Riding/competing after head injuries

[Princess_Sparkles]

It’s a very personal decision, and there is a lot to consider. Horse back riding is far from the only dangerous sport in the world, and quitting riding is no guarantee you won’t suffer a brain injury some other way. A friend of my mom’s is permanently disabled from a brain injury suffered when he fell off a bicycle (as an adult), something most people would consider pretty damn safe. So it’s a calculated risk that is ultimately up to you. Eventing may be more of a dangerous discipline, but you can fall off at a walk on a ploddy old trail horse and be severely hurt. That is, unfortunately, part of the sport.

I don’t agree with all the people here saying you can be around horses and just not ride, like that is somehow safer. NOPE NOPE NOPE!!! Knock on wood, my most serious injuries have ALWAYS come from on the ground accidents, not falling from horse accidents. Thinking you can protect yourself by not climbing on their backs is faulty logic. In fact, arguably UNLESS you fall off, your head is probably safer ON the horse than around it, because a horse on the ground can knock you down (impact of head off ground), knock you into a wall (impact of head on wall), knock you down and step on you (hoof on head), or kick you (hoof on head). And a lot of people don’t have their helmets on when they are working on the ground with horses (I know I am guilty of this). So if you decide to be around horses still, whether that includes riding or not, being SUPER diligent about helmet use is probably a good idea.

People are making valid points about what you stand to lose, and what your family and loved ones might go through if you suffer another head injury and require care for the rest of your life. Those are totally realistic consequences and shouldn’t be taken lightly. But you could step off the curb tomorrow and get hit by a bus. Any of us could. If it were me, and I say this knowing myself and no one else, I would take extra steps to mitigate the risk (helmets ALL THE TIME, quieter, safer horses, maybe no jumping) but I couldn’t walk away from riding all together. However, you are young and relatively healthy, so this may be the time to go back to school and develop other skills and a new career. If you are working outside horses and riding as a hobby, you will be around horses less (so major risk mitigation there) but you haven’t walked away completely.

Sorry about the situation, it is a crappy choice to have to make, whatever you decide.

[high_hat]

@sumastrogirl

I don’t quite think that you need to go that extreme yet, if you stick with your current routine, I still think you could incorporate horses.
But your safety comes first and I am not a doctor

I really do not think it was an extreme response. I’ve seen up close and personal how TBIs affect people. If ‘one’ more fall could be the end of life as you know it that is one chance too much for me.

Accidents are just that accidents. You can be as safe as you possibly can but horses will be horses. may you never have to make such a decision.

[fragileego]

I have been known to tell my students “I’ve had more concussions than a professional football player.” It is said in jest usually, but it is not entirely inaccurate. It IS the reason I quit jumping, even though most of my head injuries were not due to coming off over a fence. I am MUCH older than you and I can tell you with certainty that as you age, the effects just get worse. My short term memory SUCKS. My kids (who are your age) always ask me if I have Alzheimer’s. I still ride professionally, but I am cautious about what I get on or take in training anymore. And I have focused solely on dressage for the past 28 years. No more jumps for me. I am just talking about concussions. You experienced a TBI. That’s a whole 'nother kettle of fish. Really it’s a no brainer. You are young enough to start another career. It may mean that you never ride again or it may not, but to ride many horses every day professionally in what is arguably the most dangerous of the equestrian disciplines – that would be foolhardy. You asked, I’m telling you: Stop riding now and find a new area of interest. You could still work with animals. Good luck. I’m so sorry that you are having to deal with this.

[LesleyW]

I’ve had two concussions from falls while jumping. These days I pretty much just hack, do a bit of flat work and occasionally pop over the very small x-country jumps.
If you want to see what the long-term effect from repeated concussions is, I strongly suggest you watch “Concussion”, the Will Smith movie based on a true story. It’s fascinating, and chilling. But it’s also done a great job of getting the awareness out there - there are now young, top-ranked pro footballers who are quitting after a concussion rather than risking dementia or death.

[IronwoodFarm]

OP, first I am sorry to hear about your injuries and the long term consequences they pose. Second, I am curious if you are still working with horses now. I know that I would never knowingly employ a trainer or rider who had been advised to stop riding by her physicians. I’m not saying that simply because of the liability for an accident, but because I would have a difficult time reconciling myself with a negative outcome. I know you can get hurt anytime, anywhere but I would look for another path for my horse interest. My younger sister gave up riding when she had to have spinal cord surgery in her neck a few years ago. She faced the same dilemma you are, OP. She loved riding and showing, but her physicians strongly advised against it.

Ultimately this is not just a choice about you, but a choice you are making for the other people who love you. Consider what would happen to them if they had to become your caretaker in the event of disability. If you don’t have disability insurance or long term care insurance, the cost of custodial care can be devastating. Eventually you can get on Medicaid, but that’s no a terrific solution either.

Think of ways you can be involved with horses and not ride them. It is possible if you are willing to compromise. It also is possible to find something else that you feel just as passionate about. The world is full of possibilities, but you need to keep your health and life in order to investigate your options.