Getting back in the saddle

[AnnaKarena92]

I was in a car accident a couple of months ago and, while I am not cleared to ride yet, it is obviously on my mind. Other than obeying the doctor and physical therapists, is there anything I can do to make getting back to riding a little easier? I have a TBI from the accident and my balance is really bad. I am assuming that this will improve, but that is yet to be determined. Do I start over learning how to keep my balance/seat? I’ve ridden my entire life and, honestly, I’m a bit terrified that I won’t remember how.

Since this is my first post, I’d just like to add that I’ve been a member since 2004ish but I can’t remember my password and I no longer have access to my old email address. So I’m starting over. I haven’t posted in a long time, so please go easy on me if I miss certain unofficial “coth rules”.

[Rerider54]

First off, glad you survived the accident, stay safe and get through the virus/isolation too. Second, we are all still learning so when you get back on let it be a joyous journey.

While you wait, watch your calories as this time in isolation can be a disaster for over indulgence. Can you start with some yoga type work to help with balance? Will you have access to a horse that will take it easy on you? Maybe even see if you qualify for rehabilitation with a that does therapy on horseback. The local places in our area that have therapy horses are all on lockdown right now but eventually that will change.

Good luck, stay safe.

[SBrentnall]

Congrats on wanting to get back in the saddle. In addition to Rerider’s great suggestions, I’d suggest that once you do start back at your own barn, ask your trainer to give you lunge lessons on a steady horse. It’ll vastly improve your balance and stability.

[Scribbler]

Really make sure your TBI is ok before you push it in any form of exercise. You can jostle a healing brain and make it worse. Also one effect of TBI can be a certain impulsiveness or lack of inhibition which can lead you to do unwise things.

[AnnaKarena92]

Thank you all for the suggestions and well wishes. I know it’s going to be a while, but I’m going a bit nuts! :winkgrin:
There is a trainer in my area who has schoolmasters, but my horse is not going to be suitable until I am more pulled together (may have to sell actually).

On a related note, any suggestions for a really good helmet? My cheapy Troxel is not going to cut it for my hubby’s peace of mind for me to start riding again once I’m cleared.

I’ve got anywhere from 9 to 18 months of rehab left so I’m just dreaming and trying to keep my sanity at this point!:yes:

[Jackie_Cochran]

Look into the riding helmets with the MIPS system.

The last time I fell off I was wearing one and I ended up with no problems with my head or neck even though I cracked 2 ribs.

Since I have MS head hits can be devastating. Wearing my Trauma Void MIPS helmet I had no additional problems with my MS at all.

I would be careful about riding when your balance is so far off. Yes, I have balance problems from my MS but mine sound minor compared to yours. I would NOT recommend lunging lessons at the sitting trot to try and improve your balance, if your brain is messed up these might increase the damage (from your brain bouncing off your skull.) If I rode without stirrups I would end up on the ground quickly since my balance is so bad, I can’t even tell when I am off center on the horse’s back. I refuse to ride more than three strides at the sitting trot even though I rarely bounce for fear of further damage to my brain and spinal cord.

I recommend when you start back riding that you stick to walking only until your brain heals enough so your balance works again.

[kande04]

Start with a pony ride on the safest pony you can find, in the safest place you can find, with the most safety conscious and capable leader you can find. And plan to stick with that until you’re champing at the bit, so to speak, to do more. IOW, always opt for slow and steady wins the race–and remember that it’s not a race.

[atlatl]

So glad you survived the accident and are on the road to recovery.

One thing I’m doing while staying safe at home, is using a balance ball, one of those big inflatable balls. I’m 5’9" with long legs and use a 65cm diameter ball like this

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VDXFU8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I think it’s safer than a balance board, YMMV

Anyway, in addition to just sitting on the darn thing, you can practice picking up one foot at a time. I can sit there all day with my left leg up in the air; the right leg, not so much. There are lots of exercises you can do on the ball.

Good Luck!

[DQHubby]

When I fractured my pelvis in 6 places (all stable fractures so no metal inserted) I had to learn how to regain my balance to walk, run and ride. My physio had me on a exercise ball doing balance exercises, then on barrels that increased in diameter (first place on carpet and then hardwood floors), followed by being on a stationary saddle placed on a stable saddle stand first in a western saddle and then my dressage saddle. in addition I worked with a Pilates instructor who also is a rider. All this work was done with a spotter, so I would not fall. After all of the balance prep work, only then did I actually get on a very steady horse. I also started riding in a western saddle first then my dressage saddle. I started with being lead, then lunged and finally at large. Try to find a physio who rides or works with athletes. Keep the faith and believe you will reach your goal of riding. Surround yourself with positive people who will help you through the tough spots. Good Luck.

[thara96]

My advice is to find a good physio who can help you to get better. Ideally get in contact with one trained in sport related injuries. You can find that information on the website, take a look and then either email or telephone the clinic directly to ask them a few good questions. Use the Yellow Pages or the Internet to find a list of physical therapists with the relevant expertise and go from there. Reviews matter too- see below for a brief explanation as to why.
Ask around for some more names on top of that. Contact your local hospital. Ask your GP if they can give you any recommendations. Another way to find a good suitable experienced physio is to ask in a group on Facebook for horse riding. They might even have some useful advice and suggestions for you about physical therapy additionally. Obtain a list of them if that is possible.
Be upfront and honest. Discuss everything with them. Good luck and you are in my prayers. Make sure that the overall price is reasonable too. Always ask for previous feedback. Sometimes you also can find that on the website. Check out the testimonials page carefully. Are the reviewers happy or not? And make a list of goals. What do you hope to achieve by the end of the sessions? Consider your answer to that question. Find out as much as possible about the therapy sessions prior to making the commitment. Draw up a plan of action. Best of luck! I hope that you have found a physio who can help you.

[BigMama1]

Balance and proprioception were the hardest things for me after my last concussion. Work with a good physiotherapist on the ground until you have a good amount of strength and balance. On horseback, start on a lead line and progress to lunge lessons. My awareness of where my body was while
on horseback was really off - I would feel like I was tipped forward when I was actually leaning back. The exercise my physio gave me to fix this was to ride with my eyes closed - obviously on a lead lone on a super safe horse

[NotGrandPrixYet]

Many good suggestions above. In addition to previous suggestion, there are also simple, safe ways to improve your balance at home. Practice getting up and sitting down without holding on to armrests, balance on one leg, balance while crossing legs, mini-squats, walk up and down stairs, walk with your arms up, walk while twisting your body back and forth, walk uphill, walk downhill, stand on your toes, stand on your heels. Walk with your eyes closed. Of course, you should always have a spotter to help. Always remember to keep your head up and looking forward.