact with them.

I can't explain it, I feel like I'm desperate.
 
I am riddled with arthritis, just been told I should retire on ill health because of it, but it may take longer than it used to, but I still care for my 2 horses, I still do pleasure rides and love the rosettes we get, my advice, with hindsight, is pick your horse carefully, go for ride and drive to keep your options open, make sure they have the temprement to do nothing for sometimes weeks, then do a hack.
My lad was bought because it was love at first sight, but he has proved his worth, we put kids on him, nervous novices, but he knows the difference and gives experienced riders a lively ride and seems to know when I am sore and goes gently, he is also driveable for when my hip/hands give up.
Good luck, if you would like a break in Northumberland to try my lad, so you know what your looking for pm me, I'm about to be unemployed
 
Hi there
If you are based in Staffordshire why don't you try and get in touch with Lee Pearson? He's on FB and Twitter. I know he's pretty busy focusing on the Olympics but a post on his FB page may just get a reply.
Also, he does clinics all around the country so maybe you could see if you could get a lesson from him?
Be forthright, everything is achievable :)
 
You are not too far away from the Clwyd Riding Centre which has exceptional facilities (their hacking track is the most amazing facility I have ever used!!!!) and a variety of horses. They are probably too far away for weekly visits but they have accommodation on site so you could talk to them about doing a residential course during the holidays to see how things went.

http://www.clwydspecialridingcentre.org.uk/
 
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