Injured Riders Advice

Aliiyocas

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Hi everyone,

In a non horse related accident I managed to break my fibula and completely smash my tibia in September and I had a Taylor Spatial frame fitted. I was originally told I’d have the brace on for 6-9 months but natively thought I’d be walking by now. Took me awhile to get the physio and I’m still only 50% weight on my leg. Anyway after my recent check up I’ve discovered that there is zero bone growth after trying several things I’m now looking at a bone graft. I was wondering what anyone with injures did with their pride and joy mines are being looked after by my mum. My youngster is getting bored and I feel wasted standing off I assumed I’d be lunging or long reigning him by now. I could be off for another year and I can’t justify having him off that length of time as he becomes a trouble maker and general pest! I can’t afford to send him away and I don’t want to. Also anyone with similar stories and has any advice of weight bearing would be greatly appreciated! :)
 

EllenJay

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Hi everyone,

In a non horse related accident I managed to break my fibula and completely smash my tibia in September and I had a Taylor Spatial frame fitted. I was originally told I’d have the brace on for 6-9 months but natively thought I’d be walking by now. Took me awhile to get the physio and I’m still only 50% weight on my leg. Anyway after my recent check up I’ve discovered that there is zero bone growth after trying several things I’m now looking at a bone graft. I was wondering what anyone with injures did with their pride and joy mines are being looked after by my mum. My youngster is getting bored and I feel wasted standing off I assumed I’d be lunging or long reigning him by now. I could be off for another year and I can’t justify having him off that length of time as he becomes a trouble maker and general pest! I can’t afford to send him away and I don’t want to. Also anyone with similar stories and has any advice of weight bearing would be greatly appreciated! :)

Hi - sounds like you are having a tough time at the moment.

In your position, I would be thinking of selling the youngster. If you are going to be off for another year, it will possibly be 2 years before you are physically fit to bring on a youngster. I would sell the current horse, in 6 months time look at getting a confidence giver - it will take sometime. And once you are back to full strength then think about getting another youngster to bring on.
Hope you recover soon xx
 

paddi22

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In your position I think i'd sell or else find a rider I trusted, and just enjoy watching him develop. It really depends on how nice your youngster is though, would a good rider put the work in to have to a chance to sompete him? has he good breeding?

I had a very bad rotational fall and my bones didn't (and still really haven't) fused properly. I was in a cast for 9 months, and I still only have 30% power in my left side. I compete and train now, but am totally wonky! It's manageable, but I definitely have weaknesses that physio can't ever fix. i compete to enjoy, I know my limitations affect my score.

But if I had a talented youngster, knowing what I know now, if I wanted to keep him, I'd get a good rider to develop him while I was healing. Because realistically, when you come back, you will be be so wonky and weak riding. When I was recovering after my fall, I was nearly unschooling my horse every time i rode because i was so unbalanced and weak. Its a really tough one. You need to step back and ask yourself what you aims for your youngster are?
 

JanetGeorge

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I'd start by belting your orthopod around the ear and demanding some sense on how they can improve your healing rate. And demand some sensible exercises from your physio - and perhaps line up a good oseopath as well - because your leg is only part of your problem - your whole body will be getting weaker on one side, stronger on the other - and you'll be a righ old crock when you think you're 'better'.

But - your youngster - how old IS he? Uness he's already 6 I wouldn't be too worried. The biggest cause of horse unsoundness is being worked too young - before they've finished growing. Hell, I have two sitting in the field that will be 7 this year - and their withers have just about caught up with their backsides. Ad too many are also backed in too much of a hurry 9weeks - not months). We backed a 10yo a few years back - she'd had 6 foals and wasn't as consistent with her foals as expected. She ws easy peasy to back - and progressed quite quickly (now low level eventing.) Of course, there may be finances to think of - if you decide to sell at some time. An unbacked 4yo is a more 'attractive' purchase to most than an unbacked 6yo, but ....
 

Winters100

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I'd start by belting your orthopod around the ear and demanding some sense on how they can improve your healing rate. And demand some sensible exercises from your physio - and perhaps line up a good oseopath as well - because your leg is only part of your problem - your whole body will be getting weaker on one side, stronger on the other - and you'll be a righ old crock when you think you're 'better'.


As someone who comes from a family of doctors, including 2 orthopedic surgeons, one of whom has just left the house on Saturday morning to do a 24 hour shift, I can say that this is about the worst advice I have never read. Doctors are people too, people who for the most part work incredibly hard to try to help their patients. Having patients blame them for a slow recovery, and 'demanding' quicker results is not going to improve the situation. The truth is with this kind of injury it takes a long time, some longer than others, but treating these injuries is not the same as fixing a toaster. Seeing an osteopath while in recovery may be dangerous, and should only be done with the express agreement of the doctors treating the original injury. I totally get that the OP is frustrated that she is still unable to function normally, but blaming the doctor will not make this any better.

In respect of the question about the horse, sadly I feel that the most sensible solution might be to look for a nice new home for him. Subsequent accidents could well do untold damage. I understand that it is a tough decision and terribly disappointing, but in the long term perhaps the most sensible course of action.
 

Shay

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Actually I don't entirely disagree. Not about belting the orthopod - but about getting good rehab specialists alongside you. When I was trying to recover from breaking my back in a fall - at the starting to walk / weight bear stage - the first 2 Physios were very guarded and focussed on only getting me back to minimal functionality. I was then lucky enough to find one who was happy to work to get me back on a horse and from her I was able to locate the others I needed. I actually don't ride anymore - its too painful. But I was able to and did for some 8 years or so more. Without more sport focussed (and expensive!) rehab care I would not have been able to ride at all and certainly not be as active and mobile as I am now 16 years post.
 

sport horse

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I am sure that all doctors work extremely hard and I would hate to knock any of them.

However many years ago I fractured my femur, mid shaft and it was pinned with a Kuntscher nail. I did extensive physio but over one year later I was still hobbling around. At that point my surgeon admitted that the bone had not healed and I spent an 'interesting' appointment while he pondered how he could screw bone graft in to my leg without removing the nail. I left and got myself a second opinion in Harley Street. The fitted nail was too long and too narrow so had not immobilised the fracture. I was admitted to a London hospital, arriving on crutches. The femur was re pinned with a new inter medulliary nail. I walked out of the hospital 48 hours later with no crutch or stick. I had no more physio (the surgeon was amazed at how much I had been able to do with a broken leg!) 7 weeks later the femur had healed and I was back riding. 12 weeks leter I was competing the young horse that I had abandoned, in her first Newcomers jumping.

Yes everyone can make a mistake and my advice would be to get a second opinion. A new set of eyes may see something different. Good luck.
 

JanetGeorge

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As someone who comes from a family of doctors, including 2 orthopedic surgeons, one of whom has just left the house on Saturday morning to do a 24 hour shift, I can say that this is about the worst advice I have never read. Doctors are people too, people who for the most part work incredibly hard to try to help their patients. Having patients blame them for a slow recovery, and 'demanding' quicker results is not going to improve the situation. The truth is with this kind of injury it takes a long time, some longer than others, but treating these injuries is not the same as fixing a toaster. Seeing an osteopath while in recovery may be dangerous, and should only be done with the express agreement of the doctors treating the original injury. I totally get that the OP is frustrated that she is still unable to function normally, but blaming the doctor will not make this any better.

Gee, I'm sorry I offended you - I come from a family of doctors too - father, 2 uncles, 1 aunt and a cousin - back in the days when there were a LOT more doctors who actually cared mightily for their patients. But I can only judge on what I'm seeing now - and it isn't that good. I have a member of staff who suffered mightily after a fractured coccyx and a fractured elbow - shoved from pillar to post, told she was fine, and her back was SO distorted she couldn't stand straight let alone ride. Just one session with my own osteopath and she was MUCH better - literally overnight. And I've had my own good and bad experiences over the last 4 years and expect more in the future. IF doctors explain fully what they think the problem is - and what they think is the best way forward, that's fine. But it doesn't always happen!
 

Aliiyocas

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In your position I think i'd sell or else find a rider I trusted, and just enjoy watching him develop. It really depends on how nice your youngster is though, would a good rider put the work in to have to a chance to sompete him? has he good breeding?

I had a very bad rotational fall and my bones didn't (and still really haven't) fused properly. I was in a cast for 9 months, and I still only have 30% power in my left side. I compete and train now, but am totally wonky! It's manageable, but I definitely have weaknesses that physio can't ever fix. i compete to enjoy, I know my limitations affect my score.

But if I had a talented youngster, knowing what I know now, if I wanted to keep him, I'd get a good rider to develop him while I was healing. Because realistically, when you come back, you will be be so wonky and weak riding. When I was recovering after my fall, I was nearly unschooling my horse every time i rode because i was so unbalanced and weak. Its a really tough one. You need to step back and ask yourself what you aims for your youngster are?
He’s my homebred rising 7 by silverstone X odysseus he has been the biggest confidence booster horse I’ve had after loosing my top horse in 2016 I suffered a huge can I even ride stage? He’s very quiet and always loves to please been the easiest youngster by far. I understand why people would be advising me to sell but I’d be worried I couldn’t find a good home and like his sister he’d be sold multiple times, also I will never find a horse like him that I trust and click with again and he’s really more part of the family than just a horse I’m lucky enough to be financially independent so I don’t have any money pressures . Sorry to hear about your fall. The specialist’s are positive I’ll make a 100% recovery just might take time and being patient. My right leg has always been my weaker side due to a bad sj fall years ago so it’s something that my physio was aware of. Thanks for the advise I’m lucky enough to have two good instructors for when I’m back riding to help me it’s just a case of in the meantime, will it do more damage to leave a 7 year old off? Or try and find a similar rider to myself to keep him ticking over *sigh* lots to think about!
 

Aliiyocas

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I don’t blame my doctors of surgeons I have a fantastic team of specialists looking after me. Unfortunately my break is not responding to any treatments tried, my doctors are pleased with my lack of pain I’m not in any pain most days and that’s months after coming off pain meds due to other complications. I was looking for advice on mindsets weight bearing as this is what has set me back. But I was mostly wondering what outsiders opinions on what they have previously experienced with their horses during time off for any injuries. Thanks for your opinion.
 

Aliiyocas

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I'd start by belting your orthopod around the ear and demanding some sense on how they can improve your healing rate. And demand some sensible exercises from your physio - and perhaps line up a good oseopath as well - because your leg is only part of your problem - your whole body will be getting weaker on one side, stronger on the other - and you'll be a righ old crock when you think you're 'better'.

But - your youngster - how old IS he? Uness he's already 6 I wouldn't be too worried. The biggest cause of horse unsoundness is being worked too young - before they've finished growing. Hell, I have two sitting in the field that will be 7 this year - and their withers have just about caught up with their backsides. Ad too many are also backed in too much of a hurry 9weeks - not months). We backed a 10yo a few years back - she'd had 6 foals and wasn't as consistent with her foals as expected. She ws easy peasy to back - and progressed quite quickly (now low level eventing.) Of course, there may be finances to think of - if you decide to sell at some time. An unbacked 4yo is a more 'attractive' purchase to most than an unbacked 6yo, but ....
He’s rising 7 this year I’m concerned about leaving him off but ultimately if that’s the only option I have left then that’s what will happen. Thanks for your opinion :)
 

Aliiyocas

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Actually I don't entirely disagree. Not about belting the orthopod - but about getting good rehab specialists alongside you. When I was trying to recover from breaking my back in a fall - at the starting to walk / weight bear stage - the first 2 Physios were very guarded and focussed on only getting me back to minimal functionality. I was then lucky enough to find one who was happy to work to get me back on a horse and from her I was able to locate the others I needed. I actually don't ride anymore - its too painful. But I was able to and did for some 8 years or so more. Without more sport focussed (and expensive!) rehab care I would not have been able to ride at all and certainly not be as active and mobile as I am now 16 years post.
My physio is more than happy working with me for aslong as necessary unfortunately they haven’t had a frame patient so they did struggle with my weight bearing which I then visited the specialist physio and he was more than happy and gave me exercises I was more looking for mindsets tips with weight bearing. Sorry to hear about your back and thanks for the advice :)
 

Aliiyocas

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I am sure that all doctors work extremely hard and I would hate to knock any of them.

However many years ago I fractured my femur, mid shaft and it was pinned with a Kuntscher nail. I did extensive physio but over one year later I was still hobbling around. At that point my surgeon admitted that the bone had not healed and I spent an 'interesting' appointment while he pondered how he could screw bone graft in to my leg without removing the nail. I left and got myself a second opinion in Harley Street. The fitted nail was too long and too narrow so had not immobilised the fracture. I was admitted to a London hospital, arriving on crutches. The femur was re pinned with a new inter medulliary nail. I walked out of the hospital 48 hours later with no crutch or stick. I had no more physio (the surgeon was amazed at how much I had been able to do with a broken leg!) 7 weeks later the femur had healed and I was back riding. 12 weeks leter I was competing the young horse that I had abandoned, in her first Newcomers jumping.

Yes everyone can make a mistake and my advice would be to get a second opinion. A new set of eyes may see something different. Good luck.
Sorry to hear about your break but glad you have recovered I was more looking for advice on mindsets on walking I know impact is the best thing for healing and because I’m hestitant weight bearing I feel that’s what is affecting bone growth after trying different things the last 5 months. Thanks for the advice it’s something I will think about :)
 

jhoward

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I sold my horse of a life time after a serious accident, I was never going to be able to compete again ( not in a serious way) and he was a lot of horse
I sent him away for schooling that was to bring on and get him hacking, and said if he'd be a happy hacker I'd keep him, he made it clear that, he wouldn't be and needed to be in a competition home so that decision was made ...at the end of the day i done what was best for him.

I actually don't regret it, I don't miss mud, the expense etc, I'm lucky I've many friends with horses Incan ride if I want to.
 

Aliiyocas

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I sold my horse of a life time after a serious accident, I was never going to be able to compete again ( not in a serious way) and he was a lot of horse
I sent him away for schooling that was to bring on and get him hacking, and said if he'd be a happy hacker I'd keep him, he made it clear that, he wouldn't be and needed to be in a competition home so that decision was made ...at the end of the day i done what was best for him.

I actually don't regret it, I don't miss mud, the expense etc, I'm lucky I've many friends with horses Incan ride if I want to.
Sorry to hear about your accident. I have been advised I’ll make a full recovery and be able to compete again etc. I was toying with the idea of a part loaner as I don’t want to send him away after previous livery yard experiences with him. I’ll have a good think about my options after my Ct scan if I pay someone to come ride, part loan or leave him off will depend on the result I suppose. My older boy is enjoying early retirement and if my other horse just had to be off then so be it. It’s currently not in my options to sell as I have other options to try first but totally respect anyone who has for the benefit of themselves and the horse.
 

sport horse

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Sorry to hear about your break but glad you have recovered I was more looking for advice on mindsets on walking I know impact is the best thing for healing and because I’m hestitant weight bearing I feel that’s what is affecting bone growth after trying different things the last 5 months. Thanks for the advice it’s something I will think about :)
I know of several people who have used an Arc Equine on themselves for broken bones and had great success. No scientific proof but I do actually know some of these successes personally and I would try it if I needed to.

Also my late father used to swear that I needed to drink red wine as it had a lot of iron in it. Now that was worth trying!!
 

Pearlsasinger

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He’s my homebred rising 7 by silverstone X odysseus he has been the biggest confidence booster horse I’ve had after loosing my top horse in 2016 I suffered a huge can I even ride stage? He’s very quiet and always loves to please been the easiest youngster by far. I understand why people would be advising me to sell but I’d be worried I couldn’t find a good home and like his sister he’d be sold multiple times, also I will never find a horse like him that I trust and click with again and he’s really more part of the family than just a horse I’m lucky enough to be financially independent so I don’t have any money pressures . Sorry to hear about your fall. The specialist’s are positive I’ll make a 100% recovery just might take time and being patient. My right leg has always been my weaker side due to a bad sj fall years ago so it’s something that my physio was aware of. Thanks for the advise I’m lucky enough to have two good instructors for when I’m back riding to help me it’s just a case of in the meantime, will it do more damage to leave a 7 year old off? Or try and find a similar rider to myself to keep him ticking over *sigh* lots to think about!


I think people were only advising you to sell him because you seemed to want to do so. I certainly wouldn't advise you to sell a homebred youngster tat it sounds as if you really like. He will be fine spending time in the field while you concentrate on recovering.
 

Aliiyocas

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I know of several people who have used an Arc Equine on themselves for broken bones and had great success. No scientific proof but I do actually know some of these successes personally and I would try it if I needed to.

Also my late father used to swear that I needed to drink red wine as it had a lot of iron in it. Now that was worth trying!!
I have a device from the doctors that is like the arc equine with no response but something to think about I suppose. I’d be more up for the red wine lol!
 

Aliiyocas

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I think people were only advising you to sell him because you seemed to want to do so. I certainly wouldn't advise you to sell a homebred youngster tat it sounds as if you really like. He will be fine spending time in the field while you concentrate on recovering.
I th



I think people were only advising you to sell him because you seemed to want to do so. I certainly wouldn't advise you to sell a homebred youngster tat it sounds as if you really like. He will be fine spending time in the field while you concentrate on recovering.
Thanks for your thoughts will be easier in the spring for them I suppose :)
 

Templebar

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Im not sure by your posts if he is backed or not. As you say he is a confidence giver but you hoped to be long reining or lunging. So potentially two things.

Unbacked. Could you mum do anything with him to keep his boredom at bay? Perhaps if your instructor gave her some lessons and then did the odd schooling session with him. Then work to get him backed between you and you instructor over time. I would just be worried that although he seems good that anything could happen while backing and riding away to set you back.

Backed. Does he hack? If so could you find a competent-ish rider who perhaps doesn't have time for their own and just wants to potter about. They could keep him busy while you recover and if they and you agreed to it maybe do a little more in time.
 

Aliiyocas

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Im not sure by your posts if he is backed or not. As you say he is a confidence giver but you hoped to be long reining or lunging. So potentially two things.

Unbacked. Could you mum do anything with him to keep his boredom at bay? Perhaps if your instructor gave her some lessons and then did the odd schooling session with him. Then work to get him backed between you and you instructor over time. I would just be worried that although he seems good that anything could happen while backing and riding away to set you back.

Backed. Does he hack? If so could you find a competent-ish rider who perhaps doesn't have time for their own and just wants to potter about. They could keep him busy while you recover and if they and you agreed to it maybe do a little more in time.

He’s backed and was competing before my accident, he’s great to hack alone or in company, I don’t know anyone who has the time for another horse just now unfortunately which is why I looked for outside options I was thinking a part loaner but have been let down by previous sharers sigh I’ll wait and see what my next review means. Thanks for your opinion
 

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In respect of improving function and rehab, I would speak to your Consultant / Physio about using an Alter G Treadmill. They are specialist treadmills that can allow you to change the amount you weight bear using gravity. This not only allows you to build strength and condition without the risk of additional breaks in the bone, it will allow you to start mobilising better.

They are very specialist (read expensive!) bits of kit but it would definitly be worth looking around you area and seeing if one is available. Some CCGs even have them so depending on where you are in the Country you might be able to use one under your NHS provision.
 

Templebar

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He’s backed and was competing before my accident, he’s great to hack alone or in company, I don’t know anyone who has the time for another horse just now unfortunately which is why I looked for outside options I was thinking a part loaner but have been let down by previous sharers sigh I’ll wait and see what my next review means. Thanks for your opinion

I would try again in that case, i don't know your connections. But i'm sure someone would love the chance to ride out a sweet horse, especially if your mum was up for still doing the rest of the jobs. That would mean less time commitment. I would look for someone older as you don't want a someone going for a hooley free ride. perhaps a mum with kids looking to get back into horses. I know you are worried about being let down but as there's no pressure for him to be doing x amount then does it matter if someone decides its not for them.

Alternatively give him time off shouldn't do him too much harm if he is to stay with you as it would be no different to time off through injury. So would only harm his sale value potentially. Good luck with your review.
 
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