Human injury recovery and horse fitness

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UKa

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I broke my wrist 6 weeks ago. My 7-year old Connie has had a couple of weeks total holiday and the rest in-hand exercising nothing very strenuous. I got back on this week and feel I am not ready to do much on board at all. It will be a long haul getting back to strength and fitness… it made me feel a little down. We had just progressed in jumping (she’s now 7) and local venue summer season will end after September. Pony has also got a tad round…. Some encouragement and ideas how to tackle this would be great.
 
Don’t be down………….its about a 6 week road back to where you want to be. It’s remarkably quick. Of course you need to follow advice from your doctor/physio relating to your injury.

I did a number on myself ski-ing and was out for 9mths. From the time I was declared “sound” again and could commence proper fitness training it took 6 weeks to be able to get back on my horse and have control of my body confidently.

Consider a sports physiologist - my chap had me doing weights, core strength and mobility. For me the mobility was the piece of magic. Love the exercises and how they made me feel.

Alternatively - are you a runner? You can take her for a run in hand. Don’t go on a bike - I did years ago and it ended badly for me!
 
I just crushed my leg, maybe 8 weeks ago. Horse and I had been going great guns! He had about 2 weeks off-off, then another 4 weeks with a friend walking out every other day with the occasional lunge. The last 2 weeks he's been home and riding was painful the first week, so more walking.

Then, I was able to trot/canter a little, then I went and did a walk/trot hunt ride, where there was also a little cantering.

I now feel fine to crack on within the bounds of what I can do. Even thinking about trying a little jumping.

I would just do what you feel able and the horse will get fitter as you do, so I would say don't over think it.
 
Agree with all the above, do what feels comfortable. Perhaps use the time to work on some basics like straightness, lateral work in walk, getting a good halt. You’ll thank yourself later when you can go up a gear or two with all this well established. (Not saying it isn’t already but at 7 there’s always room to improve).
 
I had a nine month recovery from a fall. I basically chucked pony in a field and waited til I could ride. He was also a youngster, and was fine when I got back on. I just took it steady and eased myself back into things. He will be fine and you will be back where you were before the fall in no time 🙂
 
You dont have to go directly from recovery to riding a 7 year old Connie. I hacked a beloved Connie but after a serious appendix operation I eased myself back in with riding school lessons on a safe elderly horse and starting with mostly walk only.
 
Why not take the opportunity to mix things up a little? So few horses are truly muscled, truly in correct posture, to carry us, and the work needed will help re-establish connection as well as help the horse, and you, physically. Have a look at the Slow Walk Work group on FB, featured posts in the group, for an introduction to a particular take on postural groundwork. While you work on her you can absolutely get into your own rehab programme, I highly recommend Equimech or Pilates at Blue House on FB (I think both have websites too), they both have a much bigger skillset than many coaches - Equipilates, PTs plus knowledge of neuromechanics, plus both riders to a good level.
 
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