Disabled riders board board

[maree t]

Surely to have the option there is what matters. Anybody worried about being labelled would perhaps just read ?.
As others have said there can be invaluable advice given. many of our children come from completely unhorsey backgrounds and have to work out how to adapt and change things to enable people . I cannot see what harm having it would be, only benefits. Change the name by all means if that is what is wanted . I would love to know more about how to help a friends daughter who comes and rides mine , she has Spina Bifida and various other problems .

 

[jhoward]

Just had to comment on this again. As a UKCC coach for the RDA and the variety of queries that I find myself answering on a weekly basis, having somewhere like this having a section for knowledge would be fantastic! Just imagine, simple areas such as how to go about finding sessions, coaches, how to cope with mounting & dismounting (we alone use 5 different methods of mounting with clients!). Suggesting simple adaptations to tack & equipment, how to take that next step up the ladder to competition etc. The scope is endless and as HHO is generally moderated to a high standard (most of the time), surely it's the perfect place to have such a section?!

Offering a support network of knowledge about this area of equestrianism....surely it deserves a chance?

very good points, as a rider, that has a hand issue.. not sure id call myself disabled but I do find things hard.. I cant hold a rein properly, which meens things like holding horse/doing girth is an issue, mounting can be a pain in the butt, as I have no grip/pull in left hand. it was a large reason why I sold my horse of a life time. having in put into gadgets, or ways around things would be good, and tbh I wouldn't post such a thing in tack room people are far to quick to judge.

 

[teapot]

very good points, as a rider, that has a hand issue.. not sure id call myself disabled but I do find things hard.. I cant hold a rein properly, which meens things like holding horse/doing girth is an issue, mounting can be a pain in the butt, as I have no grip/pull in left hand. it was a large reason why I sold my horse of a life time. having in put into gadgets, or ways around things would be good, and tbh I wouldn't post such a thing in tack room people are far to quick to judge.

Which is exactly why this sub-forum is a great idea. Drop me or Noggin (she's a friend of mine) a pm and sure we could think of a few things to help.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

Horrible people whoever said no!!

This is the kind of attitude which does make one wonder what might be posted on a 'Disabled' board.
I voted yes, as an able-bodied rider and a member of an RDA committee but can appreciate the view-points of those who fear segregation rather than inclusivity. We do have separate boards for different geographical locations, which could be seen as devisive and which aren't actually very busy.

 

[henmother]

very good points, as a rider, that has a hand issue.. not sure id call myself disabled but I do find things hard.. I cant hold a rein properly, which meens things like holding horse/doing girth is an issue, mounting can be a pain in the butt, as I have no grip/pull in left hand. it was a large reason why I sold my horse of a life time. having in put into gadgets, or ways around things would be good, and tbh I wouldn't post such a thing in tack room people are far to quick to judge.

This is exactly why a separate area is required.

 

[henmother]

This is the kind of attitude which does make one wonder what might be posted on a 'Disabled' board.
I voted yes, as an able-bodied rider and a member of an RDA committee but can appreciate the view-points of those who fear segregation rather than inclusivity. We do have separate boards for different geographical locations, which could be seen as devisive and which aren't actually very busy.

I'd hope what might be posted would be , tips for helping to care for horse with disability , health condition -temp or permanent . Workarounds people have tried and tested, suggestions for Workarounds that could be adapted to suit. Ideas to make riding easier. How to tack up after a stroke, or with back problems, how to mount, how would you pick hooves from a wheelchair.....Words of support, encouragement. I'm sure the Rda volunteers would play a huge part. Suggestions for yards that are accessible , ideas to make life that bit easier......Just to add, it wouldn't be just for those that do have a disability /health condition , temp or permanent. I'm sure everyone could offer their opinion, suggestions, or just pop in to see the kind of issues people face. Maybe you have a person on your yard who struggles and would like to help but are unsure how to do so, the board could have so many positive outcomes. It could maybe help people see that riding is an option, or that you could own/keep your horse with a few Workarounds. Or that you can still compete in your chosen discipline and how and where to go about it. It'd be there to help everyone.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

I'd hope what might be posted would be , tips for helping to care for horse with disability , health condition -temp or permanent . Workarounds people have tried and tested, suggestions for Workarounds that could be adapted to suit. Ideas to make riding easier. How to tack up after a stroke, or with back problems, how to mount, how would you pick hooves from a wheelchair.....Words of support, encouragement. I'm sure the Rda volunteers would play a huge part. Suggestions for yards that are accessible , ideas to make life that bit easier......Just to add, it wouldn't be just for those that do have a disability /health condition , temp or permanent. I'm sure everyone could offer their opinion, suggestions, or just pop in to see the kind of issues people face. Maybe you have a person on your yard who struggles and would like to help but are unsure how to do so, the board could have so many positive outcomes. It could maybe help people see that riding is an option, or that you could own/keep your horse with a few Workarounds. Or that you can still compete in your chosen discipline and how and where to go about it. It'd be there to help everyone.

I would hope so too but the ill-thought out, childish kind of response, which I quoted in my last post, whilst obviously 'on the other side of the fence' from those unwanted posts which might appear on a 'Disabled' board just shows the undesirable mentality of some members of HHO. Unfortunately not every-one behaves in a reasonable manner.

 

[dreamcometrue]

I'm gonna get shot for my own opinion, But why should disabled people get their own board? I have a lot of back pain but there isn't a back pain board?? It's very easy to just bump your post up, so hardly going to get lost..

That's like saying that disabled riders should not have their own competitions.

My daughter was a brilliant rider but unfortunately had her leg taken off by a nob on a motorbike as she was out running. Once she has become mobile again she desperately wants to take up riding again and would love to be able to access a dedicated forum where she can read about other riders' experiences and ask questions and get advice. Trawling through all the other posts would be pretty time consuming.

Come on have a bit of empathy. Life is hard enough for people like her without more obstacles to overcome.

 

[henmother]

I see your point pearlsasinger , on a public forum there will always be a broad spectrum of opinion , one persons idea of reasonable is not another's. I'd hope, whether naively or not, that there would be common ground for the majority of posters. There's always going to be differences of opinion, and those differences can sometimes help achieve a better result, not always, but sometimes. The suggestions that some of the no voters have made have been valid points, just as the yes voters have made some valid points.

 

[Arizahn]

Or a jokey, 'bendy, broken and disjointed riders'?

It's a subforum for anyone with any inch of physical or mental issue that affects their riding. Sounds like a great idea and saves cluttering up other forums when it's solely rider based questions no doubt being asked

Title definitely needs to be considered very carefully. But I fail to see how these sorts of threads would be "cluttering up other forums", or why they would be solely rider based.

What about how to train a horse to behave around a rider who has a certain condition or disability? EG - halt if the reins are dropped, or stand still if the handler/rider collapses next to them? Or having to get a horse used to being mounted from the opposite side to usual, or to be calm despite unexpected movements or sounds etc?

I actually voted yes as a rider who has a medical condition, but after the reactions to some people choosing no, I'm inclined to withdraw my vote entirely. The knee jerk reaction wasn't pretty, and I actually do see a lot of potential for issues. So I understand why some people would say no.

It is hard to describe it to those who haven't been there. But there was a time when I would have voted no on this. Because it would have scared the heck out of me. I'm still leery about it really. Too many issues and old ghosts, I will stick with what I have

I hope if this subforum is set up, that it does work as intended. At the moment, I just can't see myself using it. I don't tend to use the regional boards either!

 

[eahotson]

Who knows, some of our excellent Paras may well contribute their knowledge to it!!!

 

[happyclappy]

why have seperate boards for anything. i know i said no but i certainly would not be against it. some would find it very helpful, and re thinking this, it might actually be a good thing.

swings and roundabouts as with all things.

 

[jhoward]

Which is exactly why this sub-forum is a great idea. Drop me or Noggin (she's a friend of mine) a pm and sure we could think of a few things to help.

thankyou, ive given up for now, not having my own horse to ride, and another op coming up that leaves me handles for a few months with the out come not known.. hopefully this time next year I shall be back in the saddle.. although hand shall never be fixed totally idea shall be then needed. thanks again

 

[Tiddlypom]

I'm sure that no one would expect a disabled, injured or incapacitated rider to stick to using the new sub forum, if it is set up. Everyone will remain free to read and contribute to all the forums (sp fora??), as they do now, and can dip in and out as they wish. I can appreciate that no one wants to become labelled by their disability, there is probably already too much of that in RL. Many threads are common to horse riders regardless of their individual circumstances.

I tend to view 'new posts' anyway, rather than just stick to TR or whatever. I quite often find myself getting interested in a thread that is quite different to my usual interests. Maybe I'm just nosey, or perhaps curious!

 

[LittleMonster]

think this is a very good idea!

 

[teapot]

Title definitely needs to be considered very carefully. But I fail to see how these sorts of threads would be "cluttering up other forums", or why they would be solely rider based.

What about how to train a horse to behave around a rider who has a certain condition or disability? EG - halt if the reins are dropped, or stand still if the handler/rider collapses next to them? Or having to get a horse used to being mounted from the opposite side to usual, or to be calm despite unexpected movements or sounds etc?

I actually voted yes as a rider who has a medical condition, but after the reactions to some people choosing no, I'm inclined to withdraw my vote entirely. The knee jerk reaction wasn't pretty, and I actually do see a lot of potential for issues. So I understand why some people would say no.

It is hard to describe it to those who haven't been there. But there was a time when I would have voted no on this. Because it would have scared the heck out of me. I'm still leery about it really. Too many issues and old ghosts, I will stick with what I have

I hope if this subforum is set up, that it does work as intended. At the moment, I just can't see myself using it. I don't tend to use the regional boards either!

By the term 'cluttering up' I meant in terms of it being over-looked or in jhoward's case, people offering more unwanted opinions. By having a separate forum, it means everyone can be happy and people who don't want to read such threads, don't have to.

Solely was the wrong word, sorry. I'd bet good money though that the majority of threads would be rider related rather than horse, just going by the responses on this thread.

 

[henmother]

By the term 'cluttering up' I meant in terms of it being over-looked or in jhoward's case, people offering more unwanted opinions. By having a separate forum, it means everyone can be happy and people who don't want to read such threads, don't have to.

Solely was the wrong word, sorry. I'd bet good money though that the majority of threads would be rider related rather than horse, just going by the responses on this thread.

It would hopefully do what it says on the tin, whatever the name of the board.... It would be like new riders owners , that's where you look if you're a new rider/owner, considering becoming one, or have advice to pass on. One place for people to look with a disability/health condition , permanent or temporary, if you should choose to do so.

 

[Tern]

You aren't going to get shot, and back pain would certainly be considered a medical condition. Back pain is incapacitating . Those that haven't had back pain would probably not realise the impact it can have on your day to day life, even the simple things like having a bath or getting dressed can be a struggle.
The board would be for you too, anyone that has a medical condition, whether it be temporary or permanent.
Maybe disabled riders board is the wrong title?

Okay now you put it that way And yes i think it is the wrong name to be honest

 

[henmother]

Okay now you put it that way And yes i think it is the wrong name to be honest

Back pain is awful, for me, I didn't realise how every little movement makes your back ping. It's not nice, the painkillers can just zombify you too.

How's about, " a little bit knackered, forever, or a bit, people that like playing with horses?" it should be a name everyone is happy with though.

 

[Tern]

Yep, Because i wouldn't want to be separated as disabled from everyone else in a different forum, to be honest i wouldn't use it though

 

[mynutmeg]

I'd hope what might be posted would be , tips for helping to care for horse with disability , health condition -temp or permanent . Workarounds people have tried and tested, suggestions for Workarounds that could be adapted to suit. Ideas to make riding easier. How to tack up after a stroke, or with back problems, how to mount, how would you pick hooves from a wheelchair.....Words of support, encouragement. I'm sure the Rda volunteers would play a huge part. Suggestions for yards that are accessible , ideas to make life that bit easier......Just to add, it wouldn't be just for those that do have a disability /health condition , temp or permanent. I'm sure everyone could offer their opinion, suggestions, or just pop in to see the kind of issues people face. Maybe you have a person on your yard who struggles and would like to help but are unsure how to do so, the board could have so many positive outcomes. It could maybe help people see that riding is an option, or that you could own/keep your horse with a few Workarounds. Or that you can still compete in your chosen discipline and how and where to go about it. It'd be there to help everyone.

This is how you pick out feet from a wheelchair - does require a fairly chilled out horse, I found they were all pretty spooky about the wheelchair to start with, although they got used to it.

 

[Leo Walker]

I dont want or expect to be segreated! I post in various board, how to keep a fat horse slim, how to get a youngster more forward, do other people lucid dream etc, BUT it would be nice to post somewhere about things that arent "normal" for the majority. I would bet that the majority of posters here have good bladder control, mines ok now, but its not great! And things like, I can get on from a block, but it usually takes me 2 or 3 goes to get my foot on the block and not kicking it over! And once I'm on board you wouldnt know theres anything wrong me with other than crap riding

In the future I'm hoping to get out and do some dressage with my youngster. God willing it will be able bodied, but if I'm realistic it may well be para. It would be great to have a place that para riders and instructors look.

I hold down a good job and manage my horse on assisted DIY and no one would guess I was crippled, but its a bloody struggle! Theres things I CANT do that able bodied people can and have never thought about, a board for disabled riders might have more people who understand stupid little things like not being able to lift your foot onto the mounting block, or how when your doing lateral work your whole body spasms and CANT respond, what other things you can do.

No one is suggesting segregation are they? Just a board for people who have issues that most able body riders have never even thought about

 

[pip6]

Well said Frankiecob. I'm registered as a para rider with endurance gb. Anyone interested pm me & I can tell them about it. Distances start at 1km (which for some IS a long way). I had a heated discussion on the egb forum before para endurance started, as some had the opinion that as I couldn't mount without assistance, I should not be able to compete (as some gates may need dismounting for). They were of the view if you couldn't mount alone from the ground you should be grounded, absolute tosh. All I had suggested was organisers of rides add into the information if there were any difficult gates on the route so you knew which rides to avoid! Now a para rider, get preferential parking at rides & have the option of a rider 'escorting' me, them at half entry price, so if there are any difficult gates they can get off or assist me. Problem solved. Normal gates are fine for us to do mounted, it's just the rare ones that are impossible.Para endurance now a permanent fixture of endurance, all classes open to suitably qualified para riders. Last years national novice champion (that is of ALL novice riders) was a para rider.

 

[henmother]

Yep, Because i wouldn't want to be separated as disabled from everyone else in a different forum, to be honest i wouldn't use it though

That is fair do's Tern, each to their own.I know people are a little unsure about being labelled but for me, it is an undeniable fact that I am a paraplegic ,I've struggled to come to terms with it believe me, but now I have, I'm going to make the best of what I have, and seek advice and assistance to get round the things I once took for granted. Being able to post where people understand or have gone through the same problems would be a massive support. I know everyone won't feel the same, and that's fair do's too.

 

[henmother]

This is how you pick out feet from a wheelchair - does require a fairly chilled out horse, I found they were all pretty spooky about the wheelchair to start with, although they got used to it.

Wow , my nutmeg, thankyou for posting your pics, I've never seen that done from a chair before. Can be rude and ask, do you not need to have foot plates on your chair? Did you start off with foot plates? I have them and they get right in the way. My door frames are a in a very sorry state!! I think my share horse will need a wide berth , to start with, she likes to move about, even when tied up. I must start practising with bending down that far too.
Great share, gives me hope that it can be done.

 

[henmother]

Frankiecob, I hadn't even thought about the spasms, I've been recommended symmetry straps, but then if you spasm poor ned is going to be getting some very mixed messages so perhaps s.straps are a bad idea? I do hope you get to do dressage, I'm hoping too as well. Don't know that jumping with zero balance and no legs is a great idea, but would love someone to tell me otherwise.
Pip6 , what an awful experience, that ab riders begrudge you some help, that's what it boils down too, or worse, that they think you shouldn't join in! I think if I'd had to go through that I may well have just given up. Good luck competing , I hope you meet more pleasant people on the way.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Still musing on a possible name for the new board/sub forum .

A slightly off the wall or jokey name might work well, as has been previously suggested. 'Crocked riders board', perhaps?

 

[mynutmeg]

Wow , my nutmeg, thankyou for posting your pics, I've never seen that done from a chair before. Can be rude and ask, do you not need to have foot plates on your chair? Did you start off with foot plates? I have them and they get right in the way. My door frames are a in a very sorry state!! I think my share horse will need a wide berth , to start with, she likes to move about, even when tied up. I must start practising with bending down that far too.
Great share, gives me hope that it can be done.

The chair was a temporary arrangement for me - I badly broke both ankles coming off the tb in the pics, at the time of these pics I had the cast off one leg and was able to weight bear for short periods of time. On the yard I tended to use my 'better' leg to help get around if using hands for carrying something although off the yard I used footplates.

The horse's do get used to the chair, although whenever I'm using one (have had surgeries since and because it's a bilateral thing I can't go very far in crutches and am not very steady so safer to use a chair than risk getting knocked over).

you will be amazed what you can do with practice - the hardest thing I find is getting the chair to move around in the stable on the bed (when mucking out) cause the bed is so soft. After my second surgery my mare ended up on box rest at a small yard where I had very little/non-existant help and between my mom (who is disabled, can't walk far etc) and me we had to do everything including lugging water for her!
Leading them is pretty easy with a well behaved pony - I simply tuck the rope under my leg, gives a fairly secure hold but means if they do tank off they don't pull you over.

Depending on your wheelchair needs it might be worth talking to the occupational therapists about a chair with a small fixed plate rather than the larger ones that swing round as the smaller fixed plate isn't as large and doesn't stick out as much. The OT's should also be able to assess your house and help you make any changes needed.

The biggest risk I found with the horses was either them accidentally kicking the chair or knocking it over, they are pretty smart about it though and provided there's nothing that would be damaged by getting knocked then shouldn't be a problem (I always have to be careful as if using a chair then I've recently had orthopaedic surgery so am usually in cast - you get very cold toes!!)

Maybe worth seeing if you can set up cross ties for your share horse when you're grooming etc (it's kinda hard to reach the top of their backs from a chair tho) as she may stand better for you.


On a side note - this is the sort of thing we need a 'broken riders' board for, it would keep all the advice in one place and easy to find

 

[henmother]

Thankyou for replying mynutmeg. I bet it was much easier having the foot plates off. I know what you mean about the fear that you can't get out of the way quick enough, if you need to. I think I'd end up on the floor, and with a injured horse. What bedding were you mucking out, shavings? My girl to be is on straw which I think is lighter and probably a bit easier to muck out, although emptying the barrow is impossible . Leading with rope under leg is a good idea, it's super frustrating not being able to move and use your hands, you know what I mean.
I'm currently going through the formal complaint process with my local wheelchair services who think a 14 kg chair with swing plates is suitable. Got an "independent assessor " coming on Friday , hopefully she'll agree that I need the lightweight chair. It makes such a difference, I can't even cross roads safely in my current chair. I have to go down kerbs backwards as chair is too heavy to back wheel balance.
As for the Ot, useless, I've had to self fund all the adaptions, all I got was a shower chair/commode, all because I work and so does my partner.
I think slowly slowly is going to be the way forward, and lots of carrots, and a big fat Haynet too.
What does cross tie mean? She's just a little one, I'm strictly sticking to pony squishing, that way there's les distance to fall
I do hope you get better soon, will you get full mobility back after your operations are finished?
Yes, we broken riders have needs too. Thankyou mynutmeg.

 

[henmother]

Still musing on a possible name for the new board/sub forum .

A slightly off the wall or jokey name might work well, as has been previously suggested. 'Crocked riders board', perhaps?

I agree it should be something a bit lighthearted.