Horses, riding and disabilities...

[cyberpunkgrrl]

I've just been wondering how many other horsey-people there are out there who have disabilities, of any kind?

I am dyslexic and dyspraxic - the dyslexia doesn't bother me so much when riding, but the dyspraxia does! I have problems with my left/right co-ordination, spatial awareness, balance, short-term memory (so remembering dressage tests and jumping courses is very, very hard). I also have problems with fine motor skills and can get very frustrated when my body doens't do what my brain wants it to do *lol*

As hard as it is, I find riding helps me engage my "problem" areas in a positive way. Remembering a short riding routine can help my memory (though it leaves me with a bit of a headache afterwards *lol*)

Just wondered if there was anyone else out there in a similar situation?

*s*

[LMS]

I don't have a disability but am a therapeutic riding instructor for people with disabilities.

I'm glad to hear that riding helps you in some ways:)

[cyberpunkgrrl]

I don't have a disability but am a therapeutic riding instructor for people with disabilities.

I'm glad to hear that riding helps you in some ways:)

Oh, that is cool! I was only diagnosed with my dyslexia and dyspraxia a couple of years ago (at Uni!) but I've always known that being around animals (especially cats and horses) calms me out so much... I used to curl up with my pony in the stable and tell him about the bullying I got at school and stuff, and he'd just lie there and listen... *lol* Sounds silly but I'm convinced that he helped me get through my teenage years relatively intact!

I've got a yearning to learn reiki for animals too, somethign i'm hoping to start learning this year :)

*s*

[Peanut]

A friend of mine has a child with autism and other learning difficulties, including dyspraxia. She takes him to the Riding for the Disabled.

The child absolutely adores riding and has the most incredible relationship with animals but especially horses. Riding had helped him with communication, coordination, memory and balance to name just a few of the benefits.

Those RDA horses/helpers are solid gold.

[cyberpunkgrrl]

A friend of mine has a child with autism and other learning difficulties, including dyspraxia. She takes him to the Riding for the Disabled.

The child absolutely adores riding and has the most incredible relationship with animals but especially horses. Riding had helped him with communication, coordination, memory and balance to name just a few of the benefits.

Those RDA horses/helpers are solid gold.

*nods*

It's so great that the RDA exist! I wish I'd been diagnosed as a child, but even without that, I just love animals! As well as now having a horse share, I volunteer at my local cat rescue shelter at the weekends (they always joke about checking my bags when I leave in case i've stolen a kitten or two *lol*)

I'd love to help out at a RDA centre too, but I'd need to invent a machine to bend time to give me more time in my life XD

I'm aiming to learn reiki this year and practice on animals (especially horses!) :)

*s*

[raingodz]

I am dyslexic too, and I like riding because it doesn't matter - although I did a dressage test in my lesson once and turned right when RI said left (I just chose the wrong left ;))

I also have a bionic left knee, I used this as an excuse not to start riding again for about 5 years, but when I did not only was it not a problem but it has actually improved the movemnt alot.

[eventerbabe]

I've got a yearning to learn reiki for animals too, somethign i'm hoping to start learning this year :)


i wholeheartedly recomend learning about reiki :) i've just completed my level 1 reiki, so i can practise it on myself and on others (i've 6 case studies to do in the next 4 weeks!). My reiki master has also added on an additional equine/animal module (not all reiki masters do this) to complete level 1. Level 2 gets slightly more complicated where you learn about the reiki symbols and distant reiki. Take a look at www.reiki.org for lots more info, their email newsletter is good too :)

[Afellpony]

I have arthritis in my kness and work related injuries to hands and arms. Knees aren't a problem in the summer but my hands are permanently painful. I'm lucky in that Falcon is kind and he was professionally trained by a young man using natural horsemanship. So I use my body positioning a lot of the time but if I need to stop, I just sit up straight and feel lightly on the reins and he stops, unless he's being a pratt; then it becomes painful!!!!!

[amylou_84]

My disability isnt physical (im not mental either lol). I have a stammer that in general life isnt too bad but when on a lesson and im trying to concentrate on what im doing and the RI is talkin to me and askin questions as they do - 'are you on hte right diagonal' etc - then i have bit of trouble answering them. I need to concentrate a little bit more than other people when im talking, as in my breathing etc. So i tend to loose what im trying to do with hte horse when i get spoken to too much :o Though most of the RIs iv had have all been very patient :)

[Nik-n-Kia]

I have really knackered knees and it hold me back a bit in the winter as they are sore and means that i can't get my foot at the correct angle in the stirrups (they always point out) as I can't rotate the knees. One leg is better than the other but also I have one leg that is considerably shorter in a stirrup than the other.

Doesn't stop me though it just means I have to work harder for the things I want to do.

not really a disability just makes me unique!!!

Nikki xxxxx

[Nazdaq]

Hi, I am deaf in one ear, and have balance/coordination issues (I had a brain haemorrage when I was born) I also think this contributes to my one-sidedness. :D It doesn't cause many problems when I ride, I just take longer to learn things because I have to concentrate more! :p :D

[tabithakat64]

I have ME, arthritis & raynauds, I struggle with some things like mounting/doing up the girth, tiredness and controlling my temperature

[Lgd]

My friend is dyspraxic and was undiagnosed until she was an adult, she was just labelled a clumsy child.

She finds that she has to learn new physical skills at a slower pace. What has helped her tremendously is taking omega3 & 6 fish oils (she takes Eye-Q). Her co-ordination is miles better, she can even catch things now if you throw them to her slowly. She realised how much difference they make when we went competing for a long weekend and she went without them. By the time we came home she said she felt vaguely out of control - almost as if a bit drunk. Should also add she rides at advanced level in affiliated dressage.

[cyberpunkgrrl]

My friend is dyspraxic and was undiagnosed until she was an adult, she was just labelled a clumsy child.

She finds that she has to learn new physical skills at a slower pace. What has helped her tremendously is taking omega3 & 6 fish oils (she takes Eye-Q). Her co-ordination is miles better, she can even catch things now if you throw them to her slowly. She realised how much difference they make when we went competing for a long weekend and she went without them. By the time we came home she said she felt vaguely out of control - almost as if a bit drunk. Should also add she rides at advanced level in affiliated dressage.

*nods* I take omega oils every day - and I know exactly what she means by feeling a bit drunk, it's like everything takes five times as much effort and concentration to do (sometimes talking and walking at the same time tires me out *lol*)

In a random aside note, I'm due for a blood test tomorrow, and I'm scared *lol* Nearly 30 and I'm scared of a little needle, how brave am I? :rolleyes:

*s*

[LMS]

LGD you wrote; "she said she felt vaguely out of control - almost as if a bit drunk."

The omega 3 helped with this? I'm really curious about it because I've been having episodes like that (which range from nil to mild to so severe I am loosing my balance) for 12 years.

A nutritional practitioner had suggested omega 3 but my doctor at the time told to avoid it because she suspected I was allergic to iodine. Though I'm thinking that I'm only allergic in the iodine for medical procedures. Unfortunatly they don't have tests for that here.

How soon after taking the omega did she feel the benefits of it?

Sorry don't mean to steal the thread:o

edit to add: I've had thourough blood tests done over the years that showed low levels in B12, 6, 1, low thyroid, iron and other things. But I am taking vitamins fr these & the latest tests showed that they were doing their jobs. But yet the dizzyness & lack of focus is still there. It's just plain annoying!

[Lot1983]

I've got ADHD which means I am uncoordinated, cannot hold thoughts in my head, find it difficult to concentrate and am often impulsive, BUT on the plus side if I am doing something I'm enjoying i can HYPER FOCUS too, so I become utterly absorbed in what I'm doing.

Horses have been with me since the age of 5, I stopped at 16 and that coinsided with me going a little bit 'off the rails' whilst at college and uni, but lo and behold I start riding again at the age of 22 and I find that my work is improving in the office and I have settled out of work too.

I have been on several medications for it and I they have unpleasant side effects, I am trying to remember to take fish oil everyday but you have to let it build up in your system for 3 months.

Anyway in conclusion, horses are the best medicine in the world! :D :D

[loopyh]

I was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid about 4 years ago, since then I've discovered I suffer with depression. Then two years ago when I started Uni I was diagnosed with dyslexia and dyspraxia. I find it difficult to motivate myself presumably because of the thyroid and depression but have found that riding and cycling (basically being active) helps me to keep motivated. I was always a bit un-coordinated and have always had to think twice about left/right. What I'd like to find out is whether dyspraxia could explain why its taken me so long to master things like corners and asking for canter. If anyone has an idea I'd like to know your thoughts. Its all something I need to read up on a bit.

[Maddison's girl]

I am also deaf in one year which affects my balance and co-ordination. I can fall over standing upright :o

I wont hack out alone because I can't really hear things coming up behind me until they are right up the horses bottom. I need wing mirrors :D

[Esther.D]

I don't really, but I am very mildly dyspraxic and have now been diagnosed with an underactive thyriod which doesn't help :rolleyes: My dyspraxia was not really a problem (except for swimming, dancing, learning to drive a car etc) but combined with the affects of the underactive thyriod I have become a bit random and clumsy and slow, however my latest blood test showed my thyriod returning to normal now I am on thyroxin so hopefully that will help things, have also started taking omega3 as well

[Arianrhod]

I have spina bifida which means i walk with crutches or i am in a wheelchair. this obviously affects my 'normal' day to day life but when i get on a horse its not noticable and doesnt affect my riding. (getting on is the biggest hurdle)

[Nazdaq]

*puts hand up* Me, me as well! I have PCOS and an underactive thyroid, which is still 'under' at the mo. because my GP won't increase my meds without repeat bloods....even though 1 set of bloods came back that it needs to be increased! grrr! so I am tired, depressed and all over the place at the mo. Trying to write 2 essays, a script and a dissertation....its not happening! The only thing in my week that makes me smile is my riding....bring on tomorrow! :D

[x.fat-pony.x]

I have teenage arthritus, diabetes, mild athsma and now have some kidney problems due to me abusing my diabetes when I was a bit younger.
I feel riding makes life a bit nicer, and I barely notice my arthritus when riding, except getting on and off and being nagged about my leg position! :D

[poohsmate]

The OH has basically only got one hand, but it has never stopped her doing what she wanted with horses or anything else for that matter, she used to work at a hunt kennels, rode and led, and rode second horse, has gone x/c, sj has also competed at affiliated dressage successfully..but the BD in it's wisdom made her apply for a letter excusing her wearing gloves when competing:confused:

[chev]

I'm not disabled, but I have a twist in my neck caused by meds I have to take. I find since it developed (along with some frustrating shakey symptoms and occasional spasms) my riding is definitely not what it used to be.

My husband is disabled though. His left hand and foot are paralysed, his left arm and leg semi-paralysed. He learnt to ride in his forties and although there were problems he actually rode pretty well. The thing he had to watch for most was one-sidedness in himself and the horse, partly because of teh paralysis and partly because of the fact that he is physically much heavier on his right side because of tremendous muscle wastage on his left.

Sadly he is much more disabled now, and in constant chronic nerve pain. His balance is poor and his good side is weakening more and more. It does mean he is highly unlikely to ride again... but he started carriage driving instead, and was really enjoying that!

[Afellpony]

How does everyone else cope with their disabilities? Do you get angry or just accept them? I get a bit ****** off but dont get angry as it only makes a bad situation even worse.

[Horsewoman]

I have really knackered knees and it hold me back a bit in the winter as they are sore and means that i can't get my foot at the correct angle in the stirrups (they always point out) as I can't rotate the knees. One leg is better than the other but also I have one leg that is considerably shorter in a stirrup than the other.

Doesn't stop me though it just means I have to work harder for the things I want to do.

not really a disability just makes me unique!!!

Nikki xxxxx


Re the "odd" length legs - have you considered a side saddle? I have come across amputees and people with hip problems who cope very well aside when they haven't been able to ride astride and there isn't the same weight on the knees. It can also help if you have balance problem as the side saddle seat is very secure.

Many Riding for the Disabled centres use sidesaddles for all sorts of different medical conditions.

Have you tried Glucosamine for your knees? I find it helps the arthritis in my feet and hands quite amazingly. And no, it isn't the placebo effect - it was recommended by a client who had used it to considerable success on her elderly horse.

[chev]

How does everyone else cope with their disabilities? Do you get angry or just accept them? I get a bit ****** off but dont get angry as it only makes a bad situation even worse.

Well... I can really only answer that from the point of view of having lived with OH for so long. When he was first ill, his parents were told he would be dead in a week. The progressive paralysis he had stopped short of his heart and lungs, and he survived. He was completely paralysed apart from his right arm, which was largely unaffected. He regained the use of his right leg, and partial use of his left arm and leg, after two years in hospital undergoing serious physiotherapy and a further few years in calipers. The experience of going to a college for the disabled, and wearing those calipers meant that he has been one of the most determined people I've ever met. He refused a green card from teh word go. After being told he'd never manage a physical job, he trained as an accountant. His first job was a desk job; it didn't last long, he got himself work as a bus conductor not long afterwards.

He's never used a stick, he's never held a disabled badge (until a year or so ago, when he was falling just going from the car to Tesco's - and I still think the free road tax had more to do with him giving in than his physical problems :rolleyes: ) He falls regularly. He scrapes himself and can't feel it. And he can laugh about it. He was the second person to cycle up Cader Idris, he went kayaking with his son (he can't even swim), he cycled the Ridgeway, learnt to ride, worked on fishing boats.

Does he get angry? Oh yes. When you can do the things he's done, and yet you can't open a jar of jam because your hands don't work... you get angry. When you can't hit the numbers on a mobile phone because your fingers won't do what your brain says, or get a battery in a watch, or lift the grill pan under the grill to make toast... it's more than frustrating. It's demoralising, it's a kick in the teeth all over again. Yes, he gets angry.

And I get angry that this ever happened to him. :(

[Monty]

Angry?? Yes, b***** furious. :mad:

One doctor wasn't wide awake enough to notice there was a problem with my hips when I was born, a diagnosis which would have meant early conservative treatment, and subsquently no surgery, instead of the 21 operations I'd had by 2005.

And the other surgeon who had never seen hips quite like mine ever before, but decided he'd practice hip replacements on one anyway, out of curosity, when there are surgeons in London who do dodgy hips like mine, every day of the week. This bloke botched it up, and put me in a wheelchair.

So forgive me... but yes....I get absolutely blinded with rage at such incompetence and the fact that those two can still walk.....at the moment!

I'm in court with him (no2) next month, and I'm going to tear him to pieces. I would love to smash his knee caps to smithereens....and let an incompetent surgeon try putting them together again...and then make him pay for his own wheelchair.

Does that answer your question Afellpony???:mad: :D

[horse_crazy]

I'm blind!

[horse_crazy]

and yes, I get very very angry !

[stormy's mum]

i have an ld and when i get grasp concepts in school i get incredibly ****ed

[stormy's mum]

i have an ld and when i get grasp concepts in school i get incredibly mad

[chev]

Tis natural, to be angry about something that you've been robbed of. Whether it's sight, or mobility, or hearing, or simply being able to make toast for yourself, independantly, without having to shout for help. Anyone who says they have a disabilty and doesn't feel anger at some point... that's not a disability. A disabilty is something which robs you of ability. Ability you have, or should have had. And however hard you fight to keep that ability... disability will keep getting in the way.... and that makes you angry. It *should* make you angry; disability doesn't discriminate. It just robs.

But horses... they give people the opportunity to realise ability, whatever difficulties you face otherwise. OH may never ride again; but he can headcollar my nutter of a cob gelding, where able-bodied people failed. Horses do an awful lot to remove the divide between *can* and *can't*.

OH - semi-paralysed, living with nerve pain and gradual nerve damage that would reduce me at least to a life in bed... headcollaring a gelding that frightened a YO so badly she refused to handle him at all;

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v231/bronyfelin-ponies/Collar1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v231/bronyfelin-ponies/collar2.jpg

Disability, and all it encompasses, still makes me angry though.

[GarnetFox]

I have an internal disability, an auto-immune disease which results in a chronically ulcerated and inflammed urinary system. I am in pain 24 hours a day and have trouble with a lot of things because of it, and fight the mental problems that seem to come part of the package. Yes I do get angry, but over time (it's been about 5 years now since I developed this) I have learned to accept my limitations and concentrate on what I can do. When I am feeling brave and make a achievement in something I find difficult then it is fantastic, it means so much even if it's just a little thing like getting on a bus! :D

I don't ride at the moment, I can't travel very far and I could only ride for a max of 30 minutes. I am also scared about what the riding instructor will think of me, especially if I hurt a lot and have a panic. :( One day I will ride again though, and hopefully be allowed to spend some time with the horses too, their companionship is the best part of them. :)

[amylou_84]

I get very frustrated, which turns to anger. I get annoyed as i dont have something you can see, so when people realise i have trouble they are all surprised and you can see it on their face. I may still be able to walk etc and have a relativly normal life (which i am very thankful for of course) but i still have bad days where i wish i were just born a mute so it is obvious i have something going on and people can tell and i wouldnt just be half way there.

It sounds terrible to compare myself to other people with worse problems - which im not really, i know things could be really worse. Im not actually registered as disabled - but mentally this used to really affect me. I would become withdrawn and silent and blame the world :)

But as i say i could have lots worse things wrong with me. So i get on with it.

[stormy's mum]

i hate having my disability because it takes so much effort when i ahve to do things in school just rying to read is like hell sometimnes

[horse_converted]

I am visually inpaired. have a little bit of sight to get around. I also have bad knees too.

[Horsesaddle]

who ever said about having a leg shorter than their other leg i have the same problem

and i have dyspraxica

does any one else have dislexica or dyspraxica?

[*Sez*]

I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hypermobile type). It took until I was 21 to get a proper diagnosis, having suffered with chronic pain since I was around nine :mad: .

It does make me incredibly frustrated. I am twenty two years old, live on a cocktail of medications, I can't walk very far at all without incredible pain and in recent years have become something of a hermit. I can't go out drinking or clubbing with my friends, and I hate being at parties because I always feel like such a lump having to be sat down all the time.
My blood boils when strangers say things like "Have you fallen off your pony?" just because I'm in jodhs and have to use a walking stick or wheelchair. A lot of people find it quite difficult to get their heads around the idea that someone "so young" can have a long term, on going medical problem. My RI is fantastic about it, and always encourages me to take a rest if I need to and doesn't make a fuss about my position - I have very poor proprioception, so I don't really know where my limbs are without looking and struggle to get myself into a correct position. What feels to me like my toes are forward and lower leg correctly positioned, is actually toes pointing out at almost right angles :o .

I also use Reiki on a regular basis - my Reiki master is currently expecting her first baby and is not a well bunny herself, but we are planning to start my Reiki 2 once she is well enough. My intention, in the long term, is to start offering treatments for horses at our yard. I already do mine and my friends' quite regularly, as well as self healing and treatments for friends and family.

[cyberpunkgrrl]

Horses have been with me since the age of 5, I stopped at 16 and that coinsided with me going a little bit 'off the rails' whilst at college and uni, but lo and behold I start riding again at the age of 22 and I find that my work is improving in the office and I have settled out of work too.

That sounds exactly like me *lol* I sold my pony when i was 17, moved to London and got caught up in the Big City, spent four years at Uni going mad then settled down last year and now i'm back to where I started, going riding and reading lots *lol*

I know what you mean about the work/play relation too - I've had a lot of trouble in my work with my dyspraxia/dyslexia and I found that the more I rode the calmer I was and the more able I was to do my job!

Therefore, I think they should prescribe horses on the NHS :p

*s*

[cyberpunkgrrl]

I was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid about 4 years ago, since then I've discovered I suffer with depression. Then two years ago when I started Uni I was diagnosed with dyslexia and dyspraxia. I find it difficult to motivate myself presumably because of the thyroid and depression but have found that riding and cycling (basically being active) helps me to keep motivated. I was always a bit un-coordinated and have always had to think twice about left/right. What I'd like to find out is whether dyspraxia could explain why its taken me so long to master things like corners and asking for canter. If anyone has an idea I'd like to know your thoughts. Its all something I need to read up on a bit.

My god, are you me? *lol* I got diagnosed with my dyslexia and dyspraxia at Uni, I've suffered from depression since I was 13/14 and I'm just back from the hospital this morning for an underactive thyroid test as it runs in my family *lol*

I have problems with canter as well, sometimes, becuase my left and my right legs get confused and therefore confuse the horse becuase he doesn't know what I'm asking for! It's the whole inside/outside thing that does my head in as well... The only thing that really helps me is trying to relax and calm myself down, try not to get frustrated and take things slowly!

Nice to know there are others with similar issues though :)

*s*

[cyberpunkgrrl]

How does everyone else cope with their disabilities? Do you get angry or just accept them? I get a bit ****** off but dont get angry as it only makes a bad situation even worse.

I used to get a lot more frustrated as a kid - I wasn't diagnosed with my dyslexia/dyspraxia til I was 25, so I didn't understand why I did things differently, or why when I tried to do one thing I did something else!

Now, I've learnt to recognise the things that get me frustrated and I can stop it in time to relax and breathe (you'd be surprised how so many problems occur becuase people don't breathe properly!)

I've found yoga and meditation really helps as well :)

*s*

[*Sez*]

I had a massive problem with my old employers. When word got around that I had a horse, they launched a massive "hypochondriac" campaign at me, claiming that because I had a horse and rode, my disability must only affect me from 9-5 Monday to Friday. Obviously, it had a massive impact on my health to be treated so badly and accused of so many awful things, and I actually had a break down at a work enforced appointment with an occupational therapist. I put together a massive file of information from the RDA and physiotherapists who specialist in hippotherapy and the huge beneficial effect that it also has on my mental health, but fortunately I was transferred across to the council before it all came to a head and my new line managers are much better about it. My physiotherapist and my rheumatologist both support me staying as active as possible, and have even written letters for me expressing as much.
It just seems so awful that in a world where riding and horses are commonly known to be beneficial to emotional, mental and physical issues, there are still people out there who will not acknowledge the help we recieve (I have several people who muck out, fill buckets and lift things for me) and claim that being around horses automatically equals fit and well. :mad:

[cyberpunkgrrl]

I'm blind!

without wanting to sound patronising in any way, that is so cool :)

The more "differently normal" people that challenge the myth of disabled people not being able to do things, the more acceptable it will become in society to be different!

(I do love that phrase, "differently normal" :D)

*s*

[cyberpunkgrrl]

I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hypermobile type). It took until I was 21 to get a proper diagnosis, having suffered with chronic pain since I was around nine :mad: .

It does make me incredibly frustrated. I am twenty two years old, live on a cocktail of medications, I can't walk very far at all without incredible pain and in recent years have become something of a hermit. I can't go out drinking or clubbing with my friends, and I hate being at parties because I always feel like such a lump having to be sat down all the time.
My blood boils when strangers say things like "Have you fallen off your pony?" just because I'm in jodhs and have to use a walking stick or wheelchair. A lot of people find it quite difficult to get their heads around the idea that someone "so young" can have a long term, on going medical problem. My RI is fantastic about it, and always encourages me to take a rest if I need to and doesn't make a fuss about my position - I have very poor proprioception, so I don't really know where my limbs are without looking and struggle to get myself into a correct position. What feels to me like my toes are forward and lower leg correctly positioned, is actually toes pointing out at almost right angles :o .

I also use Reiki on a regular basis - my Reiki master is currently expecting her first baby and is not a well bunny herself, but we are planning to start my Reiki 2 once she is well enough. My intention, in the long term, is to start offering treatments for horses at our yard. I already do mine and my friends' quite regularly, as well as self healing and treatments for friends and family.

I really would love to do animal reiki, and hearing that people on here have the same desires as well has really pushed me into doing somethign about it! I'd love to find somewhere near me that teaches it but i have no idea where to even start looking!

*s*

[*Sez*]

I've had several Reiki masters offer to take me under their wing, but unfortunately, they all found me, so I've no idea where you should try looking. Perhaps if there is a shop near you with a Reiki practitioner you could go and ask for some guidance?

[cyberpunkgrrl]

I've had several Reiki masters offer to take me under their wing, but unfortunately, they all found me, so I've no idea where you should try looking. Perhaps if there is a shop near you with a Reiki practitioner you could go and ask for some guidance?

Actually, I'm a little freaked out about this - I looked online to see if there was anyone practising near to me, and I found a place offering courses about 5 minutes from my house *lol* I've just emailled them and waiting to hear back from them!

Will visit them before I decide on anything though - if I con't get on with the people and place it'll just be wasted money!

*fingers crossed*!

*s*

[raggydoll]

Just to add i dont have a disability but i do have endometriosis which is incredibly painful in my case it is growing into my bladder :(. I find i have some niggles after exercise so often after riding but not enough to stop me. However when the pain is really bad riding is about the only thing i can do to take it away. It is a real struggle to motivate myself to do it but once i am whilst i am actually riding i am virtually pain free. I have absolutly no idea why but its great. When i cant muster up the will to tack up and groom etc just being around horses is a great comfort.

Very interesting to see how people cope with and benefit from their horses with various disabilities.

[GarnetFox]

A friend of my mum's is learning reiki, and she has asked to use me as her final project before she passes, as I have so much wrong with me. Her master will be helping her along the way, so here's hoping :D

[eventerbabe]

http://www.reikifed.co.uk/

this site is good for finding local therapists, but www.reiki.org is one of the best for actual information on the subject. I can trace my reiki lineage back to william lee rand who runs the site.

Courses vary so much in quality and standards. I am exceptionally lucky that my reiki 1 class had only 2 of us in it. When my reiki master did her reiki 1 they were doing mass attuning of 12-15 people at a time :eek: and it cost her £600 (expensive, i paid a tiny fraction of that for doing my reiki1). I have to do 6 case studies and an equine module before i've completed reiki 1. the equine/animal module is optional but IMO worth doing.

[*Sez*]

:eek: I didn't pay for my Reiki 1 and won't be paying for 2 and 3 - the Master who came along when I decided I was ready is actually an old family friend (I am a firm believer in the saying "When the pupil is ready, the Master will appear" :D ). I hadn't realised it could be so expensive!

[eventerbabe]

there's a lot of debate about whether you should pay for reiki or not. we were discussing it this weekend. My master only charges a small fee, mainly to cover her time and the gorgeous all-organic lunch she provided us with, plus travelling fees to our yards in the next few weeks when we do the equine module. the master she did her reiki 1 with was £600, then it jumped to over £1000 for reiki 2. She ended up going to the states to do her mastership for a few hundred pounds. People have asked me if i'll be charging when i do my case studies, but so long as i get thanks in return (the odd cup of tea made for me as i'm using my friends at work for the studies) then i'm happy :) we were told you should always recieve thanks for reiki, be it verbal or a token jesture.

[Afellpony]

I can understand the getting angry bit when he cant open a jam jar. I cant either and it is sooooooo annoying having to wait for OH to come home or put what he's doing down to open it for me. It's not so much feeling angry, it's the sheer frustration of it.

[cyberpunkgrrl]

http://www.reikifed.co.uk/

this site is good for finding local therapists, but www.reiki.org is one of the best for actual information on the subject. I can trace my reiki lineage back to william lee rand who runs the site.

Courses vary so much in quality and standards. I am exceptionally lucky that my reiki 1 class had only 2 of us in it. When my reiki master did her reiki 1 they were doing mass attuning of 12-15 people at a time :eek: and it cost her £600 (expensive, i paid a tiny fraction of that for doing my reiki1). I have to do 6 case studies and an equine module before i've completed reiki 1. the equine/animal module is optional but IMO worth doing.

I've managed to find a place within 5 mins walking of my house that does Reiki 1 and 2 for £90 for each course and they're willing to split it over a number of evenings so I can do it when I get home, rather than doing it over a weekend and not getting any riding in ;)

amd hopefully going to visit them over the next few days to see them and hopefully book a place! :D

*s*

[LMS]

Well after reading everyone's posts, I guess I'll have to retract my statement about me not having a disability:o Compared to others, what I have probably doesn't compare.

I was deaf at a young age from frequent ear infections. There is still some loss but not enough to warrant a hearing aid.

I also have osteoarthritis in one of my hips & am awaiting to get an arthroscopy to give my hip a little more time before I get the inevitable hip replacement.

I have other problems which I am dealing with and and yes it is all frustrating & I hide it from everyone unless someone notices or asks.

I guess with me, as long as it isn't a safety issue for my clients, I tell them I don't really have a disability compared to theirs.:)

[chev]

LMS - I was quite surprised by what people were classing as a disability here. So I went and looked up the definition of disability and found this from the Disability Rights Commission (http://www.drc.org.uk/usingyourrights/disabilitydiscrimination/person.asp)... :)

And discovered that according to the DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) of 1995, I am disabled. Act is here (http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1995/1995050.htm)

Bizarre. I still wouldn't class myself as having a disability though.

[amylou_84]

1. - (1) Subject to the provisions of Schedule 1, a person has a disability for the purposes of this Act if he has a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

Is that the bit you mean Chev?

Reading hte first link you sent it is a bit surprising. I would not consider myself disabled at all, but according to that description it says i probably am. Hmm....wierd.

[LMS]

Interesting, so I guess I would class as having a disability because without daily treatment, I cannot function day to day activities, I would be chair or bed bound.

Funny though, I bet if I asked for a disability permit for my vehicle, I doubt I would get it (regarding my hip). There were many times that I had difficulty moving about because of excrutiating pain & difficulty in walking.

Oh well... I'm not in a hurry to get such a permit because like I've said, there are people worse off than me & need it more.;)

[Skib]

I too have been puzzled since joining new rider about the distinction between older riders limited by age and those limited by disabilities which they have had since birth or from illness at a younger age.

I've a distant cousin who breeds horses but is no longer able to canter. My brother is physically unable to ride any longer because of back problems. But neither is disabled.
It riled me very much when I started riding to discover that it was considered vital to canter. Which from Monty's account, it is not for anyone officially disabled.
Though I cantered happily in the end, I am sure many retired people would benefit from riding. And would be able to do so, were they reclassified as people are in the RDA and encouraged to do what is within their capabilities.

[cyberpunkgrrl]

LMS - I was quite surprised by what people were classing as a disability here. So I went and looked up the definition of disability and found this from the Disability Rights Commission (http://www.drc.org.uk/usingyourrights/disabilitydiscrimination/person.asp)... :)

And discovered that according to the DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) of 1995, I am disabled. Act is here (http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1995/1995050.htm)

Bizarre. I still wouldn't class myself as having a disability though.

The DRC have been great for me - last year I had a big problem with my employer not recognising my dyslexia/dyspraxia and basically humiliating me in front of colleagues, ignoring me when I tried to explain what I had difficulty with and how I could get around it, etc. ACAS helped as well!

Re: "having" a disability - I only feel like I have a disability when I'm put in a situation where it becomes apparant :)

The one good thing about getting diagnosed for me was realising that, after 25 years of thinking this way, I wasn't stupid. Just different :)

*s*

[chev]

It riled me very much when I started riding to discover that it was considered vital to canter. Which from Monty's account, it is not for anyone officially disabled.

Not quite true; to compete in RDA dressage you need to have your disability graded. Grades go from 1 to 5 - and it is only grades 1 and 2 who do not have to canter. 3, 4 and 5 are all required to do canter tests - which is why Monty had so much difficulty competing when she was a grade 3, since she could not canter physically and therefore couldn't do the required tests.

[amylou_84]

Re: "having" a disability - I only feel like I have a disability when I'm put in a situation where it becomes apparant

True for me too. But if those situations are part of daily life and effect your work it may be considered a disablility.

[LMS]

My disabilites, some are from birth and some happened in my youth. The osteoarthritis in my hip happened because of how my hips are. It was bound to happen.

People always teased me that I *walked like a cowboy* I always had problems with my hip but the doctors never adressed my concerns until just a year ago.

[FudgieFoo]

I have possible MS. This is also covered under the Disability Act.

Luckily for me good exercises for MS are horseriding, yoga and swimming all of which I do.

I am currently awaiting diagnosis but sympthoms have been visual disturbance, numbness in my leg, bowel & urine problems and fatigue.

[chev]

(((hugs))) FudgieFoo.

[GiJoe]

I only have sight in one eye (my right one). I cannot remember life without this problem so just seem to get on with it. It does not have any real impact on my riding apart from obviously I am more confident on one rein/side than the other and but its other things around the yard which are mostly affected. When someone approaches on my bad side I sometimes get a fright which can affect the horses (if the yard is busy its harder to use my hearing as effectivly). Plus I hate it when its windy coz if anything blows in my right eye I cant see especially when grooming. Im lucky because my horse is very calm when hacking so if anything happens he will just stand there untill I have sorted myself out. Mind you all of my falls have been off to the right. OOOpps.

Im not angry anymore just frustrated with other peoples ignorance. Comments like "are you sure you should be riding" are annoying. I have managed to work, drive
and bring up a family so why not horseriding?

[loopyh]

cyperbunkgrrl how did you get on with your underactive thyroid test? I don't really see myself as having disabilities - maybe its because I wasn't diagnosed until I was in my thirties. I always thought I was a bad speller and a little clumsy. I now wonder whether all the trouble I had with jobs was to do with my dyslexia (I was a secretary) and I would love to go back to some people and say "see I'm not stupid it was dyslexia" or something along those lines. The one thing that bothers me most of all my supposed disabilities is the depression - I don't feel medication helps and so I just try to push myself. My daughter bought me a fridge magnet which possibly sums it up best "I'd be unstoppable if only I could get going". The light in my life is my riding - I forget everything that I haven't had the energy to do and just concentrate on riding. For the person whose writing a dissertation - just keep plugging away you will get there in the end. It seemed to take me twice as long to write mine as anyone else but alot of it was because I couldn't motivate myself to start working on it - just another cup of tea or after dinner which would then be followed by I'll start nice and early in the morning - if it wasn't for my mum sitting over me I wouldn't have done it.

[cyberpunkgrrl]

cyperbunkgrrl how did you get on with your underactive thyroid test? I don't really see myself as having disabilities - maybe its because I wasn't diagnosed until I was in my thirties. I always thought I was a bad speller and a little clumsy. I now wonder whether all the trouble I had with jobs was to do with my dyslexia (I was a secretary) and I would love to go back to some people and say "see I'm not stupid it was dyslexia" or something along those lines. The one thing that bothers me most of all my supposed disabilities is the depression - I don't feel medication helps and so I just try to push myself. My daughter bought me a fridge magnet which possibly sums it up best "I'd be unstoppable if only I could get going". The light in my life is my riding - I forget everything that I haven't had the energy to do and just concentrate on riding. For the person whose writing a dissertation - just keep plugging away you will get there in the end. It seemed to take me twice as long to write mine as anyone else but alot of it was because I couldn't motivate myself to start working on it - just another cup of tea or after dinner which would then be followed by I'll start nice and early in the morning - if it wasn't for my mum sitting over me I wouldn't have done it.

*nods*

i went very off the rails when I was 20 or so - I lost about 3-4 years of my life because I was so frustrated and angry at everything. I got very depressed and started self-harming when I was 13 or so, due to bullying because of my (then undiagnosed) problems, amongst other things... Uni really straightened me out, as well as diagnosing my dyslexia/dyspraxia, which i'm forever indebted to.

I also do office work - office manager/receptionist/HR assistant and had trouble when i started, but if nothing else, I'm a stubborn mare, and I don't give up without a fight and 4 month after I started I got a promotion :D

re: my thyroid - I'm waiting on the results now. It's a case of "when" rather than "if" for me, as my Mum's Mum has underactive thyroid, my Mum has Hashimotos Thyroiditis and my brother has Graves Disease (overactive) so I want to catch it as early as possible so I don't go through the crap that they did before they were diagnosed!

*s*

[ShariN]

With the damage from this riding accident...and now squarely in the handicapped with horses.
In the past I have donated a nice older Icelandic horse..one of the original ones to the US to a therapeutic riding school in NH.
Have helped with them off and on.

Now if I want to continue on some level with horses..I am going to have to learn how to...with the damage my body now has at my age.
Will be keeping an eye on this forum so I can learn how best to deal with this when I am finally walking well enough.
Will not be like before the accident..sadly.
On top of that..Brittle bones..and almost totally deaf on my right side. Will be a challange. But looks like I can learn a lot from you here.

[ShariN]

of going to a college for the disabled, and wearing thos
Does he get angry? Oh yes. When you can do the things he's done, and yet you can't open a jar of jam because your hands don't work... you get angry. When you can't hit the numbers on a mobile phone because your fingers won't do what your brain says, or get a battery in a watch, or lift the grill pan under the grill to make toast... it's more than frustrating. It's demoralising, it's a kick in the teeth all over again. Yes, he gets angry.

And I get angry that this ever happened to him. :(


Am so sorry to hear this. Sadly understand how it feels.

I know it is very, very hard...but have found it best not to get angry any more. Life has changed and it is not fair to any of us. But getting angry zaps to much life out of me...and I am sure others.

Any time I have to go to the Doc...my Husband has to take time off work. I worry so about his job. But I am unable to drive myself anywhere at this point. Even a trip into town I can barely even walk with the walker. One night the spazumzs(spell?) got so bad..the next morning I could barely hold myself up with the walker to just go to the bathroom. everyone has to do everything for me. Is a big strain on my Hubby and Son. All my family is on the other side of the Country. No way we could move and nor would I want to. Nor can we afford help. Haven't been able to make friends like I had at the old farm. So very much alone. I can type for short times during the day. So we bought me a laptop...if I knew anything about them..I would of bought a lighter one.
Anyway...this is my long winded way to say you are not alone.

You also know..how I was before. This is the hardiest thing in the world to deal with. Being older and damaged bad enough ones body will never work right again.
<<HUGS>> to you all.

[Ptaty70]

well this thread has truly humbled me.. yes, we all have problems with our horses, but I salute all of you who deal with every day life, some 'disability' (irrespective as to definitions, as many problems are debiliating) PLUS riding/horse ownership. I feel very small and hope i never complain about anything horse-related again.

Thank you, for this thread. You are all truly inspirational!

[Lgd]

How soon after taking the omega did she feel the benefits of it?


you take a loading dose for a few weeks which speeds things up - think it took about 3 weeks for her to notice a difference and about 12 weeks to really get the full benefit.

[Bronya]

It's funny, but having depression for over a year counts under the DDA. Never thought it would. It does affect everyday life though....

Horses are great, can't muster enough motivation to do washing, cook dinner, get anything done, but know the horses have to be done, and then when you get there, and ride, just for an hour or so, you feel normal. Such bliss! My horse always seems to know how I am, and does her best to help. I hate the fact that I can't concentrate so forget to do things/where things are, and always have to double check everything. My horse is great about that too though, in her own way she'll point out if there's anything not done that she knows about!!! She just stands there and gives me that look.....

I think, for those with a physical disability, you do amazingly in your lives and to ride, and it helps the rest of us too, whose troubles are unseen, to lead productive lives.

[LMS]

you take a loading dose for a few weeks which speeds things up - think it took about 3 weeks for her to notice a difference and about 12 weeks to really get the full benefit.

Thank you:)
I went to see my *new* doctor (my kids' doctor since they were born, and I switched to her this past Dec.), and we talked about the symptoms again as I was falling like a drunk for a few days (again). I asked her about the omega, and unlike my previous doctor, she said there would be no harm for me to try it.

She's also sending me to see a neurologist (have already had a cat scan), we're going to look at the possiblity of it steming from my migraines.

If that gets us nowhere, we're going to look at vertigo, low thyroid (last blood test I had 3 years ago: it was low) and depression/anxiety.

This doctor has done more for me in 3 shorts months than my previous doctor has ever done in 17yrs.

Living with a disability that is taking over one's life over time is very frustrating. Even more so when the doctor that you entrust yourself to is not proactive enough to even pretend to care. And you finally find one: it's too late. Yeah I'm a bit bitter about it.

[Imp]

I'm deaf (small 'd'). Most people I've encountered don't think it's a disadvantage to riding until I explain that I have a bu**er of a time trying to understand a RI screaching instructions at me from the other side of the arena. I also don't think I'd cope well in showing, for example if the judge wanted me to trot her around and gave the instruction, I'd be standing there going "huh... wha?" :rolleyes: Not, that I'm anyways near showing, mounting up and walking at the moment is a monumental challenge :o

Also, insurance for hacking out is a biggie; I can't hear some traffic and can't hack out alone as I'm a liability to both myself and the horse (not to mention the 3rd parties who could get hurt if I don't hear something in time to prepare).

[walterthepony]

According to that link, I guess I'm classified as having a disability.
I have anorexia, mild OCD, depression, an anxiety disorder, and a mood disorder. As well as SI tendencies. And of course osteoporosis/osteopenia from the ED. All of those interfere with my daily life!
But riding has helped me so much. The whole time I was in the hospital, my horse was motivation to recover. Now, a year later, my new pony is truly saving my life. He keeps me healthy and out of hospital.
But my "disabilities" are nothing compared to what everyone else has. My stuff is all semi under control from all my meds.
And yes, this whole thing makes me so angry. A teenager isn't supposed to spend 5 weeks in a psych ward and several nights in a hospital hooked up to an IV.

[FudgieFoo]

This thread has really helped me with the rubbish I'm going through at the moment. I'm still trying to get my head round it all and wondering what my life will be like now.

Thanks to you all for showing me I can live my life however I want and do what I want as long as I keep at it.

[Horsewoman]

who ever said about having a leg shorter than their other leg i have the same problem

and i have dyspraxica

does any one else have dislexica or dyspraxica?

It is quite common for "sufferers" of dyspraxia, dyslexia and dyscalculia ("dyslexia with numbers") to have more than one of these conditions at the same time. I believe that ADHD is occasionally, but not always, connected with one or more of these three.

I'm dyscalculic and used to have great difficulty getting to grips with dressage test plans. Not exactly a serious disability but irritating, none the less!

[Horsewoman]

I'm deaf (small 'd'). Most people I've encountered don't think it's a disadvantage to riding until I explain that I have a bu**er of a time trying to understand a RI screaching instructions at me from the other side of the arena. I also don't think I'd cope well in showing, for example if the judge wanted me to trot her around and gave the instruction, I'd be standing there going "huh... wha?" :rolleyes: Not, that I'm anyways near showing, mounting up and walking at the moment is a monumental challenge :o

Also, insurance for hacking out is a biggie; I can't hear some traffic and can't hack out alone as I'm a liability to both myself and the horse (not to mention the 3rd parties who could get hurt if I don't hear something in time to prepare).

I would think that in the show ring a quiet word to the steward on entering the ring, regarding your difficulty hearing instructions would be ok. I wouldn't consider it an expectation of special treatment.

[LMS]

And yes, this whole thing makes me so angry. A teenager isn't supposed to spend 5 weeks in a psych ward and several nights in a hospital hooked up to an IV.

It is so hard to be a teenager. You're lucky you got help & is now able to manage your life as best you can. Not many are that lucky:(

[Method_Acting]

....

[horse_converted]

I live by a saying! If u have the will there is a way to do anything you want! do what makes u feal happy and don't worry what other people thinks. so long as you enjoy yourself and know you gave it your all :D

[gone24now]

Being that this is the first post for me here, this thread was very appropriate to respond to. I have 3 boys, 2 with autism, 1 non-verbal. What a tremendous potential for development these horses offer to my kids. Not only something to get excited over it has improved both of their communication skills, gross motor skills, etc., etc. The horses are so wonderful, and the people working with these kids are amazing!
Now the question for you all, is how do I find a horse for my family that emulates these therapeutic horses. I tried and failed miserably:eek: I have ended up with a QH mare who turns into satan himself as she cycles. Broke fences and wrecked electric fencing today just to get to a gelding. I certainly myself don't want to mount her let alone my kids. Quoting the seller: She is so calm, loves kids, very cuddly, etc, etc. Yeah right.......

[LMS]

It takes a special horse to become a therapeutic riding horse. They are very difficult to find I'm afraid.

Sometimes a therapeutic horse will come up for adoption or a prospect may not be 100% for a therapeutic environment & would do better in a private home. Try contacting therapeutic riding schools & let them know if anything ever comes up, you'd be interested.

non verbal: your son has NLD?

[gone24now]

Thanks for the advice. My son is non-verbal not because of his autism, but because he has apraxia, which is that he hears sounds and words correctly, but can't get all those cheek, throat, mouth muscles in line to make them. A lot of sound practice, and teaching in a way that is totally opposite to how we do therapy with his autism.

[stormy's mum]

as lms says finding a good therapy horse is not easy i volunteer at a therapy center and our horses are very special. we even have a tb that used to race and hes excellent at what he does for these kids but most horses don't have the patience to be a therapy horse

[Dawn_connie]

OH! Firstly, I am SO glad that this forum is here!

I posted ages ago on the suggestions forum for a 'riding for the disabled forum' so to see it is wonderful!

My youngest son, who is 2 in April, has right sided Hemiplegic cerebal palsy.

He is a bit young for riding, but under the advice of a very excited physio when she found out my dad has a horse, we started taking him for 'pony rides' in the summer. I firmly beleive that it made a huge difference and helped him to walk.

He will be back in the saddle come the warmer months to losen up that pelvis!

dawn

[LMS]

Is the horse narrow? Here is a snipit that I wrote on another forum about a lady wanting to get her young child involved in riding (like in your case)

"A child under the age of 4, may not have joint unions in certain areas which can be affected by their position on the horse. A child with an orthopedic disorder or delayed development whose bone age is immature compared to chronological age, choosing the appropriate horse is very important (size & gait). The angle that a joint assumes can be affected by positioning & could have a lifelong influence on the child.

These factors are best judged by an OT experienced with horses & horseback riding."

Please be careful:)

[Dawn_connie]

hi LMS, she is a Standardbred, 15.2hh and med/wide in the saddle.


I know where your coming from, but his bone structure is fine. His main problem is muscle spasticity and lack of feeling in the right side. He is on the horse for no more 10mins at a time, and only once a week.

But the benefit he gets from it outweighs any risks. His pelvis is so much more flexable afterwards, and we just cant get those results from anything else!

Using a big excesize ball at the moment to mimic the action and improve balance, but its just not the same. Plus, the simple fact that loves seeing the horses, and they love seeing him!

He wont be properly riding untill he i atleast 4.

dawn

[fishiz3434]

dont know what i have as my parents said i've always been too stubborn to get what i want that having a problem has never effected me in a way i cant work around (so they refused to get a diagnosis) but i still go to a theroputic riding school so i can learn to ride and comunicate through sign as well as talking.
Volunteering for rda has also helped too because i can now look at people face to face and when i'm their i can talk sign and people know what i'm saying, It's also great because you can see how your influence can help so many of the riders

[LMS]

You've never had a proper diagnosis? Do the therapeutic centre not need a referal from your doctor & with a medical form (with the diagnosis) where you are?

Here that's the only way a client can be accepted in an acredited centre.

Glad to hear how much it has helped you though:)

[cyberpunkgrrl]

Being that this is the first post for me here, this thread was very appropriate to respond to. I have 3 boys, 2 with autism, 1 non-verbal. What a tremendous potential for development these horses offer to my kids. Not only something to get excited over it has improved both of their communication skills, gross motor skills, etc., etc. The horses are so wonderful, and the people working with these kids are amazing! .

Isn't it wonderful? :) I'm so glad I posted about this, i didn't think there'd be anyone replying to it, but it makes me so happy to read about how horses have touched people's lives!

I've been having a hard time this week - working long hours, really tired which brings on my dyspraxia, which get me really frustrated, which makes me depressed and brings on my self-harm urges... Yet I went to see Molly today, had a laugh with her owner and had an amazing schooling session (she is such a beautiful girl, I am so lucky to have such a darling on loan!) I feel on top of the world, still, and feel "charged" again, ready to face next week :D

I do feel so lucky sometimes, and it's wonderful to hear others' stories as well :)

[snakes1989]

i have a anxiety disorderd(not sure if that counts as a disabilaty) and i used to get soo anxious(shaking etc) about really silly things but since i started horse riding i feel so much better so much so my medication has been lowerd which is really good. anyway im more scared traveling in a car than on a horse nowdays soo yeah 'goo horse riding :D .

[stormy's mum]

ya riding definitely helps me relax when i get stressed from school i get very anxious shaky heart pounding etc then i go just see the horses and i relax lots

[Maz:)]

I have CP and that doesnt stop me riding its just i lean to the left more than the right :):D :p

[mogadoga]

Raingodz- i am not dyslexic (sp?) and i too muddle up left and right, i can tell people to go left and right etc, but when someone says it too me i have to really think, then at last min guess lol!

A girl came to the shop who had dyspraxia. Her *works it out* left side was practically impbile, and the school she was at (was not a rda though) would not allow her to mount from the right!! :shock: But she is now very happy sinse we told her of an RDA centre.

Im not disabled in the eye of the government etc, but i am in certain aspects with chronic back pain. Ive always had it, but its worsened with an accident, and i struggle often, and mounting is impossible on a bad day- although if i could get on it does me wonders! So it is a catch 22 :sigh:

I love reading these posts, i hear people winge daily about a sprained leg etc, and i feel i cant complain/compare with my back, but some things in these posts would amaze some. G2g money is running out im on my holls lol xx

[Dawn_connie]

Horses help all the family. Me to get over what happened, my son as physio and my other son as a way to spend time away from the stress at home.

Gratefull to our Connie!

[x.fat-pony.x]

I hope nobody minds me posting in here because I don't count myself as disabled exactly, but I've had diabetes for nine years and i've had depression...mixed with an eating disorder since I was thirteen..(four years).

In no way can I compare it to how debilitating a physical disability must be but riding has been a big help/thing to look forward to when things haven't been so great recently. So yes, hurrah for riding :)

Snap! Apparently diabetes is a disabilitly - my mum gets disability living allowance as I have it, and it does interfere with daily life:)
I also have kidney problems as I abused my diabetes when i was younger, had constant high sugar levels and it has taken its toll :(
but riding definately helps, even if it means carrying around a bumbag filled with biscuits and dextrose tablets! :D

I also had an eating disorder problem when I was first diagnosed. I'm over it now but if people say anything weight related it still affects me quite badly. I also suffer from teenage arthritis and mild athsma.

[Abserd]

Hello, this is my first post to any message board! :D I have RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) in both arms, wrists, hands, fingers due to hypermobility (stretchy joints!) and also depression (not related to RSI). I have to be careful not to ride horses that are too strong as the reins just slip out my hands. Have really improved my confidence though, horses never judge. I have regular lessons at a riding school and hack out. No-one at the school knows about my depression but they know i have 'weak wrists' and can't carry heavy saddles for long. It's hard to reach to put them on the hooks in the tackroom. I'm short too which doesn't help! :o Have only had one jumping lesson so far, i started as a beginner in November 2005. Before that i last rode 10 years before but not much. I did pass my Riding & Road Safety exam first time in July last year - it was a boiling evening and i felt physically sick but was so proud of myself for passing. Not sure i'd want to go through all that again with any competitions but it was a great feeling! Really nice to hear about others who understand :)

[breuddwyd]

Hi to you all, after reading all the threads (is that what they are called?:confused: I have tears running down my face at the things you all suffer from, I feel very lucky now. To anyone who has balance problems or dizziness, along with hearing problems, it is worth asking about "menieres" disease, I have this on top of everythingelse, and you can fall over standing up:o people do think you are drunk, my husband does not like my riding out on my own (in case I forget where I live - lol) but I always tell where I think I am going. I think you are all very brave:)

[Afellpony]

Abserd, I too have RSI in both wrists - one of the delightful side effects of being a medical secretary for many years. I also have arthritis in my fingers. I worked at a London hospital and they put me off work for 3 months when it was first discovered that I had RSI (this was 4 years ago) and when I went back to work, they gave me an office on my own where I sat all day long for 6 months doing absolutely nothing. No one came near me all day (which suited me as I hated the people I worked with). I'm not going to say any more about them because it's boring. However, they went to great lengths to ignore the situation and put me in a job where I was 'persecuted' by a porter. I ignored him (I could have killed him) and the union got involved. Then they gave me the reception job dealing with the patients and doing the switchboard which was ok but not ideal as I didn't particularly like talking to the patients (a lot of them were a waste of space)! This went on for about 3/4 years when I finally won and they got rid of me a couple of months ago. However, it cost em!!!I manage to ride because Falcon was broken in and by a natural horsemanship trainer in Kent. He goes to body movement etc. However, he's got a soft mouth and I just need to feel on the reins and he slows down or stops. I dont know if he'd be like this when ridden with other horses as I never take him out with other horses.

[Abserd]

Hi Afellpony! was wondering if there'd be another RSI-er here! Sorry to hear of your work probs. I used to belong to a RSI forum but don't check it much now cos it's too depressing :/ and a lot of ppl there have suffered like u at work. Ppl don't understand cos they can't see the problem an so much work is done on pc's nowadays. I bizarrely started with my probs. at school, had extra time in exams etc. Said i'd never end up workin in an office but that's exactly what i do! It's a disability helpline tho, so luckily i can take as many breaks as i need and get special equipment from the Jobcentre. So what u doin now? Hope u find something better. How do u manage ridin? Sorry i've not been around here long so don't kno if u hav ** own horse or what. One of the horses in my RS is calm to ride but has a habit of constantly putting her head down, really causes me to ache and lose concentration so i can't ride her in a lesson. She's not too bad on a hack cos she's less bothered about unseating me but she's always trying to eat something or other so again pulling her away is hard! I worry tht i'll always hav to ride the older more docile horses as i won't be able to control them. But i'm still a newbie really an only ride once a week. Any aches an pains from sitting at this pc go after an hour riding. Lovely!

[Silvia]

Hi Abersed,
could you please not write in text speak. I find it difficult to understand because English is not my first language. :)

[Afellpony]

They couldn't find a job to suit me after 3 years of doing nothing....So they asked me what they should do with me - and, I told them to make me redundant which they gladly did - and they had to pay compensation for the way I was treated. Hospitals' mantra as regards their staff, patients and other peeps is 'putting people first'. They have got to be joking. You wouldn't get me to go back (even as a patient) to one of their hospitals, I'd take myself down to the vets' surgery. At least they're cleaner. Actually I'm not doing anything at the moment but have been along to our local job centre and the lady I saw is looking for a job for me. I'm also looking but I dont want to go back up to London to work.:eek:

[Abserd]

Hi Abersed,
could you please not write in text speak. I find it difficult to understand because English is not my first language. :)
Silvia,

So sorry i didn't mean to make it difficult for you. I think that i always try to shorten words so that i don't have to type too much as too much typing makes my hands hurt!! The ironic thing is, i can touch type so at least i can type quickly and say a lot before it gets too painful.

Such is life :)

[D&D]

as most of you know ;) i have no feeling in my left leg below my knee, no ankle movement and all the joints taken out of left toes which means they dont move or help me balance :rolleyes: born with abnormal bone growth in left side had 13 breaks to tib and fib (op's not riding accidents :D ) and now have osteo

riding saved my leg though (literally) although if break below knee will loose lower leg (literally) but i more worried about back and neck now with osteo - cant replace that with plastic ;)

i ride Drummer, hack, sj lots (love jumping) fun rides and considering small xc this year as something i want to experience on D, if only even the once :)

bit hard to ride re position of foot and cant do the 'heels down' but learnt where leg is now using feeling in the knee - dont hurt when i fall on left leg as no feeling, but bruises well and i lap up the TLC :D

[XxTraceyxX]

Oh My God Guys! Your stories are amazing! you've all been through soo much, Im classed as having a disability, im completely deaf in my Right ear and only have modarte hearing in my left, i wear a hearing aid but there is a chance as i get older i might loose my hearing all together.

I also have a curved spine and have uneven seat bones so i kind of twist in the saddle which makes my back hurt, the doctors may see about putting a metal rod in my back to straigten my spine out but it could leave me disabled.
I have been to college and enjoyed it i did what i wanted and noone treated me differently unlike at school where i was buillied for being quite quiet, and in september im hopfully going to do countryside management at my local college :) I would love to become an RDA Instructor anyone got any information about it??

Thanks :D

XxTJxX

[horse_converted]

XxtraceyxX it is great to hear that you would llike to become a RDA instructor. I say you should go for it. :D It never hurts to try. I volateer at my local RDA. I just love seeing how happy it makes the kids to be riding. :D

[sweet_tara]

hey! i have ataxia,dyspraxia,fibromyalgia, a touch of dyslexia, no hearing in right ear(left ear not brilliant neither) plus visual problems all due to mitochondrial myopathy( rare progressive genetic disorder that only a few people in uk have ). my local rda group in glasgow have relaly helped me so much. my balance and coordination has and is still improving,my spatial awarenes sis better and oi am a lot more confident! i love the horses especially tara and really enjoy doing her tack:)

[Secret Someone]

I actually started riding at an RDA about a year and a half ago, but eventually was very lucky and have been well enough to ride at a mainstream riding school. I have various physical and mental health problems, but the reason I started riding at my local RDA was because for ten years I'd had severe M.E. When I started riding there I could only walk a little way after having not been able to stand and being 100% wheelchair bound for five years, plus bedridden (unable to sit up or eat/drink) for a year and a half.

Riding has done absolutely AMAZING and incredible things for me. It has improved my stamina, my muscles and balance, and also helps me cope with mental health problems (I decided to ride after getting out of a psych ward after 8 months due to severe depression and anorexia). When I started to get better, I helped out at my local RDA for a few months, before deciding to move on. My first non-disabled riding lessons were really tough. I used to come home and be in bed for five hours each time, and be unable to do much else for a week. I loved it so much though that to me it was worth it. As for now, I am still poorly, but I ride regularly and actually find it makes me feel energetic! I can now walk and run and play with my dog which means the absolute world to me. I can't imagine how my life would've been or could be without riding. I adore it so much!

Okay, that was a babble! I'm just feeling really happy about how far I've come and fancied sharing. :p

[Afellpony]

It really humbled me to read of everyone else's disabilities. My arthritic knees and hips are through me having to walk long distances to work from the station (I could have got the underground but I cant ride on it). Also, I think it could be inherited through my mother's line and she herself and her mother had arthritis. Her hands (in the end) were bent like claws.

[ShariN]

Nikki that is wonderful!! I love hearing how riding helps people.:D

I am still hoping and waiting..until I am able to sit on my horse the next time.
Hearing how everyone else is doing and trying to ride.. makes me want to try again.
If the rain ever stops this weekend... I will sit on Dyfra.

[Abserd]

Hi Nikki and welcome! It's great that riding helps so much with physical problems and also with mental health probs. Me and my OH have depression (I also have RSI & IBS). We have on and off days. This weekend was definitely off! But i really look forward to my time at the stables, just the horsy smell when i arrive makes me feel better and all the stressful stuff from the day fades away. I've got my second week of progressive riding on Tuesday night, 1 hr stable management and 1 hr riding. I'm exhausted but happy by the end and it's what i need to keep me going through a week of work. Also, coming on here and reading what other people have been up to and how they are coping makes me realise i'm not alone. So glad i found this board! Keep smiling everyone :)

[Afellpony]

Deleted as message too short.

[Gemsluvshorsesx]

Well after reading everyone's posts, I guess I'll have to retract my statement about me not having a disability:o Compared to others, what I have probably doesn't compare.

I was deaf at a young age from frequent ear infections. There is still some loss but not enough to warrant a hearing aid.

I also have osteoarthritis in one of my hips & am awaiting to get an arthroscopy to give my hip a little more time before I get the inevitable hip replacement.

I have other problems which I am dealing with and and yes it is all frustrating & I hide it from everyone unless someone notices or asks.

I guess with me, as long as it isn't a safety issue for my clients, I tell them I don't really have a disability compared to theirs.:)


I had ankle arthroscopy a few weeks ago. I wouldnt hesitate to have it done again. I should be able to ride again in the next month!!! *finally* Athroscopie are a godsend. You suffer minimal pain after, none when its healing and usually you can return quickly to stuff like riding.

Anyway, I might have said this before, but I have spina bifida which in itself doesnt affect my riding, only the nerve damage caused by it to my feet, so my feet jangle in the irons and I lose the feeling (and my irons, often). I also have arthritis in Left Ankle Joint, but the arthroscopy has made A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE. I feel like a new person!

[PurpleHammer]

I hope you all don't mind me joining in on this thread, but I can't help making a comment or two. :cool:

I am what most people would consider to have multiple disabilities, or at least, multiple health problems that affect my riding. I am legally blind due to being born with cataracts and glaucoma (I have 20/200 vision in both eyes with correction - that is why I have the font so big here), I have a moderately-severe hearing loss (25% loss in the left ear, 50% loss in my right), insulin-dependent diabetes, asthma (mostly this affects me in the wintertime), arthritis of the lower back due to a MVA and at one time had to have surgery to remove a pilonidal cyst (if you've ever had one of those, you know that it is very painful, especially sitting!). I have some other minor problems, but they don't affect my ability to ride as much as the ones I've listed above.

As the posts on this thread show, horses have made an impact on all of our lives. Whether you have a disability and/or a health problem or two or are "normal," we all have problems, bad days and/or challenges in life. Horses are a silver lining in all of that for those that love and enjoy being around them. See, even though we all have differences, we're not so different after all. :D

I enjoy my time at the stables, try my best to improve my skills each time I ride and look forward to the next chance I get to be around the horses that've taken care of me so far. IMHO, that is all anyone can ask for of something they enjoy doing. It seems that our equine friends have helped us learn that lesson. Too bad everyone else can't learn it from such a good teacher. :p

I ride in practices with and compete against "normal" people, and love the fact that I am on (or am near) an "equal footing" with those who have no health problems or physical limitations whatsoever. I guess what I love best about this whole sitiuation is that most people cannot as easily tell the extent of my physical limitations and health problems when I ride. There was one show I competed in a few years back that the judge accidently found out a disabled rider was in my class. The surprise was that the judge ended up thinking that it was someone else and that I was the "normal" one! :eek: ;) :D

I have an idea/suggestion for those who have some type of a hearing loss while riding to try. When I'm practicing, my instructor communicates with me by a walkie-talkie. I have my walkie-talkie attached to a belt and I use an single-ear headphone in my better ear. (Cell phone earpieces work great for this, especially since they don't have to go directly in my ear and they usually have a plastic part to put behind your ear so it doesn't easily fall out.) It saves my instructor from losing her voice, and I can hear any instructions she's giving me regardless of what gait I'm on or where I am in the arena. Of course, this requires that you are with at leat one other person (and that second person needs at least one hand free), and it eats up batteries, but I've found it to be very useful. Perhaps this might help one of you as well?

[Abserd]

Hello Purple Hammer and welcome! Don't worry your font is not too big here, hope you can read this ok too :) So glad to hear how horses can affect people's lives in such a positive way. I'm off sick today (just a virus i hope) but although i'm off work, i'm still going to go to my riding lesson tomorrow night! :D 'My' horses get me through my week...

[horse_converted]

hI purple hammer. welcome to NR! :D :D i am glad that you are loving horse riding. i am visually inppaired myself. i have only 5% sight left now i went blind in my right eye last year. that is when i had to gave up my other passion in life which was dirt bike riding. but i had already been riding for a few months. so i just kept on going with it and glad i have too :D. i just got my first horse a few weeks back and can't wait to have her closer to me. i am hoping to get to the 2012 paralympics all going well lol. if not so be it but i will do my best to get there though

look forward to hearing more aobut your riding adventures

[PurpleHammer]

Thanks for all the greetings and well-wishes! :)

How do you qualify for the paraolympics?

[izzysmycat]

Hi! I didn't think of mysalf as 'disabled' until a year ago when My arm was partially severed in a riding accident. I now have no feeling in my left arm from the elbow down. However I have suffered for a long time with and eating disorder which has caused bone thinning, OCD, PTSD and Bipolar I Disorder. Compared to that lot my arm is a hoot!! Jo x

[weelass]

I have skeletal displaysia which basically means alot of my bones arent where they should be lol for instance i have a curved spine,extra ribs on one side of my rib cage and less on the other,a club foot,im of short stature mainly because of my curved spine and my hips sit at an angle.

walking has always been a difficulty for me, i used a wheelchair throughout my childhood but through my own stubborness when i got to teenage years 'i wanted to be like everyone else' so ditched the wheelchair and just got on with it.

Ive always loved animals and like others have said they have really helped me through some bad times,when other kids didnt really accept me or i was bullied i always had the horses to go up to and forget about it all because horses and other animals dont care what u look like or what u can and cant do.
Also being able to ride gave me a new sense of freedom because obviously walking could be painful for me and im very slow so being up there on a horse gave me a new lease of life.

[Afellpony]

Still trying to get some sort of job. Several agencies I've phoned up to enquire about jobs and during the conversation, I've mentioned that I have a disability. When they hear that, they tend to say they cant help me, or "We have nothing in at present". When I know they have.

[iccle_me]

hi i guess i never really considered myself disabled untill i read this either

im an insulin dependant diabetic, ive got severe scoliosis of the spine ( it curves sharply forward and to the left wich makes me wonkey!!) i also suffer depression and i selfharm wich somedays makes it nearly impossible to get out of bed somedas, but knowing the horses are there and need feeding ect makes me get up and get on with it. even if doing the horses is all i do.

i really dont know what id do without jenny. she really is my lifeline