does anyone ride horses?

[RhondaG]

I am an active horseback rider and since my new diagnosis I was
wondering if anyone had any do's and dont's on exercise............

[trytosmile]

I just LOVE horses and have several, unfortunately they are not the riding type but the racer type. Not sure how riding would effect you, but I know riding a bike is very uncomfortable for me. Everyone is different though, give it a try. Nothing more relaxing then riding a horse. I just love walking them around in the paddock and then brushing them, something about it I find is really cleansing to the soul !

[RhondaG]

Horses are good for the soul and once you have felt.......you can never let go

Even when I can ride its a great thing to just go out there and watch them, touch them and brush, wash and feed........its relaxing and brings much needed peace.........

Rhonda

[Dixiefireball]

I've rode a few times since i was dx, but nothing like i use too. I was raised on a farm and still kind of live on one, but with no horse anymore. They always seems so relaxing to me.
When i did ride as long as we wasn't running or jumping just keeping at a normal jot. My IC seemed fine with it, but as I said its been a while.
The other
Rhonda G

[RhondaG]

For a long time if I felt something strange while riding or at any other moment I would just try to go on or change my position in the matter......wondering what I felt and why but learning there was never an explanation and the more I talked about how I felt the more I just sounded like a complainer, you know........
since the diagnosis it all makes since and now it will be like starting over and finding what causes the IC flare or pain........and how to manuver around it or live without it........its most relieving to have some answers and now be on the road to knowledge and control.
Horses are great. I know I can never give up my life with horses even if riding ever became impossible because they bring so much to my life. I have however enjoyed teaching children to ride as much.

RhondaG

[trytosmile]

So excited, anxiously awaiting the arrive of our new babies. Both mares are due around the 10th of this month. I've noticed one wandering off on her own in the field which is a sure sign it's coming. Babies are so much fun to watch, especially when they try to run, flip themselves, get up and to it all over again....it is so cute !

For all the years I've been around horses I've never been on one. I'd love to learn but I'm thinking will be uncomfortable. Riding a bike is a stretch for me. My cousin's little girl, Emma (whom i'm very close too) takes riding lessons. I go watch her and she is doing so well. Maybe she can teach me one day...lol.

Speaking of horses, what a day it was around here yesterday. Our one year old stud busted out of his paddock yesterday, fencing all over everywhere. He wanted to go visit "the ladies'. Well he is hard to control on a good day, what a time I had trying to get him into another paddock. I finally went and got Candy, they get along really well, he just follows her all over everywhere. Once I got her, Meatball followed us back into the paddock, well almost, we had a few stops on the way but eventually we got every in order again. This caused quite the curfluffle at the farm and horses do not like change so for the rest of the day everyone had their knickers in a knot. Our other stud is still pacing around. Geesh.....life on the farm....lol

[trytosmile]

Oh I forgot to mention we are finally back on the track and racing tonight, so excited. Go Buttsie Go !!!

[long journey]

I haven't been able to ride for awhile due to the IC... I do pet and hug horses as often as possible... i vow to be able to ride again one day

[Arabelle Amara]

I used to take riding lessons before the IC and volunteered my time to help out at a ranch with my riding instructor. I was there for around 10-12 hours a day. I just loved being around the horses, being active, and helping out when I could.
I got up every morning at 5am to ride my bike there and rode my bike back at around 6pm.
Over time I was asked to have breakfast with the trainer and lunch each day. I was given periodically free riding lessons for all the help. Great times. It's a bit harder to manage now after IC came along.
I haven't found any way to manage to ride a horse without a lot of pain since or even to be able to bike. I am thinking about trying to ride the paso fino. Apparently, from my own personal research so far... they have the smoothest gait of all horses. Maybe it'd help to take out some of the extra bounce to make a ride more comfortable. It's something to look into anyways. I haven't tried it yet, as I'm sort of afraid of the pain that could follow, and I have so much pain, I know it could be pretty dangerous to ride a horse in that state. Safety first... But that's just from my own personal experience. Each person is different though.
I wish you the best. Hopefully, you can ride without much discomfort and if not, hopefully, you can still spend time with the horses. They truly are helpful when it comes to relieving stress and being relaxing to be around.
Stress doesn't help this condition at all. Any way that can help is always worth looking into!

[humpieumpumkin]

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love horses...I would try the padded bicycle shorts under your jeans...its not fashionable but it helps with the rubbing on the crotch area from the saddle. I think horses are theraputic...

Erika:hi: