Any riders here with arthritis? Looking for advice...

[The Virgin Dubble]

I have recently been diagnosed with arthritis of the spine, and am wondering how this affects people on a day to day basis, in relation to their horses?

I was looking forward to getting a chunky type this year, to have some fun on, but my GP thinks this is not such a good idea...

Is there anybody out there who rides/takes care of horses, who is in a similar position, and manages okay, or is it as restrictive as my GP believes?

Feel quite fed up atm...

 

[lauraanddolly]

I have rheumatoid arthritis in most of my joints - I was diagnosed when I was 6. I started riding when I was 10.
I always wanted to event or work on an eventing yard, but my riding ability is limited due to my stiffness mostly, I find I can't be as soft as I need to be sometimes.

I had ponies on loan up until I was 16 when I left school and against all family advice I started a working pupil at a riding school, then I did 2 years at an equestrian college. Got a few of my BHS stages along the way and got to do some work experience at a few event yards.

I will never be able to work in the industry full time, however I am now 26 and have owned my mare now for 9 years, she is what keeps me going.

I found that a good yard, that was able to do Dolly for me on some days when I didn't feel so good was a god send.
I have never been a good patient, when my doc said I may have to stop riding I told him where to go, as long as I can enjoy my horse whether that be giving her a groom or doing xc thats all I want now.

All that said, Arthritis effects everyone differently - take it slow and find out how much you can do - I'm sure you will be able to find a way of having a horse!

 

[squirtlysmum]

I've got arthritis in both my hands and sadly its on the severe end of things so not much fun. I've got to admit that sometimes I really struggle especially when doing things like filling haynets but I'm a pig headed individual and won't let it stop me. I find it hard sometimes to hold the reins but I got assessed as a para rider so I'm allowed to give and retake my reins when in a test without letting the reins go or changing my whip over etc.
I find that people are generally really helpful but I struggle to ask for help as I like to be independant.
The worst thing us arthritic types can do is to stop! Keep moving and as flexible as poss.
x

 

[Old Bat]

Hi, I have psoriatic arthritis and a small cobby pony and on the whole can mix the two...some days are worse than others, but as above its best to keep on moving. My aspirations have certainly shrunk in recent years in that I no longer want to jump competitively but still pop the odd fence for fun and hack and do fun rides. The pony is safer than the hunter I was used to and keeps me sane, so my advice is go for it while you can!

 

[Donkeymad]

My twin has that forderough, she's on some nasty drugs.

I have arthritis in quite a few areas, including pretty severly in my lower spine. I have had to stop riding our chunky cob but am now starting to ride a large donkey. I decided to try a liquid Glucosamine, MSM and Chondotroin supplement. I was a real sceptic, but it has been amazing and opened up my life again. Worth a try possibly?

 

[Echo Bravo]

Yep! I have it my lower part of spine, sine my early 20's now 61, chunky cob I'd say no as my heavyweight cob bless was as good as gold when I rode him, but after half hour the pain sometimes crippled me. I lost him in Oct 2009, since then bought a lovely irishx???, he's a lot lighter and I find my back is a lot better. but the sh*ts to get out of bed in the mornings.

 

[Old Bat]

So far I've been lucky, I'm on hefty painkillers but I've gone down the homeopathic route and it has halved at least the amount of painkillers that I have to take...

I have it in the lower part of my spine and random areas around the rest of my body that come and go..at the moment its in my elbows and hands and feet. The back is the main problem though and to qualify to Dubble, my cobby pony is strangely not wide! I tried a few before I found her and quickly realised that wide is not good!

On a day to day basis, it comes and goes. Weather doesn't help, but I'm working on the "use it or lose it" principle and luckily have a very supportive OH and daughter (9) to help with mucking out etc on bad days...

 

[The Virgin Dubble]

I have rheumatoid arthritis in most of my joints - I was diagnosed when I was 6. I started riding when I was 10.
I always wanted to event or work on an eventing yard, but my riding ability is limited due to my stiffness mostly, I find I can't be as soft as I need to be sometimes.

I had ponies on loan up until I was 16 when I left school and against all family advice I started a working pupil at a riding school, then I did 2 years at an equestrian college. Got a few of my BHS stages along the way and got to do some work experience at a few event yards.

I will never be able to work in the industry full time, however I am now 26 and have owned my mare now for 9 years, she is what keeps me going.

I found that a good yard, that was able to do Dolly for me on some days when I didn't feel so good was a god send.
I have never been a good patient, when my doc said I may have to stop riding I told him where to go, as long as I can enjoy my horse whether that be giving her a groom or doing xc thats all I want now.

All that said, Arthritis effects everyone differently - take it slow and find out how much you can do - I'm sure you will be able to find a way of having a horse!

Oh my goodness, rheumatoid arthritis is an awful condition - far worse than osteoarthritis, and it's terrible that you have had it through childhood, but it's amazing that you have fought through it in the way you have.
You make me feel very humble, and very whingey!

Thank you so much for your input. It's really helpful and encouraging to hear other peoples experiences.
I really hope you continue to have many more active years. xxx

 

[alanhorse]

Hi, have read all replies, me too, hands , knees, hips all effected withpain however the Glocosamine is wonderful, plus drop hot water tbl sp cider vinegar with honey morning and night should keep you on the right track and keep on riding, good luck

 

[sidesaddlegirl]

I have it in my right hip, lower back and my hands. i've always had problems with my joints since I was a teenager but it's worse as I get older (I'm 35 this year). I'm starting to find side saddle riding is aggravating my right hip so I'm on the look out for an off-side sidesaddle now. My hands have been bad this week too and can only use thick rubber reins as laced ones are too narrow for my hands to hold without hurting.

I can't ride really wide horses like cobs as that hurts my hip so fine breeds only for me now and have to look for saddles with a narrow twist in the seat or else my hip hurts too.

It's annoying but like everyone has said, you got to stay active, ignore the stiffness and pain and get on with it. I take glucosamine and calcium pills twice a day too along with doing the exercises my physiotherapist gave me for my poor back.

 

[The Virgin Dubble]

I've got arthritis in both my hands and sadly its on the severe end of things so not much fun. I've got to admit that sometimes I really struggle especially when doing things like filling haynets but I'm a pig headed individual and won't let it stop me. I find it hard sometimes to hold the reins but I got assessed as a para rider so I'm allowed to give and retake my reins when in a test without letting the reins go or changing my whip over etc.
I find that people are generally really helpful but I struggle to ask for help as I like to be independant.
The worst thing us arthritic types can do is to stop! Keep moving and as flexible as poss.
x

I'm sensing a theme here - there are some very fiesty ladies!

I would struggle more with laborious tasks (mucking out etc), as I am struggling atm just to hoover my lounge or make the beds. I also can't sit for any period of time as my lower back becomes really painful.
I have the arthritis in my L4, L5, and S1 vertebrae, arthritic spurs on the vertebrae, and disc degeneration. I have started walking daily, to strengthen the supporting muscles, and to keep me supple, which the GP is really happy about, but she thinks riding has caused the problem in the first place, and that further concussion to the spine, would cause more problems...

I could get OH to do all the menial hard labour...

 

[The Virgin Dubble]

Hi, I have psoriatic arthritis and a small cobby pony and on the whole can mix the two...some days are worse than others, but as above its best to keep on moving. My aspirations have certainly shrunk in recent years in that I no longer want to jump competitively but still pop the odd fence for fun and hack and do fun rides. The pony is safer than the hunter I was used to and keeps me sane, so my advice is go for it while you can!

Sorry, I have never heard of psoriatic arthritis. Could you tell me a bit more about it please?
I have no aspirations - I just want something quiet to potter about on, and the feedback I'm getting from you guys is brill.
Thanks so much for your words of encouragement.

 

[The Virgin Dubble]

My twin has that forderough, she's on some nasty drugs.

I have arthritis in quite a few areas, including pretty severly in my lower spine. I have had to stop riding our chunky cob but am now starting to ride a large donkey. I decided to try a liquid Glucosamine, MSM and Chondotroin supplement. I was a real sceptic, but it has been amazing and opened up my life again. Worth a try possibly?

Oh that's really interesting to hear that glucosamine, chondritin, and msm has helped so much. My GP was quite sceptical when I mentioned it to her, but my old arthritic warmblood benefited from it enormously when he was alive,
Thank you, it's certainly worth trying.

 

[Sarah Sum1]

Hi, I have psoriatic arthritis and a small cobby pony and on the whole can mix the two...some days are worse than others, but as above its best to keep on moving. My aspirations have certainly shrunk in recent years in that I no longer want to jump competitively but still pop the odd fence for fun and hack and do fun rides. The pony is safer than the hunter I was used to and keeps me sane, so my advice is go for it while you can!

I have psoriatic arthritis too! Awful. I have it mainly in my knees. Although since giving up meat in october my psoriasis is nearly gone! and my arthritis is nearly non exsistant. I used to have difficulty walking up the stairs! I found sprenger bow balance stirrups helped with riding. But now i have hardly any symptons.

My Reiki instructor had psoriasis and she gave up meat and it cleared up so i took her advice and mine is nearly gone too. Meat is pumpe full of chemicals, i think it would help with all kinds of diseases.

 

[The Virgin Dubble]

Yep! I have it my lower part of spine, sine my early 20's now 61, chunky cob I'd say no as my heavyweight cob bless was as good as gold when I rode him, but after half hour the pain sometimes crippled me. I lost him in Oct 2009, since then bought a lovely irishx???, he's a lot lighter and I find my back is a lot better. but the sh*ts to get out of bed in the mornings.

Ahhh, so do you think that the cob was perhaps too wide??
My most recent horse was an ex racer, which I thought would be way more unsuitable than a cobby type, but maybe not on reflection...?
I sympathise with the getting out of bed dilemma btw! I have found that my investment in a memory foam mattress has helped enormously, if that's any use.

 

[The Virgin Dubble]

So far I've been lucky, I'm on hefty painkillers but I've gone down the homeopathic route and it has halved at least the amount of painkillers that I have to take...

I have it in the lower part of my spine and random areas around the rest of my body that come and go..at the moment its in my elbows and hands and feet. The back is the main problem though and to qualify to Dubble, my cobby pony is strangely not wide! I tried a few before I found her and quickly realised that wide is not good!

On a day to day basis, it comes and goes. Weather doesn't help, but I'm working on the "use it or lose it" principle and luckily have a very supportive OH and daughter (9) to help with mucking out etc on bad days...

Oh so it seems that a cobby cob might be too wide? I had also wondered about the choppier stride of cobs.
I need to make a list methinks; something not too high off the ground, not too wide, but floaty paces. Quiet enough not to bounce around, but not so quiet that I have to work hard to get it moving...
Thankfully, I only have the arthritis in my spine so far, and I am in awe of how you guys manage. Thank you for your help.

 

[The Virgin Dubble]

Hi, have read all replies, me too, hands , knees, hips all effected withpain however the Glocosamine is wonderful, plus drop hot water tbl sp cider vinegar with honey morning and night should keep you on the right track and keep on riding, good luck

Oh I hadn't even thought about cider vinegar as well! Thank you!
Good luck to you too.

 

[The Virgin Dubble]

I have it in my right hip, lower back and my hands. i've always had problems with my joints since I was a teenager but it's worse as I get older (I'm 35 this year). I'm starting to find side saddle riding is aggravating my right hip so I'm on the look out for an off-side sidesaddle now. My hands have been bad this week too and can only use thick rubber reins as laced ones are too narrow for my hands to hold without hurting.

I can't ride really wide horses like cobs as that hurts my hip so fine breeds only for me now and have to look for saddles with a narrow twist in the seat or else my hip hurts too.

It's annoying but like everyone has said, you got to stay active, ignore the stiffness and pain and get on with it. I take glucosamine and calcium pills twice a day too along with doing the exercises my physiotherapist gave me for my poor back.

Another vote for a narrower horse then.
I so agree with keeping active. I'm a qualified keep fit instructor, and know how important it is to keep supple, and to support the joints by strengthening the supporting muscles.
I wanted to get on with physio asap, but that has been shelved atm, as I have been referred to the dept of spinal surgery because of the spurs on my vertebrae, hence the walking regimen atm.
I just want to get on with things, and am getting quite frustrated with waiting...
Thanks for your help. It's really appreciated.

 

[The Virgin Dubble]

I have psoriatic arthritis too! Awful. I have it mainly in my knees. Although since giving up meat in october my psoriasis is nearly gone! and my arthritis is nearly non exsistant. I used to have difficulty walking up the stairs! I found sprenger bow balance stirrups helped with riding. But now i have hardly any symptons.

My Reiki instructor had psoriasis and she gave up meat and it cleared up so i took her advice and mine is nearly gone too. Meat is pumpe full of chemicals, i think it would help with all kinds of diseases.

Meat?? Seriously??
Is that just red meat, or all meat? Would it make a difference it it was organic?

 

[YorksG]

Another here with joint problems from childhood,(told to stop games etc as a teenager, but have ridden since I was 7 and never stopped) finally diagnosed with serum negative rheumatoid arthritis in my 30's. (this is the least worst type!) I am fortunate in that it is mainly knees and sometimes feet, not back and hips. I am struggling a bit at the moment, following breaking my scaffoid christmas 2008, not looking after it much, then damaging the tendon in the same wrist in August, currently wearing a rather fetching being splint, as I have apparently some 'odd arthritic changes' in it! I did have a steroid injection in November, but would not recomend them, they hurt a lot! Have been told they are not looking to operate yet (I was a bit shocked as had not thought they would be looking to do that any time!)
I am fortunate as my sister is doing most of the mucking out etc. and I am expecting it to sort out before next winter.

 

[Sarah Sum1]

Meat?? Seriously??
Is that just red meat, or all meat? Would it make a difference it it was organic?

Well i gave up for reasons other than the psoriasis but i would imagine that organic meat would be a much much wiser choice. 'normal' meat contains so many chemicals, the animals can't grow properly or quickly enough for demand under the immense stress they are under so all manner of chemicals are used. If you really don't want to stop eating meat then definitely try just eating organic meat first.
It is worth paying that bit extra if it could possibly make a difference.

Also try to cut down on red meat anyway, as the body finds this harder to digest.
ETA if you had seen my psoriasis before i had stopped eating meat then 2-3 months after you would be shocked!That coupled with being able to walk up the stairs without having to do the last few steps on my bum coz my knees hurt that much! now being able to walk up normally, even run if i wanted!!! I will never eat meat again. I feel better in myself too, it's weird.

 

[The Virgin Dubble]

Another here with joint problems from childhood,(told to stop games etc as a teenager, but have ridden since I was 7 and never stopped) finally diagnosed with serum negative rheumatoid arthritis in my 30's. (this is the least worst type!) I am fortunate in that it is mainly knees and sometimes feet, not back and hips. I am struggling a bit at the moment, following breaking my scaffoid christmas 2008, not looking after it much, then damaging the tendon in the same wrist in August, currently wearing a rather fetching being splint, as I have apparently some 'odd arthritic changes' in it! I did have a steroid injection in November, but would not recomend them, they hurt a lot! Have been told they are not looking to operate yet (I was a bit shocked as had not thought they would be looking to do that any time!)
I am fortunate as my sister is doing most of the mucking out etc. and I am expecting it to sort out before next winter.

Hey stranger! Where have you been hiding? Nice to see you!
Well tbh, I would rather have my arthritis than any for of rheumatoid arthritis, as even the least worst type must be very painful.
I had a steroid injection in my foot a year or two ago (between the toes), but that was for moretons neuroma, and it wasn't overly painful, though I did feel a tad nauseous on seeing this huge needle in the middle of my foot on the scan screen...
Really hope your wrist improves soon. xxx

 

[The Virgin Dubble]

Well i gave up for reasons other than the psoriasis but i would imagine that organic meat would be a much much wiser choice. 'normal' meat contains so many chemicals, the animals can't grow properly or quickly enough for demand under the immense stress they are under so all manner of chemicals are used. If you really don't want to stop eating meat then definitely try just eating organic meat first.
It is worth paying that bit extra if it could possibly make a difference.

Also try to cut down on red meat anyway, as the body finds this harder to digest.
ETA if you had seen my psoriasis before i had stopped eating meat then 2-3 months after you would be shocked!That coupled with being able to walk up the stairs without having to do the last few steps on my bum coz my knees hurt that much! now being able to walk up normally, even run if i wanted!!! I will never eat meat again. I feel better in myself too, it's weird.

Tbh, I could easily give up red meat completely as I can take it or leave it. I do like spag bol and chille con carne, but wouldn't be grief stricken at having to give them up (unlike chocolate!)
I do love chicken though, and always have free range, so switching to organic wouldn't be an issue.
Thanks so much for that - it's been really interesting and helpful.

 

[Crazy Friesian]

I was diagnosed with Rhumatoid arthritis late teens. I am intolerant to most NSAIDS, upchuck and pass out! I met a homeopath by chance who "sorted me out" I am now late thirties and have followed his advice "ish" over the years. The way he explained it to me is that toxins build up in the body and affect the joints, muscles etc. He advised me to stay clear of / moderation; red meat, pork, Kellogs products, refined / processed foods, nuts, citrus friuts (high protein and acidic). If I overload on these things I know about it! Cut back "detox" and off we go again. I also have Glucosamine, MSM and Chondroitin. I also take 2 Paramol if I am particularly bad in the morning...

BTW, I have 6 horses and do them all myself. I have good days and bad days, but also subscribe to the "use it or lose it". With arthritis the worst thing you can do is "stop"

I also do Pilates to help with mobility and strength.

 

[The Virgin Dubble]

I was diagnosed with Rhumatoid arthritis late teens. I am intolerant to most NSAIDS, upchuck and pass out! I met a homeopath by chance who "sorted me out" I am now late thirties and have followed his advice "ish" over the years. The way he explained it to me is that toxins build up in the body and affect the joints, muscles etc. He advised me to stay clear of / moderation; red meat, pork, Kellogs products, refined / processed foods, nuts, citrus friuts (high protein and acidic). If I overload on these things I know about it! Cut back "detox" and off we go again. I also have Glucosamine, MSM and Chondroitin. I also take 2 Paramol if I am particularly bad in the morning...

BTW, I have 6 horses and do them all myself. I have good days and bad days, but also subscribe to the "use it or lose it". With arthritis the worst thing you can do is "stop"

I also do Pilates to help with mobility and strength.

Oh my word, I never even gave diet a thought, but it does appear increasingly obvious that our diets have a lot to answer for...
I don't know much about rheumatoid arthritis tbh, apart from the fact is is extremely painful, but nutrition does seem to play a huge part in cell health and regeneration, so it should be obvious that dietary changes would be beneficial...
Thanks hun. Everybodys input has been really helpful!

 

[Crazy Friesian]

Pleasure hun. Doctors luuuuuurve to tell you to give up the nags. But I had a consultant admit (in the end) that the riding had proved beneficial. "Strike 1 for the horse clique!"

My spine is affected now too, hence the Pilates. So far so good.

 

[Sarah Sum1]

No probs, as boring as it is, what we put in our bodies is really vital if we have any sort of health issue. I would also recommend getting a water filter too, as our water is full of crap too You could also have free range/ organic mince once a week. I use quorn mince to make chillie and spag bol, it sounds rank but i actually love it. I can't tell the diff now My taste buds are prob shot to pieces but.......

 

[YorksG]

Food intolerances are amazing things, even if in a bad way. Have recently become allergic to alliums and actually apart from the wrist the other joints have imporoved since giving up all the allium related foods, I should probably have a good look at all other food too.
And dubble dear, empty your pm's I am trying to talk to you!

 

[The Virgin Dubble]

Pleasure hun. Doctors luuuuuurve to tell you to give up the nags. But I had a consultant admit (in the end) that the riding had proved beneficial. "Strike 1 for the horse clique!"

My spine is affected now too, hence the Pilates. So far so good.

Well there is no way on earth that I am prepared to let them operate atm, and there is no way on earth that I am going to let this affect my quality of life if I can possibly help it.
I am so pleased everything seems to be going well for you hun. Long may it continue. xx

 

[The Virgin Dubble]

No probs, as boring as it is, what we put in our bodies is really vital if we have any sort of health issue. I would also recommend getting a water filter too, as our water is full of crap too You could also have free range/ organic mince once a week. I use quorn mince to make chillie and spag bol, it sounds rank but i actually love it. I can't tell the diff now My taste buds are prob shot to pieces but.......

I have never tried quorn mince, but my daughter makes a gorgeous quorn (chicken) stir fry, and I really liked the 'different' taste, so I am sure I'll be fine with the mince. Thanks again! x