Competing with Cracked/Bruised Ribs

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Laroxes

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Hi guys,

Has anyone ever competed with cracked/bruised ribs? My horse kindly deposited me into a showjump Thursday evening, at the time I got back on and jumped around the course a couple of times as he was not getting away with it!

However I'm supposed to go arena eventing tomorrow even though I'm sore. Would it be really stupid to go or shall I just man up and take lots if painkillers beforehand?
 
Depends on how much it hurts? Takes 6 weeks to heal broken bone. Last time I broke a rib it was walking only for two or three weeks.
 
Your very brave even thinking about it, I was unable to do anything when I cracked my rib. It really was the worst pain I have ever felt, didn't help I developed a chest infection.
 
I broke a rib or two eventing about 18 months ago. I finished the xc course, drove home, and did all my usual jobs. I then had lessons on 2 horses the following day (driving the lorry there and back on my own).

It was when I was driving for the work the day after that, and I couldn't change gear without crying because it hurt so much, that I thought I ought to get some stronger painkillers than paracetamol :o

Obviously, once on stronger drugs, I was able to carry on as normal(ish)......

It then took around a year for it to stop hurting (although I still get a twinge every now and then).

The moral of the story? Take it easy for a couple of weeks and let things settle down. I'm sure mine would have healed more quickly if I had done this ;)
 
Thanks for the advice :) I phoned the show centre and try have very kindly transferred my entry to the one on March, hopefully I will feel better then.

I have found the best thing is vodka and pain killers though!! :)
 
Forgot to say I drove the lorry home too after riding around the course a few more times.

Us horse girls are tough or slightly crazy!!
 
I'm not sure brave is the word I would use. ;)

I cracked a couple and while I could ride well enough, I could not pull up particularly well and had trouble staying straight. I rode quietly at home because I had to but I don't think it would have been fair to ask big questions of the horses when I couldn't ride them properly.

Also, what are BE rules re meds? I know people DO ignore them and you're unlikely to be tested but, believe it or not, they exist for a reason.

I know it's considered very macho and admirable for horse people to carry on injured and I won't deny I've done it. But I also know, when I've ridden badly because of it, I've not been fair on the horses.

You have to make your own call. But - if you haven't guessed - I don't think anyone should feel 'shamed' into doing something they feel is unwise for the sake of a single competition. It doesn't prove anything and there is almost always another day.
 
After having done something to my ribs in which I found it painful to walk I wouldn't think about riding let alone competing!!!
 
I broke my sternum when I
Got kicked, had the air ambulance and two road ambulances - very embarrassing!! But I was riding 3 days later, just couldn't do sitting trot or bend over to get off or do girth.
 
TarrSteps said:
I know it's considered very macho and admirable for horse people to carry on injured and I won't deny I've done it. But I also know, when I've ridden badly because of it, I've not been fair on the horses.
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Agreed! I'm over in the sensible camp, glad you have rescheduled OP!

Unless you're doing the Olympics tomorrow, I say just do the bare minimum.
 
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