Anyone ride with just one arm/hand?

[LessThanPerfect]

One of the riders at middleton Park RDA Only has one arm and competes in dressage, his qualifying tests include walk, trot, medium trot and canter and include lots of circles, demi-voltes and serpentines and he manages really well. Good luck

 

[jakkibag]

I have very limited use of my left arm, after an accident xc, I only ride small ponies so it is somewhat easier for me but I still struggle do things like the girth etc, my fell is a very forgiving soul and I have just got him adapted to how I do things, probably things other people take very much for granted, for bridling my pony is very good, I put reins over first and attach them via a piece of double sided velcro to a flash strap through my d rings on saddle, I can then take headcollar round his neck and bridle with one hand ( not very bhs I know) it means if I slip my reins they cant go anywhere, I have to admit I just vault on him one handed ( he is teeny) and then I undo headcollar, for my girth which I really struggle with I have knotted twine loops through the bottom holes on my girth straps under saddle which is extra length to hook a finger through and have a bit more leverage to tighten girth, pony just stands like a rock as he is so used to me faffing about, Good luck OP there has been lots of fab advice already!

 

[Red-1]

Hi,

I have use of both of my arms, but one of my clients did not. I already rode one handed including regularly on the highway one handed with a lance in a ceremonial situation. As I was comfortable, as with Cortez, in one handed work, even in displays in walk/trot/canter I thought it would be easy enough to adapt.

To make sure I was in the best position to help my client I rode for a week with my hand bandaged down to my leg so I could not "cheat". Gosh, that made a huge difference, even when holding a lance I know I COULD drop it and pick up a rein, but bandaged securely down I was not so confident.

I guess the point of all this is that I would encourage you not to be discouraged. In the week of bandaged riding it did start to feel more natural and less scary. The lady I taught ended up jumping and hacking, and in fact was more confident than before her accident. But, it took time and her determination to enjoy every step and accomplishment, however small.

I would echo short reins or a knot in your normal ones. Also big mounting block so you can be at the right level before mounting. If your horse will also stand next to mounting block to dismount then this will be good in the early days too. Also balance strap for mount/dismount.

We also had to look at restraining the arm with no use to keep it from making noise and distraction for the horse. One idea was to sew soft side of Velcro to breeches, and rough side to a glove.

I wish you the best of luck, and hope to see you competing in the future.

 

[smellsofhorse]

I'm no help.

But well done for not giving up and working so hard.



You can borrow my gelding for hartpury, although he's a bit rusty at the moment!

 

[LC2013]

Thanks everyone.

Quick update. As if things aren't bad enough, on Sunday I suffered an epileptic fit, I turned blue & lost consciousness. Not good. Driving now out for another year no matter what recovery I gain! Devastated is an understatement.
I think I have found a horse for Hartpury too ) it's a local RDA horse, 17.2hh! Going to try him on Thursday- just hope I can get on!!!

 

[Welly]

Just a thought but I ride and lead a lot in the winter so I ride with one hand most of the time, may be if you thought of riding in that way it would help. Sorry to hear about Sunday good luck and let us know how you get on.

 

[Tobiano]

hi - echo the well done's for being determined to keep going - good for you!

So sorry to hear about the epileptic fit though - must be so dispiriting not being able to drive for ages.

On the one-handed riding, my riding school does a lot of working Equitation and they have to ride the tests one-handed, so it could be if there is a working equitation bunch near you that you could maybe get some support there?

Very best of luck & don't forget the pictures here if you get to Hartpury!

 

[LC2013]

hi - echo the well done's for being determined to keep going - good for you!

So sorry to hear about the epileptic fit though - must be so dispiriting not being able to drive for ages.

On the one-handed riding, my riding school does a lot of working Equitation and they have to ride the tests one-handed, so it could be if there is a working equitation bunch near you that you could maybe get some support there?

Very best of luck & don't forget the pictures here if you get to Hartpury!

Ohh I'm going to Hartpury, despite my body having other ideas. I'll get there one way or another!!

 

[smellsofhorse]

Ohh I'm going to Hartpury, despite my body having other ideas. I'll get there one way or another!!

The best attitude to have!