Doctor urged me not to ride again - What to do?

equestrianabbie

equestrianabbie

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First of all for those of you who asked for updates: Turns out my collarbone's broken too :(

Yesterday I was urged by the doctor who looked after me never to ride again, I've broken my wrist in the exact same place as last time so it's extremely weak. Also my spine is extremely fragile, as anyone's, but mine is apparently very prominent and I was very lucky as I only injured it badly a few inches off.

I know wearing a back protector will help in future and I can't wait to get back in the saddle but is it worth it if I could potentially do more damage? I know at the end of the day I need to make the decision for myself but I'm at a lost and I could use some opinions/advice.

Though I do have about 3 months to think about it now :rolleyes:
 
I had two perforated discs from falling off a horse and I am still on the hunt for that perfect beastie! I have ridden since and I am lined up to have my most perfect horse!! :D
I guess what I am saying is, always look forward :)
 
oh hun, thats a bit crap isn't it?
At the end of the day it's your decision but it's not really one to be taken lightly, given what you've said about your spine being weak.

I think, if I were in your position, I would maybe talk to the doctor and try to come to some sort of compromise?
Hope you're feeling better
 
Abbie, ten years ago I was told that if I carried on riding, and with my career, I would end up in a wheelchair because of my back/spine. I didn't ! i took it slowly, didn't ride till my back was really better, and now I have my physio no less telling me what good exercise it is for my back, horse-riding, and how strong my pelvic muscles are. I walk mostly, but so what ?

The side to side movement, and the balancing on the horse are EXCELLENT exercise, and as long as you don't go mad, you will be fine. If it takes a bit of time, so be it, but remember your mental health is just as important as your physical.

I chose my two cobs so that I was/am safe on them (altho in fact they both buck for the stars), and it means so much to me. No way would I give up riding. I help with peeps being HYDRAULIC LIFTED onto ponies every week,as they ARE in wheelchairs, and believe me, they will never give up riding either :)

huge ((((((((((((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))))))) hon, you are lovely.
 
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Abbie, if you have three months, why not invest in physio to strengthen your wrist and back?

You could also wear a body protector and wrist support in future.

But, what you have to consider is, do you want to ride in fear of hurting yourself? Do you want to live life to it's fullest? Or would you rather take up a safer hobby?

Your doctor will only advice what is best! They don't want to have to stick you back together again! but at the end of the day its up to you, same as smoking or drinking would be.
 
Thanks for all the advice, I'll definitely look into getting some treatments. My partner's mum does sports therapy so I'll have to flutter my eyelashes.

I miss riding already, if I wasn't winded I'd have got back on straight away, I can tell that even if I gave up for a few years I'd eventually have the guts to go back. I know people have had a lot worse, feel like a fool for moaning.

Thanks once again everyone.
 
Many many years ago,i got dragged and was dragged over a jump,my back took the impact of it,i was taken to hospital and told i had injured the discs in my back and to never ride again,i had to lay on the floor for 2 months to help repair my back.

Did i ride again?? yes after about 10 months,and i have fallen off a few times since and still going,only thing i suffer is back pain more when its cold,but can cope with it.
 
We can patiently contemplate the 3 months together - Ive broken my L1.

It has to be your choice ultimately. I had juvenile arthritis and was told not to ride - I still did. My mum has rheumatoid arthritis and was told not to knit but she does. Although neither examples would have massively impacted our lives, we ignored the doctors for our sanity.

The way I see it, I broke my back in a freak accident falling off my new mare. I could have had the same injuries from falling down the stairs. We take risks every day getting in cars but most people don't stop to think about it.

What does your partner think?
 
It does need to be your choice at the end of the day.

For me however, it was a no brainer. I did discuss it was my parents etc but felt I didn't want to live a life without horses. Even if it was a longer physical life, I didn't think the extra years were worth the upset and angst of exta time not spent with horses.

I know it's a risk, but I felt that even in peak physical health I could have a freak fall and end up paralysed and in a wheelchair so whilst it may be increasing my risk, the risk has always been there for my whole ridden period.

I try and minimise it by not being reckless, only riding/handling horses I know and trust etc :)
 
The other thing to consider is, how much do doctors actually know or understand about riding and what is actually involved and what the real risks are?

I think, just bear in mind, that of course he's going to say that to you. I'm sure I'm not the only one here who's been treated like an idiot in casualty for riding in the first place (having said that I've also been treated really nicely there too so by no means a sweeping statement about A&E staff! Just used it to illustrate that from a medic's point of view eliminating all risk of seeing you back there in a worse state is going to be a priority).

Hope you heal soon and as others have said you have plenty of time to consider and see how you feel xx
 
It's a huge decision to make lightly, look at it this way - you have 3 clear months now - to let yourself sit back objectively and look at what you want. Although you feel the answer is clear now, you might think differently with some space between you and riding. Still get the physio, it'll help anyway, but really objectively think about what you want.

All this said if you are anything like the rest of us, you'll be back on as soon as you can :) It's an illness, horse riding - I'm sure :)
 
Hey
In any of this advice, cause I've had afew wee injuries, cracked skull, muscle and ligament damage, from the man who trained me he's in his 60s been in a coma for 6 months broke mostly every bone and just had his knees pinned and he's still going strong! I also met a girl jockey who had a horse come over on her and broke her back, but she back exercising now! So really it depends what's right for you.
Best of luck!
 
One thing that might be worth investigating is the different body protection options. Body protectors that most of us wear are really designed to help with not-getting-ribs-broken-and-hence-puncturing-lung-when-landing-on-sharp-things type injuries. You may (speak to doctor, manufactures here) want to consider an inflatable one on top that is designed to protect your spine more. Similarly you mother-out-law/doctor may be able to advise on wrist supports. I guess what I'm saying is you can't make it safe, it isn't a safe sport. But you can make it safer.

And either way don't feel too much pressure and good luck!
 
So sorry to read about your problems.

Have you ever considering using a Point 2? They can be worn easily over your back protector and if you are unfortunate enough to have a fall, they immediately inflate and go go rigid so your spine and neck will be kept straight before you hit the floor.
 
Voice of reason (or devil's advocate) here for just a second.

What if the doctor IS right and you carry on riding and the worst happens? How would your partner/family cope and feel knowing that you disregarded professional advice and selfishly carried on putting them under immense extra strain, trouble and expense?

Just something to think about too.
 
Thanks for all of the replies, I'm on bed rest so I'm sorry if I don't reply quickly.

I'll try to reply to everyone in this one post. My partner is extremely supportive, he knows how much the horse world mean to me so he's said he'll stand by me whatever happens, as have my parents and friends.

If I decide not to ride I'll still pursue a career/hobby in the equine industry, I've never wanted anything else and it'd be abnormal to me to do something different.

I'll have a good look at the best types of body protectors for my back and hopefully I can ride again, even if I just take it slowly for the rest of my life. I miss riding already, I'd get on now if I could. Hopefully I can slowly be around horses soon enough (observing, grooming, feeding, leading etc) that'll at least make me feel better.

Thanks yet again everyone.
 
I think as many have said, it is entirely up to you, only you know how you feel about the risk etc...

I had to have my pelvis sorted out after having my son, he's now 4 and I am only just on the mend.

I also had a serious riding accident 10 years earlier followed by a serious car crash(non horse related), and each time got told the same thing.

What I have done is work sensibly with my horses, who to the most part are stallions, and being 'wise' and taking time, I don't feel there is any more risk than anyone else riding. But I do listen to my body

I have had extensive physio and will remain doing so, I have bad days and good. But I actually find riding beneficial in terms of core strength for me. My physio commented on the same.

I don't jump any more, don't ride total nutters, and won't just jump on anyone's horse who asks me to.

I don't compete anymore, but nor do I have time generally to do this.
Take your time, don't rush into the saddle.
 
Hi, hope you are feeling better, would just like to recomend another physio in your area, ( I know would be more expensive prop than OH's mum tho) and that is Anna Johnsohn and team, is a human and equine physio, so is also used to riding injuries and the stresses placed on us etc. Because as someone else said docters don't always understand, I know tryin to explain my fall in AnE wasn't that easy, and it was a simple fall, physio on other hand lot easier :) and had alot pratical exercises to do and felt like I was gettin somewere. Would also be able to say about bp's and air jackets etc! Pm me if you like!x
 
See how you feel. It's your choice. When I was injured ( albeit not as badly) I hit back before I was meant to because without riding I have very little to look forward to each week.

I'd just say take stock over the next three months and consider your options. Even if you decide not to continue riding there are still other things you can do with horses.

Good luck, whatever you choose :) x
 
I'm sorry to hear about your accident - these things happen, don't worry about it. I took my novice friend out on my (supposedly impeccably mannered) boy and she came off, diagnosed with whiplash (IMO it was a concussion and potentially a broken finger but who am i to know...) and told not to go near a horse again as shes not exactly a 'sturdy' type!

3 weeks later and shes clamouring for some lessons on him! Your body will tell you if it needs you to give up, no one else can decide for you. And to be honest, right now from the fact that you're on bed rest from the accident, it sounds to me like your body is asking for a bit of a break from riding for a bit!

Out of interest, how old are you, and how long have you been riding? If you do chide to ride again I'd get down to the local RS for a few lunge lessons to get you secure in your seat and legs - that way a pesky spook or hairy moment shouldn't be as much of a problem in future. Plus, they will really help strengthen your core which will equal better support for these bones that need a little extra support!
 
After breaking my back in three places I was told never to ride again (second smash up within a year) I kept off horses for about 18 months. I had a good well paid job, earned a lot of money, had more colds in that time than I had ever had before, hated getting out of bed in the morning and was bored out of my mind! I started doing a bit of teaching and when ponies were naughty rode them to sort them out. I went back to horses and have been doing so ever since - that was 40 years ago. Even though I am past retirement age, I am still riding daily, breaking youngsters and hunting.
 
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