Whats the longest that anyone has had off from riding?

[pocket]

Having had a RTA in July, I have only ridden twice, each time resulted in my knee giving way when I dismounted

I have just had an anterior cruciate ligment reconstruction and my Surgeon wont let me ride for 6 months

So, this means I'd have been out of the saddle for way over a year

Has anyone else been off for this long and how did you cope?

 

[Halfstep]

I didn't ride for around eight years when at University and while a postgraduate. I missed it dreadfully and used to dream about horses all the time. I was very unbalanced when I started again; i hadn't forgotten how to ride but my timing was all awry and my seat was insecure. It took a few years to get my riding abilities back up to scratch.

 

[Kal]

Only ever had about 3 weeks off. Once when i was young while looking for a new pony, and the other time 8 years ago when i had to have an operation, both were only about 3 weeks.

 

[Ellies_mum2]

Had best part of 20 years off. Gave up riding when I had my family and went back to it big time last year.

If I had my time over again I would NOT have a long break like that

 

[0]

I had an RTA in 1991 that left me with incomplete paraplegia. As well as the SCI, I fractured my left femur, left patella, right ulna and radius and seven ribs. I spent 8 months in hospital and eventually learnt to walk again with crutches, which I still use.

At the time of the RTA I was riding fit, eventing with a season of p2p behind me. I had about a year off from the horses and went back to it a tad worried, as you can imagine. It took me six months before I was competing BD. My muscle atrophy wasn't as bad as it should have been, but certainly worse than yours will be. So if I can get back so quickly, I'm sure you can too.

For one reason and another (partly my internal fixation breaking, partly moving house, etc. etc.) I stopped riding again, but this time for about five years until a couple of months ago. It ain't easy, but that's mainly because I haven't done nearly enough exercising in between times, I haven't kept up my physio. I should say at this point that my basic position, hands and balance appear to be unaffected (according to my instructor), however I must improve my core strength. Something you should concentrate on too, I would think.

If you want to get back in the saddle asap, and you clearly do, make sure you exercise, exercise, exercise. It's not enough to work on just your injury site, you need to work doubly hard on the rest of your body because it will be compensating for any weakness.

Oh, and practice getting on and off from the other side!

 

[mickey]

I stopped for about 7 years whilst at Uni/starting my career. (Give or take the odd hack).
I also had 6 months off 2005/2006 due to back break. I didn't really do enough physio and although that didn't seem to trouble me then, I am struggling esp to get my weight back to where it was and also to develop my core strength.

 

[amandathepanda]

What might help you is taking up an exercise like pilates which a lot of top riders use anyway to help strengthen their muscles for riding. It will help you keep your core muscles strong and make it easier when you get back on. If you have a sympthetic instructor, they will find you exercises you can do while you are still recovering from your op.

 

[cyberhorse]

10yrs, whilst at uni and postgrad and paying back all those debts!! However I did manage a bit of cross country ski-ing thanks to family holidays which I think helped maintain some balance. I found it easy to remember what I needed to be doing and react quickly to untoward events but generally physically unable to achieve the "correct" position where previously I had never had to give this any thought.

My balance and core stability were fine as I used an IJOY surf board for 3 months before going back to riding (cannot praise this machine enough!). My main problem was lower leg strength, riding with a torn knee cartilage (did not have when rode previously) and flexibility of my hip joints. Definitely try to maintain flexibility as far as you are able this takes far longer to overcome than strength/stability issues in my experience.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery!!

 

[*hic*]

25 years

 

[reddie]

I had about 17 years off. After my mare died, i was too busy working, getting married, going out, kids etc. None of my friends were horsey either. I then had a ride on a friend's loan horse about 17 years later and realised what i was missing. Its abit like riding a bike , you don't forget!! I 've had ponies for my girls and now a horse for myself in the last 6 years.

 

[pocket]

Wow Ripples, that was a horrific accident, glad to hear that you have recovered and should give everyone inspiration to carry on.

My physio is going well so far since my last operation, once I'm fully up and running I will look into pilates and swimming as I sooo need to ride!

Thanks everyone

 

[Lill]

Had about 2 months off after a horse reared and fell on me on concrete which completely shattered my confidence!

 

[Angelbones]

20 plus years to have career, marriage, kid, divorce, lead rein years for kid etc etc. Just got back in the saddle with a new horse of my own and to be honest it was as it I hadn't been away except for a few more nerves! And I had to buy a seat saver as my bony old arse was in pain, and a back support due to having had a huge baby which fairly crippled my lower back!

Apparently I ride like I did at 15 - my friends call it 'retro pony club' and even count down to jumps "3,2,1 hup" but who gives a damn? I'm having fun!!

Take advice from the others on here about rehab etc, and professional advice re physio or whatever you need, but don't worry about it - you'll sort it out and be having fun again in no time, good luck

 

[flohelf]

23 years....Travelling

getting married

having a gorgeous son

getting divorced

then more travelling

Wish I had never stopped. Getting back in the saddle at 41 was no bed of roses.....