Any horse riders who have had a new hip joint recently? I have my own horse and although both he and I are now a little long in the tooth, I would love to just have the ocasional plod on my trusty steed.
I am three months post op and doing all 'normal' things without much dificulty: caring for my horse, poo picking the paddock daily and riding short journeys on my bike - and not taking any painkillers. My surgeon said I will ride again but would really like to hear experiences from other horsy people with a new hip.
Hi Alison,
I had my hip replacement on 09/04 and I got on a horse again on Saturday. It felt amazing, the only thing that I would recommend is a mounting block. I hope to compete again next year. X
Wow Rachel that's wonderful to hear! I had a feeling that perhaps in another month or so all the muscles and tissues will have healed a bit more, allowing me to get on board again....
Yes a mounting block is essential, I have always used one anyway. My horse is w-i-d-e (Shire X) so I shan't rush things :-).
Thanks for your reply and good luck with your riding and competing next year, I am very impressed!
Kind regards,
Alison x
Hi Alison I had my left hip done over two years ago now, I was back on the horse at four weeks, right side for mounting, someone holding her head and hacking out at a walk. When I saw my surgeon a week later, he said I should just continue to do everything I was doing so I took him at his word and went from strength to strength.bwe don't do any endurance, I'm 61 and she's 25! Three weeks right hip, a different story, I fell and have had extra bruising to get through. Poo picking, grooming in field but don't have the confidence to swing my leg over the saddle yet! I'm planning a couple of short sessions with a local riding instructor on her plodders after clearance from my surgeon. I'm impatient to ride again but not unrealistic.
my suggestion would be to get someone to hold your horses head,most and in the stirrup and feel how it goes, leaning over the neck will help in mounting and, getting off. I slide down her neck to dismount.
Hope this helps. Susan
Hi Alison I had to give up riding 5 years ago when I had a knee replacement, I've just had my THR In May. When I asked my surgeon if I could go back to horse riding, he didn't see any reason why not and ended up putting a larger ball joint in saying "you'll not dislocate that" . He has asked that I don't attempt to ride until next spring and meanwhile build my fitness levels and regain the muscles in my legs and doing plenty of exercises. I can't wait to get back on a horse. Like you I'm 3 months + post op and just about back to normal, I stopped taking painkillers within a month of the op. I too would like to hear if anyone has actually started riding again after their op.
Thanks Christine, your reply has confirmed my own thoughts about when to return to the saddle as I thought it may be best to wait until next spring. The winter will be hard and frustrating, I just know it.... But better be safe than sorry. I don't think my ball joint is any larger than the bog standard, but it seems to be holding well. Went to the physio gym today and discovered to my delight that I have indeed become much stronger - they wanted to discharge me as I was making it look too easy, but I enjoy it so much and it's doing me good, so I said I want "my money's worth" :-D (it's on NHS but I have one more session left).
How long did you have to wait after your knee replacement?
Good luck and speedy return to riding for all of us!
Kind regards,
Alison xx
Wow, back on the horse at four weeks!! That is just fantastic.
Did you have an anterial approach? With lateral incision (the side) I think it would not be possible due to the physical disturbance to so many muscles, tendons and tissue, not to mention the greater risk of dislocation.
I am sorry to hear about your fall and its setback for you, but poo picking after three weeks being bruised and battered, you must be a superwoman!
I will not see my surgeon again until next spring so I just need to listen to my body. I am 62 and my big boy is 23. We never competed, just hacked, did a bit of schooling and lots of groundwork. The latter is something I plan to do this winter as I become stronger and can run in the school, then start riding in the spring - or earlier if I feel confident enough. Yes I will definitely ask someone to be near him when mounting!
Many thanks for your reply, yes it is very helpful. All the best, good luck with your riding!
Kind regards,
Alison xx
I waited nearly 10 months and then only went back to light riding (no jumping or eventing) then had to pack up 2 years later when my hip started to play up, finally having the THR 2 years after that. Like you I shall enjoy gentle hacks out I just want to get back on a horse. Unfortunately I no longer have my own horse. I'm 62 but still have no intention of giving up riding completely as I'm fit and well and it's been a lifelong passion of mine x