How do you cope..

[lialls]

with not being able to ride due to injury to yourself?

Iv got a neck injury and havn't been able to ride since july. I miss it so much Im so desperate to sit on my horse, its making me feel so low

I can go and spend time with my horse but i have problems doing that as i get alot of pain from walking or moving around a lot. The hospital are investigating the injury atm so im just waiting for results and then i will know when im able to ride again but in the mean time i still feel so low from it.

Just wanted to know how other people cope with injury? and if anyone has any tip on how to make myself feel a bit better?

 

[Shysmum]

Hiya ! So sorry to hear about your neck, what a nightmare.

I have quite a serious back injury, so a bit different, but basically I couldn't have anything to do with horses for two years. That was very tough. So it must be heartbreaking to have one, and to be in your position......

Anyway, when I simply had to have a horse again, I bought a very quiet (or so I thought, another story) plod, and strapped myself up with two Prolite back supports, and just dived in very slowly, walking. In fact, the riding has now strengthened my back so much, that if I have a break from it now, my muscles weaken and my back's sore again.

I do have to be really careful getting on (mounting block), and moving bales around (hubby !), I have a very lightweight thorogood saddle, i don't do any jumping or stuff, and just to be with horses again is just fantastic.

trust me, you will be back in the saddle before long !! Try and find a good neck support ready for when you're up to it, and if necessary try riding on a complete plod to see how you get on at first. Like I say, my back is so much better for the exercise.

Good luck, sm xx

 

[Billsmam]

I smashed my leg up in a motorbike accident in 2002 and was in crutches for 11 months and then a walking stick for another 3 months. The worst thing about it was not being able to go and see my horses as i had external pins going through my leg and bones the risk of infection was too great so i couldnt even go and visit.

I think that the best thing that kept me going was the thought that the sooner i got better the sooner i could get back to my horses. The most important thing for you is to take it easy if you push yourself just now you could end up setting yourself back and making the recovery period even longer.

 

[JoG]

I am in a similar position, so you're not alone.....I have no really good tips I'm afraid.

I am giving up completely following a pelvis/back injury 3years ago which is getting worse. my horse is sold and leaves tomorrow.

I have had a very competent teenager who can't afford her own horse riding for me since the beginning of December and I have enjoyed going to watch her going out doing stuff and grinning from ear to ear as she tells me how fab he is. If i could afford it I would keep him for her to ride as being an "owner" is rewarding and seeing her happiness has made it a bit easier for me.

I have to MAKE myself do things. i have bad days when I spend all day in my PJ's channel hopping on Sky or browsing posts on here I am now trying to make a list of things to do each evening for the next day - all my physio exercises, have started a distance learning qualification, teaching the dogs new commands, finding new meals to cook for my OH's dinner.

I think I find things really hard as I can't work either and don't know when/if I will be able to again plus I hate being on my own all day while everyone else is at work. If you find any magic cures can you let me know please?! Hope you're better soon