Riders with hand problems (ie broken fingers/arthritis etc)

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hobbit

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Hey guys,

Just looking for some help...

I broke my finger a few years back and had to have wires put in. It doesn't have the full bend at the tip like my other fingers, and I know it's going to get arthritic (it already has a dull ache in winter months).

But I've noticed the past few times I've ridden when my horse has been really strong (fun rides, schooling, cantering etc), my finger has REALLY hurt, I've struggled to hold reins properly (especially with whip in it aswell). I do wear gloves for hunting and normally when schooling at that seems to help give the extra grip, but as it's been too hot I've not been.

My horse was so fizzy today, and really strong, (we had some arguments lol), and trying to get him on bit was a struggle due to his mood (he just wanted to canter rather than listen to me), and it really hurt my finger, and it's still aching now tonight.

I've heard Ibuprofen is good for swelling etc...what else do you guys find helps for the pain during and after riding.

It's silly that something as silly as a healed broken finger can cause so much pain in riding...but at the end of the day, tiniest of hand movements can be used in riding.

I dread to think what it'll be like in 5 years time, when it's aching this much only after 2 years.
 
When I broke my ring finger I did not try to hold the reins "properly", but used the little finger or gap above (or both if using 2 reins). I just gave it a rest. After a while I had to consciously remember to hold them "properly" again, as the new way felt natural enough.

Mine was not as bad as yours, no wires, but the finger is off at an odd angle now!
 
I have what I suspect is arthritis in my hands, to be honest, although my mare works beautifully in a simple snaffle, when we do anything exciting where she may get strong, then I up her bit to a pelham. My friend had the same issues and used a myler combination, which also acts on the horse's nose, so not as severe as it looks. I find that even if my hands are relatively pain free, they just don't have the strength that they used to.
 
Try rubbing in voltarol. I found this out by accident. I had an injury elsewhere and realised that my hands didn't hurt after applying the ointment for a few days as I rubbed the excess in like hand cream.
I also find it easier when I have gloves on as you don't bump them as much
 
I tore the ligaments on my ring finger. I can't straighten it properly and for the best part of a year I didn't have full grip - I struggled to do the girth etc. When I first did it I'd put my riding gloves on and then strap it to my middle finger, it just gave it that bit of extra support
 
I watched Sophie Wells competing her horse at grand prix last night, she has difficulty holding the reins and has loops on them similar to the Alice reins. I also have some difficulty holding reins as I have tendon injuries and some arthritis and have found bridging the reins can help when my horse gets strong and snatchy on his way home from a hack, but am thinking that the alice reins might help.
 
I have a pair of loops that slide on to the reins and clip into place - don't know whether you can still get them - they're called rein-bows.
 
I am afraid that long ago I ditched the whip and donned a pair of rollerball spurs, much to the consternation of many. But as a well known past eventer and instructor said, 'You don't need to use them, just know they are there to back you up when you need them.' His words were music to my ears as there had been many a time when I'd needed to sort reins out in a hurry and the whip got in the way because my wrists wouldn't move fast enough when holding it. Also a bit of a bind if riding a test and have to swap sides. But have also ridden in Alice reins, and thought them to be wonderful.
 
I broke my middle finger in half, and understand where you come from the pain holding Back a strong horse & winter the cold pain (which travels into my hand as well). I struggle with the pain so look forward go these replies too.
Though must admit I have started riding one handed quite a lot on hand which is normal, this started just after operation to pin finger & couldn't curl fingers around enough to hold the reins.
 
I struggle with my hands so now I bit up if I think my horses are going to be strong. Both are ridden in a snaffle in the school then a gag on the first ring if jumping/fast work. I didn't do this lightly and spent lots of time improving my balance in the saddle and their transitions/responses. It means I can now do whatever I like without the worry of the pain after riding.
 
Reins in one hand western style works for me, broken my little finger on my right hand 3 times and it no longer bends. Helpfully my horse neck reins
 
thanks for all the replies, will definitely look out for that gel, and also have a look at the reins...it's not normally an issue, but he's gotten so excited and a bit stubborn with schooling atm that my finger is just really starting to ache
Thanks so much everyone :)
 
Ibuprofen gel! Brilliant stuff. I have pins and plates and pull from my lower back on the right side as I demolished my collar bone and shoulder that side. Then I have a healed broken finger on my left! My left hand swells when my mareis strong, i do hot and cold therapy and ibuprofen gel.

Alice reins look great but my problem is more my right side, I have altered feeling so I'm often not aware when I'm holding too tight or lose contact. Not figured that one out yet as I hold my reins the same length but am more unaware of how tight my grip is or how forward or backwards my hand position is.
 
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