Horse Riding for Vestibular Retraining Therapy

[HAB]

Hi all,

Has anyone or do you know anyone who has used horse riding for Vestibular Retraining? I've not really found out a lot about it so hoping someone on here knows something about it.

Basically i have had a balance problem for about 8 years, stopped riding in 2007 because of it. Was told yesterday by an ENT consultant that i had irreparable damage to a component somewhere in my balance mechanism so when my brain and eyes try to sort out what's going on they are unable to, i've also been diagnosed with Mal de Debarquement Syndrome which occurs most days. The consultant told me there is nothing the doctors can do about it and i'll probably never get better, probably worse and so they have sent me back to my GP with no further action with the advice that i should just get on with the rest of my life as best as i can.

I'm determined that i will do just that and not allow myself to be written off (i'm 30 next week so far from passed it) but the seed of using VRT on horseback has been planted in my brain somehow so i started doing some digging to see if this was a possibility.

So if anyone has any information on using horse riding for VRT they could kindly pass on i'd be ever so grateful.

Thanks

 

[Princess Jess]

I have to admit I'm unfamiliar with the condition or treatment but it might be worth contacting your local RDA centre.
I volunteer with the RDA and we regularly deal with children and adults that have a whole range of difficulties including balance so they may be able to advise. Perhaps you could join one of their groups to start with and then progress to loaning on of their horses and maybe eventually getting your own again?
Good luck with it

 

[HAB]

Thank you, am going to have a chat with my local RDA to see if they can help me.

x