I've had even more crappy news - So opinions please...

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PercyMum

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Long story short: Was in the military, got injured on Operations, was medically discharged last year. Was absolutely devastated as I loved my job more than anything. Bought myself my dream little mare as I now had the time for a youngster and lost her to Wobblers. Then I recently lost my precious Murphy, my eventer who was just a total superstar. Still in total shock over it. Then this week I have been told that the damage to my knee joints is so severe I will probably be in a wheelchair within 15 years. I'm only 31.

I have decided that I am going to make every one of those years count and go and have so much fun on horses that its obscene. However, I clearly need to be sensible. I have always gone for big TB types but thought that I might go for something a little more solid, comfortable and sensible, then that way if my knees rot faster than expected, I could go to RDA and would have a bigger, stockier type that could do that kind of thing. I was thinking of a big Connemara but I am 5'8 and weight about 12 stone (my doc says I must have a titanium core as i am only a size 10-12!!). Or would an Irish Draught be more suitable?

Not really sure, its all a bit of a shock atm. All I know is that I don't want a cob (sorry cob lovers, they just arent my thing :)) or a Warmblood.
 
So sorry, that sounds a rubbish situation. Although love the attitude to make the most of horsey fun!

The only thing I would say is that you probably would be best to see of you can try a few different types; a connie would prob be fine but be careful about getting anything too "pony". I ride a fell (so not at all what you're looking for) but he has such short legs that rising trot on him is a shock to people that aren't used to him. I would go for something with long legs to avoid added stress on your knees!!
 
Sorry for your news - not much advice I can give but maybe invest in some springy stirrups that will ease the pressure on your knee and talk to Drs and maybe dressage saddle with longer straighter leg might also help a little.

On horses what about a ISH - they can be stocky and weight carriers while still being lots of fun. A conny x ISH might be lovely
 
Big :hugs: for you, you really have had a tough time of it. I really hope things improve for you soon.

I would have thought an overgrown Connie would be good or a Sec D X TB? Or Cob x TB (know you don't like cobs but these are generally nice!) Or an ISH?
 
I love that you are grabbing life by the wotsits... maybe we should all take note! I would say an Irish type would do you very well!

One thing to consider (I have a back injury and learnt the hard way) that a big horse is a lot to manage and a long way up and down for getting on and off! I have had to downsize big time, but certainly don't regret it! Maybe a well built Irish sports horse about 16hh?
 
Have you given any thoughts in the direction of western riding and American Quarter Horses .... the paces are softer, no rising trot and a nice minded athletic but sane and sensible horse (most are, there are some exceptions) which isn't overly large but can carry an adult easily. The western saddle also puts your leg in a slightly different position which is less stressful on the knees.
 
Well done for coming up fighting after such a lot of bad luck. Could they consider knee replacements at all? I'm sure that's been thought of already.

I am 5'8" and have recently downsized to a 16hh Irish Draft, the smaller ones are stocky and good weight carriers. I have found it a lot easier to have a smaller, more easy-going horse, he is still a fun ride, has good paces and a lovely jump :D:D Hope that you might consider one or a cross. Best of luck!!
 
ID types have a low action which makes them very comfy at trot and canter, unlike some of the more driving focused breeds eg dales and welsh d with their more flashy movement. For comfort my ID beats anything, its like an armchair at gallop!

Some trad cobs may be good too but a lot again have a lot of knee action rather than low ground cover.

You might want to consider western or just riding with longer stirrups, lady I know with 2 metal hips rides straight legged and hacks for miles every day, she mounts and dismounts from the yard gate.

A smallish ID or ID cross Connie might suit very well!
 
What horrid news for you on top of everything else, but love the attitude :)

I've just gone from a .tb to a connie and it's the best thing I've ever done :) he's 14 2 but seems to take up my leg more than my 16.2 tb somehow. He is totally awesome -athletic, very clever but also has a reasonably sensible head on his shoulders.

I also second suggestions to look at flexi stirrups to relieve the pressure in your knees. The Sprenger flex stirrups are really good, more expensive than the cheap copies but worth every penny. My friend has knee problems due to severe arthritis and changed to these recently and and said it has made an unbelievable difference.

Good luck :)
 
Sorry to hear about your horses and the other problems.

I think that maybe your weight places you around their upper limit, but have you considered an Icelandic horse? Since you have knee problems, a horse with an alternative, very comfortable, gait (tölt), sounds to me like something well worth considering.
 
I have a little coblet, more sports pony than cob. She's chunky but athletic, small but smooth striding. I have been fine walk trot canter (but I absolutely have not popped any small fences ;) ) on her since 5 days after my jaw was broken in 3 places, she's just so smooth there's no jolt. Don't get me wrong she'll belt round a cc course, whip round a meter ten sj course and does a mean dressage test, she's just limited movement friendly. Don't be put off by ads for cobs, get pictures sent as a lightweight sporty one might be just the ticket now and if/when ur legs get worse.

Good luck.
 
I assume they won't consider knee replacements? After nearly losing my leg in my teens my knee has been badly affected ever since, I have been told I would have to have a replacement but was too young. Since then I really look after it, I found cycling really helps as it builds the muscles supporting the knee. I am now 50, and the ol' knee is still going.
 
I have dodgy knees, one thing I would say, apart from using the flexi stirrups that help immensely, is to have a ride/sit on something wider before you make a decision what to go for horsewise. For me, it's an absolute agony to ride the types that ''take up your leg well'', the narrower types though, no matter how bouncy, my knees can cope just fine with.
 
I agree with Maitlin, best to sit on lots and find the one that is most comfortable for you.
Also agrree that a long low stride might be better for you and also riding with a straighter leg.
I wonder about something really well schooled with a long stride, what about a large show hack or small hunter?
I would try the stirrups as has been suggested.
And did also wonder about the knee replacements, but of course your specialiss I am sure has that in hand.
Sorry you are having a rubbish time - life just isn't fair.
 
I'm 5ft6, and I learnt to ride on a 14hh highland. He wasnt a typical highland, and was a go anywhere and do anything pony. He wasnt very wide either
 
So sorry to hear of all your problems, but I have to say how much I admire your courage and 'got get 'em' spirit!

I echo the posters who suggested western saddles, and also Icelandic horses. I have friends who have downsized from bonkers WB types to a pair of Icelandics and they are having the time of their lives!!

Another thought could possibly be a Freisian? I don't know much about them to be honest, but they look to be comfortable, clever and versatile horses?

Whatever you decide, sit on loads before you make up your mind, and moreover - have a ball doing it!!

Mel x
 
wench said:
I'm 5ft6, and I learnt to ride on a 14hh highland. He wasnt a typical highland, and was a go anywhere and do anything pony. He wasnt very wide either
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I'd second this. Really sorry to hear about your injury but your attitude is a credit to you and a lesson to the rest of us!

I've downsized to a great highland. He's only 14.2 to my 5ft 7 but he's the best! I'd certainly recommend you have go on one before deciding on a new horse. Where are you? You would be welcome to come over and have a go on mine if you like!
 
I'm really sorry to hear your bad news. Your attitude is humbling and inspiring.

You never know what medical advances will be around within the next fifteen years, wishing you the best.

I echo the others; get your @ss on some class and ride a Quarter Horse ;)

Western saddles are really comfy and I knew of a few people with various joint issues that took up western solely for that reason.

Enjoy your horse shopping
 
Thanks guys. Given me lots of food for thought. Thinking that ID might be the way to go. Murph was IdxTb but more on the TB side. Like the idea of the Western riding but want to jump while I can- I plan to progress to Western when I can't jump or do dressage anymore. Have seen a couple of nice ID at the 16hh/16.2hh mark. I'm used to 17hh plus so it's a bit smaller! Also don't want too wide as my hips are getting knacked too but I think a slightly sportier ID might do the trick.

Will sit on loads to try )unless the perfect one is the first one!!). It's pretty crap but medicines might improve and at least I've still got legs. Some of my mates that came back from Afghanistan don't and that kinda puts it in perspective for me.

Onwards and upwards! If nothing else, I'll tie myself on with some drawer reins!!
 
Sorry to hear yet more bad news. My grandad was refused sign up into the army many moons ago due to an illness he had as a child which had affected his spine, he was told he would be in a wheelchair by his 30's. We lost him last year, he was aged 90 still lived in his bungalow and was still walking (in the last few years aided by sticks) till the end ! You sound like you are very determined and are being sensible, don't let the diagnosis get u down, doctors are not always right !

I would consider something like a stock saddle with western stirrups but def try lots of diff horses to c what suits. Good luck
 
Royal Rider are another brand of flexing stirrup - it really does make a big difference.
I was given the 'imminent wheelchair' news when I was young. It is rubbish, technology and knowledge advances, people are determined, it just may not be that way, so ignore it and live your life the way you want to. :)
I'd be wary of getting something wide or very rotund. A narrow horse is better for stressed joints.
 
I wouldn't get too tied down by breed, you can get paragons of virtue (and the entire opposite) in any breed and it would be so easy to miss out because something was the 'wrong' breed. I'm similar to others on here in that I find riding finer horses much more comfortable than chunkier ones.

Sprenger stirrups make a huge difference to me (They are expensive but I really do lovel them), and changing stirrup length regularly if riding for any length of time, otherwise my bad knee just locks into position and can be agony to straighten.

:)
 
Aww, It never rains does it?? I hung on your every post with Murphy and that alone would have been enough for me to give up :( Your attitude is amazing & inspiring :)
I was going to say a connie or a chunky sec D ???
I have joint issues and although i'm 5ft 5 i'm a heavy lump so i got a sec d as the lower height is easier for me to "clamber" on and off with less impact to my feet / hips etc.

Although having ridden Western before I do think that could be a really good idea too- whichever way you go - good luck!! I hope that fate is kinder now -you have certainly had your share x
 
I just want to add that Icelandic horses can jump too, maybe not the highest heights, but they can jump.

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About Flexi stirrups, I found these:

Royal Rider Lightweight Flex http://www.ayrequestrianshop.co.uk/royal-rider-lightweight-flex-i609.html?oo=0

Flexi Stirrups http://www.thehorsebitshop.co.uk/product.php?xProd=335&oo=0

Mark Todd Nylon Flexi Stirrups http://www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk/P/Mark_Todd_Nylon_Flexi_Stirrups_(Pair)-(1961).aspx?oo=0

Cottage Craft Flexi Stirrups http://www.cottagecraft.co.uk/Stirrups-and-Spurs/flexi-stirrups-.aspx

Compositi Reflex Shock Absorbing Lightweight Nylon Stirrups http://www.wefi.co.uk/Horse-Wear/Bi...bsorbing-Lightweight-Nylon-Stirrups_WK027.htm

Sprenger Bow Balance Stirrup Irons http://www.rbequestrian.co.uk/32020/products/sprenger-bow-balance-stirrup-irons.aspx?oo=0
 
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