horseback riding

[auggie]

I am newly diagnosed and can say I am a bit overwhelmed but relieved to have a diagnosis finally. One of my concerns is Ihave a horse I love very much and he is not a smooth ride. I have a cushion in my saddle that helps. Is there anyone else out there with IC who is actively riding and has any ideas about saddle pads,saddle seats and cushions? This is one thing I can't give up. It gives me great joy,is a family activity and is my social life as well. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have about 8 million other questions too,but will read more before asking. Thanks

[ICNDonna]

If you can figure out a way to use one, the cushions available in the ICN Shop help cushion the bumps in the car --- they might also help ride your horse --- they take the pressure off the perineal area.

Donna

[some_guy]

While I could not even imagine riding a horse myself I understand your need to do so. Not the sames as a horse but I have old sports car that I consider my soul to be in and cannot give up driving it no matter how much it hurts. Hope you find good padding and ride on...

[Tara_09]

I ride my horse all of the time when its warm out side. I have a walking horse so its a little smoother than some others. You just have to know how you are feeling that day and dont push past your limits on pain. I honestly think riding has helped me. There are alot of different cushions you can try. Ive got a gel one and I love it. Something else that helped me is riding in a saddle with a slightly higher back. Also if you go trail riding make sure you get off anytime you feel like your pelvic area, hips, or legs are getting tense and do some stretches. I definatly wouldnt give it up if it makes you happy. Just keep it up and know your limits.

[VickiB]

I notice you are newly diagnosed so chances are you have yet to get the IC symptoms you're experiencing quieted?

I have a horse I love very much and he is not a smooth ride. It sounds like I had his brother! I don't know I've ever ridden a horse with gaits worse than mine, but like you, I loved him!

I no longer have my horses but when I did, if I was in a flare there was no possible way I could ride. But, if I wasn't in a flare I could ride without suffering any consequences at all. After my IC diagnosis, with treatment & diet I reached the point where I rarely flared anymore so it really wasn't an issue for me.

Now that you're diagnosed and hopefully starting some sort of treatment, you'll be on your way to getting your symptoms calmed down. I bet you'll find you can still ride, at least on your good days. And in time, chances are that your good days will far outnumber any bad ones.

Vicki

[auggie]

Thanks to all of you that replied. I appreciate the encouragement and support.There must be a connection between cars and horses too!

[TexasHoney]

Horseback riding is one of the many things that I had to give up when I devloped IC. Extra padding diidn't help me any. Afterwards my bladder always felt it had been thru a boxing match.

[kellyann]

Not riding horses would KILL me! IC will NOT take that from me, it's taken too much already:tsk: That being said.....

First let me ask you what type of saddle you have? Western/English (I'm assuming Western)? Brand? Next....What do you ride in? Riding pants/Jeans?

I have suggestions that will FOR SURE :woohoo: make your riding time not only enjoyable/comfortable but you'll go more often. Of course everyone is different, but after changing a few things I'm able to ride as often and for as long as I want.

I'm looking forward to helpin not only a fellow IC'r but RIDER!!

[Julie B]

I wish I HAD a horse! I love riding so much and never get the opportunity. The few times that I have ridden since being diagnosed, I did not have any problems. In fact a couple of years ago I went on a nose to tail trail ride in Glacier National Park, thinking it was better than nothing, put planned to be bored. I wanted to go into the forest in some sort of controlled way, however, so I choose the horses.

First of all, they gave me a very head-strong horse, so I actually had a lot more of a challenge than I though, anf I was actually having fun. Half way through the ride, however, the horses sensed there was a thunderstorm coming long before us mere humans did. They all were crazy, trying to rub the riders off against trees, trying to sprint ahead past the guides, etc. It began to rain, then thunder, and it was chaos for a little while. There were kids on that ride that I can guarantee will never ride a horse again for as long as they live!

My horse was SO mad he couldn't just run back to the shelters. But I am proud to say I held my own with him! I was worried that I would suffer later, but the only suffering I had to endure was soaking wet clothes for the rest of the day.

I hope you can ride again!!!! As the others said, be sure you are doing ok, and have a rescue plan available in case you flare afterward.

[VickiB]

They all were crazy, trying to rub the riders off against trees, trying to sprint ahead past the guides, etc.
They act like that when there's a predator (cougar or Grizzly) nearby too!

Kelly, I'm curious if you find a difference between riding english or western where IC is concerned?

[auggie]

I ride in a western saddle with a gel pad I bought from a catalog. Saddle is not a great fit for my horse but I am not sure what I want. I sat in a Thornhill ? english trail saddle that had a nice cushion seat. My western saddle is so heavy and alot of trail saddles are. I don't like lifting that much. I know english takes a little getting used to,maybe harder at first. I also carry stuff,snacks,water, rain gear so wonder how you do that English. I always post the trot. My horse will act stupid before a storm also.How did they ever survive in nature? ha ha:hi: