Eye loss and riding, handling again

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Hurricanelady

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I recently suffered an extremely serious freak accident when I was kicked in the face by one of my young horses. I ended up behind him extremely quickly and he bucked in excitement going up a slope and I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I have lost my right eye and I sustained extremely serious multiple fractures to my cheekbone and entire eye socket. However the surgeons have been wonderful and what they have done to plate my face and eye socket back together is nothing short of miraculous. I am driving again and slowly progressing through my recovery.

I just wondered if anyone else has got any experience of riding again after this type of accident or eye loss. At the moment I’m thinking I will never dare ride again because of the risk to my plated up face & remaining eye, but this really saddens me as horses are such a big part of my life and I have got two wonderful old horses who are really steady. My youngsters will be ridden by another rider as I can’t risk riding them, but I’d love to eventually ride my two older ones again. I’m wondering whether if I ever could ride again, wearing jockey safety glasses would make me feel more confident about protecting my remaining eye.

Does anyone have experience leading on the near side with the right hand with no sight in their right eye - I’m finding this a bit difficult because I now can’t see what the horse is doing unless I turn my head and am wondering whether to just carry on & keep getting used to it or better to lead with the left hand.

I managed to partially clip my two old horses last weekend but had to hand over to husband to do under their stomachs as my depth perception couldn’t cope. He informed me as well that I was merrily dripping clipper oil straight onto the floor, not onto the blades!

Any experiences would be gratefully received.
 
Nothing useful to add but I heard about your accident from Carol at Equinatural (I was telling her my hormonal mare had just belted me) & I wanted to pass on hugs and some online moral support. I think we get so used to being around these 1/2 tonne animals that it's easy to forget that when things go wrong they can go very wrong.

In terms of getting back on board then I see rugby players wearing toughened masks to protect fractured cheek bones and the goggles sound a good idea. Can't help on the clipping though as I'm useless at that even with 2 (very short sighted) eyes!

Best of luck and let us know how you get on xx
 
Hi SEL thank you so much for your kind words and support, it’s much appreciated.

I’ve had a lot of time in hospital and at home to worry about things but I need to continue moving forwards and I am in general.

Hopefully one day I will be able to ride again, I really hope so xx

SEL said:
Nothing useful to add but I heard about your accident from Carol at Equinatural (I was telling her my hormonal mare had just belted me) & I wanted to pass on hugs and some online moral support. I think we get so used to being around these 1/2 tonne animals that it's easy to forget that when things go wrong they can go very wrong.

In terms of getting back on board then I see rugby players wearing toughened masks to protect fractured cheek bones and the goggles sound a good idea. Can't help on the clipping though as I'm useless at that even with 2 (very short sighted) eyes!

Best of luck and let us know how you get on xx
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Hurricanelady said:
I recently suffered an extremely serious freak accident when I was kicked in the face by one of my young horses. I ended up behind him extremely quickly and he bucked in excitement going up a slope and I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I have lost my right eye and I sustained extremely serious multiple fractures to my cheekbone and entire eye socket. However the surgeons have been wonderful and what they have done to plate my face and eye socket back together is nothing short of miraculous. I am driving again and slowly progressing through my recovery.

I just wondered if anyone else has got any experience of riding again after this type of accident or eye loss. At the moment I’m thinking I will never dare ride again because of the risk to my plated up face & remaining eye, but this really saddens me as horses are such a big part of my life and I have got two wonderful old horses who are really steady. My youngsters will be ridden by another rider as I can’t risk riding them, but I’d love to eventually ride my two older ones again. I’m wondering whether if I ever could ride again, wearing jockey safety glasses would make me feel more confident about protecting my remaining eye.

Does anyone have experience leading on the near side with the right hand with no sight in their right eye - I’m finding this a bit difficult because I now can’t see what the horse is doing unless I turn my head and am wondering whether to just carry on & keep getting used to it or better to lead with the left hand.

I managed to partially clip my two old horses last weekend but had to hand over to husband to do under their stomachs as my depth perception couldn’t cope. He informed me as well that I was merrily dripping clipper oil straight onto the floor, not onto the blades!

Any experiences would be gratefully received.
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I feel for you

I have a livery who has muscular dis trophy in her eyes and gradually loosing her vision till she will be blind in both eyes. Here vision is limited to tunnel vision and only a certain distance ahead and certain light is awkward and when the light starts going she struggles.
Hope there are a few her to help you com accustomed to it
 
I am so sorry to hear of your accident, how awful for you!

I wonder whether the RNIB would be able to provide you with information about any support groups that you could get in touch with. Especially in relation to traumatic sight loss. I worked with a guy who lost sight in one eye after being kicked in the face during a football game and he talked about how long it had taken to psychologically adjust to the change.

I would also suggest having a chat with the Max Fax surgeon who plated your face and an Occupational Therapist about how to protect it going forward. They again may be able to put you in touch with specific organisations who can help.

Regarding leading etc, personally I would be going with whatever option feels safer, rather than what is technically ‘correct’.

Wishing you all the best x
 
Really sorry to hear about your accident, there must somewhere be face protection that would be suitable if you ask around other sports coaches or participants.
Re the leading and handling, I always taught all mine to lead from both sides so it will not take long for yours to adjust. It is also possible to tack up from the right (look for a bridle that has buckles both sides for the throat lash), so no reason why you should not be able to do your horses easily with a few small changes. Good luck and enjoy riding again :)
 
I am sorry to hear about your accident but it's great to hear that you are making such a good recovery. Can I suggest that you contact your local RDA group to arrange your first few times back on board. Their horses are used to adapting to different rider difficulties and you will access to as much support as you need for mounting etc. You will then be able to transfer what you have found works best for you to your own horses.
 
Hi Flicker

Thank you very much for your kind words and suggestions, very helpful.

I am going back to the Max Fax surgeon at the beginning of December, so I will have a chat with him then. I think the thing I am finding most difficult out of everything is the emotional impact of losing the eye, but I'll get through it and luckily I have a lot of support through work and medical services.

Many thanks x

Flicker said:
I am so sorry to hear of your accident, how awful for you!

I wonder whether the RNIB would be able to provide you with information about any support groups that you could get in touch with. Especially in relation to traumatic sight loss. I worked with a guy who lost sight in one eye after being kicked in the face during a football game and he talked about how long it had taken to psychologically adjust to the change.

I would also suggest having a chat with the Max Fax surgeon who plated your face and an Occupational Therapist about how to protect it going forward. They again may be able to put you in touch with specific organisations who can help.

Regarding leading etc, personally I would be going with whatever option feels safer, rather than what is technically ‘correct’.

Wishing you all the best x
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Hi crabbymare

Thank you very much for those suggestions, very helpful. I've actually just found a company in a city near to me that manufacturer face protection, particularly for broken cheekbones, for rugby players. It looks a bit scary (!) but might be something to look into.

I am so lucky with my two older horses, one is 26 and the other is nearly 18 and they are absolutely as good as good and very easy to handle, including leading from the other side and that is a good idea.

crabbymare said:
Really sorry to hear about your accident, there must somewhere be face protection that would be suitable if you ask around other sports coaches or participants.
Re the leading and handling, I always taught all mine to lead from both sides so it will not take long for yours to adjust. It is also possible to tack up from the right (look for a bridle that has buckles both sides for the throat lash), so no reason why you should not be able to do your horses easily with a few small changes. Good luck and enjoy riding again :)
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Hi Pearlsasinger

Thank you very much for your suggestion, that's a really good idea I'll do that :-)

Pearlsasinger said:
I am sorry to hear about your accident but it's great to hear that you are making such a good recovery. Can I suggest that you contact your local RDA group to arrange your first few times back on board. Their horses are used to adapting to different rider difficulties and you will access to as much support as you need for mounting etc. You will then be able to transfer what you have found works best for you to your own horses.
Click to expand...
 
Hi ILuvCowparsely

Thank you for your thoughts, much appreciated. I really feel for your livery, at least I still have sight in my other eye. She must be very brave dealing with that.

ILuvCowparsely said:
I feel for you

I have a livery who has muscular dis trophy in her eyes and gradually loosing her vision till she will be blind in both eyes. Here vision is limited to tunnel vision and only a certain distance ahead and certain light is awkward and when the light starts going she struggles.
Hope there are a few her to help you com accustomed to it
Click to expand...
 
What a horrible accident. I just wanted to say that I know someone who had something similar happen. She didn’t lose her eye but has a lot of plating in her face and is back riding again, just taking it a bit easier but out showing her horse. Psychologically it has been very difficult but just small steps as she felt ready and not pushing it if she didn’t have worked for her. All good wishes to you x
 
Hi HL, sounds a dreadful accident but am glad for you that you are recovering.
Due to a stroke, I have less than 5% sight in my right eye, which is basically light or dark but bu**er all else.
I ride and also drive, biggest changes I had to make when driving is stopping at junctions and roundabouts to clearly look hard to the right, it's just like doing a life saver on my motorbikes.
Only difference when riding is not always seeing things approaching from the right I'm riding in company (chatting!) but am fine when on own. When competing or at riding club training I'm quite careful in warm up, and if in a lesson will tell instructor to try to prevent folk from coming in a bit close on the right.
I still handle everything the same way, I worry if riding in 'gritty' arenas or sand blows up when hacking.
My worst issue is (for an instructor) that my head is now crooked as I tend to have my head slightly turned to the right, but that's a small price to pay.
However, I haven't got the additional internal work that you have, doesn't sound pleasant. A friend had this after a kick in the face, luckily for her, her eye was saved but had metal work and extensive plastic surgery. She still suffers with slight neuralgia pain when it's bitterly cold.
Good luck, hope you feel you are able to ride again x
 
Just to say what an awful accident you had. I just wanted to tell you my story..Way back in 1985 I had surgery for a brain tumour (luckily not malignant ) which was quite large and it had encroached my optic nerve. After the surgery I was left with vision loss in both eyes and was told that I would never be able to drive a car because I would not be able to see the white lines on the road..At that point I did not drive anyway. .I used to knock things over all the time as I didn't see them , I also had memory problems too...Any way after some time I began to accommodate this loss of vision and decided to try and get a driving licence. The DVLA have strict criteria as to the standards of required vision and I had to pass this standard and miraculously after about 2 years post surgery I had to undergo an extensive field of vision test at the hospital and was deemed to have passed the test albeit given a 3 yearly licence...Roll forward to 1996 we moved to Leeds and on renewing my 3 yearly licence I asked if I could have a full term licence. They sent me to have my field vision test and due to other stress factors on the day of my test I failed it..My licence was revoked and I was not allowed to drive. I was devastated bearing in mind I had never had an accident. . I researched the subject of field vision and looked into the DVLA's criteria for driving . One of the interesting facts were that someone with vision in one eye only were able to drive. Anyway after some time I passed the test and got my licence back..So what I am trying to say is you will be fine riding but it takes some time for you to make adjustments ie you will automatically turn your head to scan continually without thinking about it just as you do driving your car. I also have bits of my skull missing due to a bone infection after my surgery. As I only just started riding in January I have fallen off twice and unfortunately have had 2 concussions..but I am fine ( I think! ) Take your time and I am sure it will be fine.

My very best wishes to you and a very big hug x

Shirl
 
Hi mle22

Thank you very much for sharing that and for your kind thoughts, much appreciated. Definitely everything is having to be very small gradual steps, it's the only way you can deal with something like this x

mle22 said:
What a horrible accident. I just wanted to say that I know someone who had something similar happen. She didn’t lose her eye but has a lot of plating in her face and is back riding again, just taking it a bit easier but out showing her horse. Psychologically it has been very difficult but just small steps as she felt ready and not pushing it if she didn’t have worked for her. All good wishes to you x
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Hi TFF

Thank you very much for your good wishes, that's very kind of you.

I'm sorry to hear about the impact on your eye but it sounds like you are coping very well. You're totally right about the driving, I was very nervous the first time I got back in the car but luckily I seem to have adapted very quickly to driving again, although as you say some things need to change like being really careful about looking hard to the right etc.

I think if I ever can get riding again, I am going to wear jocket safety goggles all the time, then at least I don't need to worry about something getting in my remaining eye. Ah I hadn't thought about affected head position when riding, but it will happen won't it. Having said that when I have been riding in some dressage tests outside in the past and it's been windy, my blooming head has been well turned to the right because I could never hear my husband properly - I used to tell him to get bellowing!

The cold weather initially caused quite a lot of discomfort but it has reduced significantly which is good, although it's making my eye socket with the false eye in it water a lot.

Thanks again, I really hope I can eventually ride again too x

The Fuzzy Furry said:
Hi HL, sounds a dreadful accident but am glad for you that you are recovering.
Due to a stroke, I have less than 5% sight in my right eye, which is basically light or dark but bu**er all else.
I ride and also drive, biggest changes I had to make when driving is stopping at junctions and roundabouts to clearly look hard to the right, it's just like doing a life saver on my motorbikes.
Only difference when riding is not always seeing things approaching from the right I'm riding in company (chatting!) but am fine when on own. When competing or at riding club training I'm quite careful in warm up, and if in a lesson will tell instructor to try to prevent folk from coming in a bit close on the right.
I still handle everything the same way, I worry if riding in 'gritty' arenas or sand blows up when hacking.
My worst issue is (for an instructor) that my head is now crooked as I tend to have my head slightly turned to the right, but that's a small price to pay.
However, I haven't got the additional internal work that you have, doesn't sound pleasant. A friend had this after a kick in the face, luckily for her, her eye was saved but had metal work and extensive plastic surgery. She still suffers with slight neuralgia pain when it's bitterly cold.
Good luck, hope you feel you are able to ride again x
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Hi shirl62

Thank you very much for sharing your story, it is so inspirational to hear of people like yourself that have been through awful things like this.

What a great achievement that you managed to go through all that and finally get your driving license back, so pleased for you. It's interesting dealing with the psychological impact of the accident, when I was first out of hospital frankly I didn't even want to go to the yard because I was still so upset but as the days and weeks are passing things are improving. I originally thought I would definitely never ever ride again, and it's only recently that I am beginning to wonder if this might eventually change.

I hope you are ok with your riding and don't have any more episodes of falling off, take care!

Thanks again x

shirl62 said:
Just to say what an awful accident you had. I just wanted to tell you my story..Way back in 1985 I had surgery for a brain tumour (luckily not malignant ) which was quite large and it had encroached my optic nerve. After the surgery I was left with vision loss in both eyes and was told that I would never be able to drive a car because I would not be able to see the white lines on the road..At that point I did not drive anyway. .I used to knock things over all the time as I didn't see them , I also had memory problems too...Any way after some time I began to accommodate this loss of vision and decided to try and get a driving licence. The DVLA have strict criteria as to the standards of required vision and I had to pass this standard and miraculously after about 2 years post surgery I had to undergo an extensive field of vision test at the hospital and was deemed to have passed the test albeit given a 3 yearly licence...Roll forward to 1996 we moved to Leeds and on renewing my 3 yearly licence I asked if I could have a full term licence. They sent me to have my field vision test and due to other stress factors on the day of my test I failed it..My licence was revoked and I was not allowed to drive. I was devastated bearing in mind I had never had an accident. . I researched the subject of field vision and looked into the DVLA's criteria for driving . One of the interesting facts were that someone with vision in one eye only were able to drive. Anyway after some time I passed the test and got my licence back..So what I am trying to say is you will be fine riding but it takes some time for you to make adjustments ie you will automatically turn your head to scan continually without thinking about it just as you do driving your car. I also have bits of my skull missing due to a bone infection after my surgery. As I only just started riding in January I have fallen off twice and unfortunately have had 2 concussions..but I am fine ( I think! ) Take your time and I am sure it will be fine.

My very best wishes to you and a very big hug x

Shirl
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Hi, Sorry to hear of your accident. I have lost almost all my sight in my right eye this year due to retinal detachment and then surgery that did not go to plan, 4 surgeries later and I know have some very small amount of vision left, but it is mostly useless as the eye is filled with thick oil to hold shape and the retina badly damaged.

I was determined to get back on, luckily my horse leads happily from either side so I just lead with him on my left. I have also learned to 'see' quite a bit with my right ear, it been surprising how much this helps! However I really struggled when I had a cold and my ear was blocked.

I have happily got back on my own, I have even started jumping and weirdly find judging distances to fences easier( no idea why!?). People are always asking my if I'm allowed to drive (of course you can with one eye) and how about my depth perception. Your brain adapts to using Parallax visions very well. I have been lucky in that I've not had any other problems like you've had to deal with. I wear glasses anyway for nearsightedness, I would not wear contact lenses in my good eye now as it would worry me. I have paid for the more safety type tough lenses to make me feel better though.

For me it was in many ways more scary as it just happened, no accident, no injury. I can't deny it's always in my mind that one day I could just wake up and be losing my sight in my other eye. Apparently retinal detachments happen more often for no reason than for injury. Initially I was terrified of this, but I've decided that because it did just happen I'm not going to be scared of doing anything, as in this case it would have still happened, and I might as well just get on and live.

Best wishes for your recovery. x
 
Hi burtie

Thank you very much for sharing your experience and I am so sorry to hear about your issue with your eye.

You're doing so well jumping, it's amazing how the brain adapts. When I was first in hospital, I was so nervous about even walking anywhere and had to walk at the side of the wall holding onto it, but I'm doing a lot better now. I am very short sighted and am wearing a contact lens in my remaining eye but am being very vigilant about care of this and going for regular check ups at the opticians.

The fear of anything happening to the remaining eye is significant, constant and unpleasant - but you have exactly the right attitude and it's the only way to think.

Thanks again x

burtie said:
Hi, Sorry to hear of your accident. I have lost almost all my sight in my right eye this year due to retinal detachment and then surgery that did not go to plan, 4 surgeries later and I know have some very small amount of vision left, but it is mostly useless as the eye is filled with thick oil to hold shape and the retina badly damaged.

I was determined to get back on, luckily my horse leads happily from either side so I just lead with him on my left. I have also learned to 'see' quite a bit with my right ear, it been surprising how much this helps! However I really struggled when I had a cold and my ear was blocked.

I have happily got back on my own, I have even started jumping and weirdly find judging distances to fences easier( no idea why!?). People are always asking my if I'm allowed to drive (of course you can with one eye) and how about my depth perception. Your brain adapts to using Parallax visions very well. I have been lucky in that I've not had any other problems like you've had to deal with. I wear glasses anyway for nearsightedness, I would not wear contact lenses in my good eye now as it would worry me. I have paid for the more safety type tough lenses to make me feel better though.

For me it was in many ways more scary as it just happened, no accident, no injury. I can't deny it's always in my mind that one day I could just wake up and be losing my sight in my other eye. Apparently retinal detachments happen more often for no reason than for injury. Initially I was terrified of this, but I've decided that because it did just happen I'm not going to be scared of doing anything, as in this case it would have still happened, and I might as well just get on and live.

Best wishes for your recovery. x
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I don't have anything useful to add except I wish you every strength in your recovery and that you need only do what makes you happy and are comfortable with. You have nothing to prove so please go at your own pace and make your horses fun again.
 
Hurricane lady, you’re doing remarkably well. I am not sure when your accident happened but think it’s fairly recently?
I have lost 50% of my vision in my right eye, due to glaucoma. I have had over 15 operations to try and save the rest of it, and stop the left eye deterioring too.
Every time I have surgery it takes a long time for the brain and eye to correlate the differences, and this includes depth of field. I would say 12-18 months.
Am so sorry to hear of other people’s battle with sight loss too, it’s a very scary thing to face blindness and/or the worry of the possibility of loosing vision in the remaining eye.
Good luck with the rest of your recovery.
 
So sorry to hear about your accident. Nothing useful to add. Just wanted to say I am really impressed by your positive attitude and commitment to trying to find a way forward to get back to doing something you obviously love. Good luck!
 
Hi Luci07

Thank you very much for your good wishes, you’re absolutely right.

Luci07 said:
I don't have anything useful to add except I wish you every strength in your recovery and that you need only do what makes you happy and are comfortable with. You have nothing to prove so please go at your own pace and make your horses fun again.
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Hi minesadouble

Thank you very much for posting that link, it’s so helpful to hear of other people in a similar situation who have been able to carry on and keep riding.

minesadouble said:
Hi, really sorry to hear about your accident and though I have no personal experience of such an injury it jogged my memory of Alison Bradley, it may be worth looking into her story even if only for inspiration

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/www.in...ley-rising-through-endeavour-1567888.html?amp

Good Luck x
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Hi Spottyappy

It was at the beginning of October so about 7 weeks ago.

I am so sorry to hear about your sight loss. How brave you must be having to go through all those operations. I’ve only had two and I know how worried and lonely I felt before those operations, even more so whilst in the little room outside theatre waiting for the anaesthetist to put me under.

Thank you very much for your good wishes and I wish you all the very best with your recovery as well.

Spottyappy said:
Hurricane lady, you’re doing remarkably well. I am not sure when your accident happened but think it’s fairly recently?
I have lost 50% of my vision in my right eye, due to glaucoma. I have had over 15 operations to try and save the rest of it, and stop the left eye deterioring too.
Every time I have surgery it takes a long time for the brain and eye to correlate the differences, and this includes depth of field. I would say 12-18 months.
Am so sorry to hear of other people’s battle with sight loss too, it’s a very scary thing to face blindness and/or the worry of the possibility of loosing vision in the remaining eye.
Good luck with the rest of your recovery.
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Hi Evie91

Thank you so much for your kind words.

I’m trying to be as positive as possible, it isn’t always easy but it’s all you can do. I have a very big day to get through tomorrow when my two so much loved young horses are going away to a professional. I bred one and had the other from a week old and I’ve done everything with them for the last 6 years except backing, and I’m going to miss them dreadfully. But it’s the right thing to do for them, and we’ll still see them regularly so I’ve just got to look at it like that. It is very hard though knowing that my dreams and plans of competing them are gone now, hopefully we will become proud owners instead watching them fulfill their potential with a rider.

Evie91 said:
So sorry to hear about your accident. Nothing useful to add. Just wanted to say I am really impressed by your positive attitude and commitment to trying to find a way forward to get back to doing something you obviously love. Good luck!
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May not be of much use friend of mine lost sight in an eye from an industrial accident; it obviously took him a while to adjust to depth perception with one eye, but got back driving and everything else ok
 
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