Riding and Arthritis in back

[Dobermann Girl]

I started riding again 2010 after 35 yrs. A year later my lower back would ache whilst at a walking pace. This stopped after awhile. I saw the doctor who said I have osteoarhtritis that it would get worse. She said at the moment horse riding was good for me as it is excersise otherwise she would advise me not to ride. If I stand still for long my left side gets unbearable and goes down my leg if i sit it goes away. I'm ok at the moment riding although my fingers are quite bad luckily not holding the reins though. I wondered if anyone else has the same problem and what do they do to make life more comfortable. I had only just got my first ever horse at 56 I'm 58 now. I would find life unbearable not being able to ride and worse not being able to look after my horse.

 

[Bertolie]

I am 50, took up riding at 42 and bought my first horse at 45. I have arthritis in my neck and lower back. My doctor said it might be better if I didn't ride but I believe that riding keeps me more mobile, so will continue to do so until I physically cant! I don't ride if my neck is really bad and my daughter will help with my horse if there is something I cant manage to do. I have also started to have problems with my shoulder, so have just bought a very lightweight synthetic saddlethat I can manage to lift without problems.