Improving core strength for riding after accident

EmilyK

EmilyK

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I'm after advice!
After a driving accident where the carriage wheels went over my abdomen and lacerated my kidney and spleen, I'm coming up to being allowed back riding in a few weeks. The only problem is the injuries, the subsequent bed rest and the like have left me with the weakest core strength I've ever had - and I know if I ride at the moment I'm going to be wonky, slouched and just hurt! Once I'm back on board I will have a series of lunge lessons as I know it will be the most valuable to my riding, but I need to ride my pony first - I miss her too much!
Has anyone had any experience with this kind of recovery, and any tips or exercises? I can't sit up or plank etc at the moment as the muscles are still too weak and I can't risk any further injuries. I usually do some pilates based things but not riding specific.
Thanks :)
 
As part of my rehab after a broken ankle (so nowhere near as serious an injury but I was in my 50s), I had some sessions on a mechanical horse. Sice then I have had sessions on a mechanical horse with a physio who rides herself. If you can find someone like that, I can recommend that and they will also be able to give you exercises to do off the horse.
 
Mechanical horse sounds like a great idea, plus find a decent physio that runs pilates classes - they can work wonders and the physio part of their brains will come out in the pilates, so you're getting a better experience
 
I have a session with a Physio correcting my posture and showing how to stand and how to walk using my core .
At first I had to correct my posture standing side on to a mirror several times a day in time you can so without looking .
I was on crutches for many many months and could hardly walk after I was so tipped forward .
 
A massive yes to both physio led pilates and (if possible) finding a physio who has ridden for some one-on-one treatment. Horsey physios understand the biomechanics so much better than general sport specialist physios.

You might (physio to advise) find a riding corset helpful as it will stop you letting your back do all the hard work instead of your core - lots of side saddle ladies wear them, especially if they are also blessed in the boob department :)
 
Pilates is all about core strength, so you don't need a teacher who specialises in equestrianism. There was an article on my FB feed a few months ago about Pilates exercises especially for riders and they were no different to what I do in a regular class at my gym. All teachers (should) ask at the start of the class if anybody has any issues or injuries so that they can advise on variations or what not to do until you're stronger :).
 
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