Riding with arthritis

Suby2

Suby2

Well-Known Member
Joined
17 May 2009
Messages
477
Visit site
I have arthritis in my right hip which has got worse recently (I am 62). Until now I have managed to continue hacking on my slightly wide NFx by using a Heather Moffet seat saver and Sprenger stirrup irons. (I do have problems getting on and off as I have limited movement in that hip)

The pain has changed in that I now get it at the inside of my thighs and I was wondering if a different saddle may help. I currently have a Thorowgood Griffin endurance saddle. I did notice when I first got it that the stirrup bars were further back than my previous saddle and I wonder if that is now causing me problems. The saddle needs to be wide fitting and straight cut on the shoulders.

Does anyone have any ideas? I did wonder if a treeless one may have less bulk but I've never ridden in one.

I have seen a consultant who said I can carry on riding and I can walk and run without any pain so it is obviously the sitting astride that brings the pain on but I don't want to give up!!!!
 
Sorry to hear about your pain. I am just a couple of years behind you and dreading getting any worse.

I don't think a treeless ssaddle will help to be honest , I got a Barefoot Treeless and my hips knew all about it . I have seen the Ansur/Solution and it seems quite wide and flat too.
 
I have been in this situation and didn't ride for a while before arthroplasty.
Then had an ansur, about 8 years ago which helped back pain, but not the stretch to inside thigh problem.
I was really pleased when I sat on the Solution Smart, it has a narrow enough twist for me to be comfortable, also much better "blocking in" which I wimpishly enjoy these days.
 
I am riddled with arthritis, but riding keeps me going! I use Albion saddles as they are so comfortable and come in all widths and styles. I got mine from ebay and have never looked back. My husband swears by them too. I have a high mounting block from which I both mount and dismount onto. I do have a wonderfully cooperative horse though. By the way I dismount by swinging my right leg over his neck and sliding onto the block...he is so good I say put your head down and he does....love him to bits.
 
I creak too! And I'm NOT giving up, even if they have to hoist me into the saddle.

I found the thing that helped me be more comfortable was altering the length of my stirrup leathers, not a particular saddle. I've got very long legs, particularly long thighs, and have always ridden long as well. In desperation I spent a morning just sitting on my horse, altering them up and down. The answer (for me) was 1 and a half holes up (i.e. one real hole and then the end of the leather tucked through). It has made quite a difference.

I too have difficulty getting on, and getting off used to really hurt. I get on off a flat topped wall in the yard. For getting off I do it in the normal way, but I lean right forward before swinging my right leg over behind me, and as I start to slide I grab the right stirrup leather at the top with my right hand. This acts as a very efficient brake, and I then slide inelegantly but painlessly to the ground.
 
I am just returning to riding after a ten year break. My left knee is very weak due to what is very probably early arthritis. Glad to hear it doesn't have to stop me taking up my old hobby again.:)
 
I haven't seen those before, Angieandben.
I use the Royal Rider flexi stirrups.
Anything which helps to avoid concussion on the joints is good, and I'm conscious of that in choice of footwear too, so go for the layers of shock absorbing sole.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top