Arthritis (me not horse) and riding

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poorchickens

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Anyone ride with chronic arthritis? I've been diagnosed and yesterday was told that I should never jump / xc / do rising trot again.

My current pony isn't established enough for me to do sitting trot forever more and is also a jumper. I'm sort of resigned to the fact that I'll have to sell her, but could I get away with buying a dressage schoolmaster and get by?

Any thoughts / stories welcome :-)
 
I have a very bad back and hypermobility and was told the very same. BUT i find that the movement of riding keeps my back in very good shape, and helps my dodgy ankles stay strong.

Of course you can ride, but just take into account what you can and can't do. I am very naughty tho, and have just had a cross country lesson :eek: with hubs tut tutting at me. And i started Shy bareback cos we couldn't afford a saddle... Sod it, I am fitter and happier now than when I was diagnosed :)
 
Hear hear Shysmum!:) I too have chronic arthritis, replacement knees and pinned and plated ankles :(!! I still ride everyday on my beautiful Welsh D, we even had a long canter last week and I am sure if a log popped up I would jump it too! Like Shysmum my back is helped by the riding and both the consultant and physio's agreed its super exercise, and I really feel it when I can't ride. I use a mounting block to get on and off though :). So don't sell your horse, enjoy it instead :)
 
my friend had 2 replacement hips and she rode more and earlier in the morning than anyone else at the yard. bit shaming for the rest of us!

I have osteoarth (mainly in hands at present) and consultant yesterday said do whatever you want to, exercise is a good thing but just see afterwards how long you are in pain/discomfort (if at all) . if more than an hour then its probably a bit much for the joints, if less then carry on.
 
Thanks for your replies!

My problem is in my knees and unfortunately riding is undoubtedly making it worse :(

Mentally though, I need to ride :o but I'll Have to be a complete weirdo and never trot :D
 
would injections into your knee help at all ? that is how I've kept my back going for quite a few years now. Other suggestion is that you try a treeless, as you can ride much longer and that may help. :)
 
I already have injections and have now developed holes in my kneecap and femur :-( Will look into the treeless saddle tho.

An excellent article JohnLogan - many thanks!
 
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