Mounting Advice after hip surgery

pip6

pip6

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18 months ago I had major surgery on my right hip (not replacement) following problems after my horse fell over & landed on me (hip hit ground first & got squidged under horse).

Very pleased with surgery, well worth the 12" scar, so much less pain. I have been building up the strength, as it had got weak then had a hole cut through it etc, & whilst it isn't as strong as the other it feels better than it has in years. I am finding though I really struggle mounting, & it's starting to knock my confidence. I will only get on now from a haylage bale with someone holding my 15.1hh horse. Not being on a yard I am very limited when I can find help. My horse hurt herself last year, & is now ready to start work again. I'm fine when up, but it's the getting on. To add to the mix I have ligament damage in the knee & ankle (all same side as hip), so lack 'ping' on the jump phase.

Can anyone recommend any exercises to make easier? I think if I can believe I can get the leg over (so to speak) better the confidence should return. Doesn't help the leg hasn't made it a couple of times & I've landed on the floor (once getting off, horse ran off down lane for couple of miles, someone caught her as I was being driven to find her following scuff marks on road, horse bruised, small cuts but okay, scared me silly, love the old bird to bits).

Suggestions appreciated! Want to get riding again.
 
If its any help the v glamorous lady at our old yard with 2 replaced hips would get on her 15.1 cob by climbing up the yard gate so she was more getting across than climbing up.

It worked for her, hope you continue to progress, she has great fun with her mare and rides every day rain or shine at unearthly hours before work, putting the rest of us to shame...:-)
 
Probably sounds silly but a friend with a new hip practised a lot on swinging her leg over a wall then sitting on it before she even started getting on her horse; it was suggested by her surgeon as he thought it would be easier for her to practise on something steady than risking horse fidgeting or walking off before she was ready. After a while she also did it from the other side which helped strengthen her up even more. She also used a metal saddle horse with her saddle on it and practised rising trot with her feet on the floor until she was happy doing it for 15 minutes at a time. As a result, she was much fitter when she got onto the horse so more able to cope than if she had started with the horse from scratch, she also felt a lot more secure doing it that way too rather than be worried if the horse put a foot out of place before she was ready. She's back hunting, or would be if the freeze stops and hasn't had a problem at all even after a long day.

Well done for getting back, hope it continues.
 
Get someone to build a good size mounting block for you. Spend time training your horse to reliably stand at the block and stand until you ask for walk forward.
I had various leg strengthening exercizes after my hip replacement but I have only some muscle weakness no ligament probs etc. like you.
Have you had Physio? I was writing my exercizes but realized they may not be suitable for you.
Mta. I was worse when in the saddle. I had no balance and felt like a weeble.
 
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Have you tried getting on from the 'wrong' side - I've found that can work for people with hip pain.

If you aren't sure what your horse will think, get a nimble person to practice lots for you - I teach all the babies about riders getting on and off both sides, VERY useful.
 
Hi there

As a physio I would suggest you see a physio who can look at the specific movements you are trying to achieve for mounting. They should then be able to suggest specific stretches and strengthening exercises. Also see if they can recommend pilates classes (if you are lucky you might even find someone that does a rider specific class!) It's great for building up symmetry and balanced movement.

Also a decent sized mounting block and practice as suggested by amandap!

Good luck!

Vel xx
 
sorry im probably not going to help much.
But Mum has terrible hips and gets so stiff!

She has found american is great for her - she finds the leg position much more comfy! - Is it possible for you to maybe have a few lessons western style just to get some confidence?? (not a full conversion, but some help maybe)

When Mum rides English (TBH once in a blue moon now) - She likes a HUGE mounting block - So she can swing the leg over, with no feet in stirrups until all onboard and ready to go.

Like stepping over a small wall :)
 
Great ideas, thank you so much. Given me plenty to try & work on. The rising trot on the ground sounds a great idea, I did find I got puffed very quickly last year when asked her to trot any distance. The neighbours may get to see some very off things over the coming weeks!

My girl was a very good advanced endurance horse, until she mullered the suspensory being led in from the field one morning (kicked herself, don't even go there!). Fingers crossed we two knackered wrecks can get fit enough to do a short (30-40km) ride together this year! Tried last year, but we had an incident after 15km, hence the dodgy knee I have now. I hope her daughter (now 2 1/2 years old) will be as talented as her parents but better for my health than her mother!
 
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