Riding with Scoliosis

[Tootsie4U]

Put this in the mature section as I think the effects of scoliosis (curvature of the spine - human) may be more pertinent to the more mature riders out there.

Basically, Im wondering if scoliosis can negatively affect a persons ability to ride. I have scoliosis and I suspect its bad enough to cause me some painful nights, but I try to not let it get in my way of doing things. But, I do wonder if its related to my inability to obtain an independant seat. Its not too bad, I only have a slight curvature but would that be enough to make riding tasks a bit more difficult?

As I understand it, Sally Swift got her start because she was diagnosed with Scoliosis. So, Im begining to focus a bit on her Centered Riding techniques to hopefully assist me.

I'd like to know if anyone else out there has this problem and what sort of effect it has had. If you yourself do not have Scoliosis, do you know of another rider who does and how they cope?

[notpoodle]

I have scolliosis, too (not too drastic though). doctor said riding was actually very good for my back :D on the down side, my whole body is a little skew-whiff thanks to my superbly bent spine ... which makes sitting straight and correctly a little harder sometimes.

julia
x

[Wally]

Pm Monty she's a trained orthopaedic nurse who has experience of this problem, she'll be able to really give you the lo down.

[Turns]

I too have a mild scoliosis, as a result of the scoliosis my pelvis can get out of alignment which means one hip drops lower than the other.

I have a great naturapath who did some work on the ligaments down the affected side which fixed up the imbalance and after that I got back into riding. That was 6 months ago. I have found that riding is doing wonders for my back. I find it a bit painful to sit up straight in a chair but have no probs doing it in the saddle.

[Tor&Warrior]

I have it. I find it hard to ride with out stirrups especially on a wobbly horse as I'm already lop sided as it is!! I also get told to sit up and sit straight all the time when I am doing the best I can physically do!! I always tell my instructors but alot of them just think I'm making it up especially at college they think I'm saying it just to get out of doing thins which really annoys me.

[kedwards]

While I don't have any first-hand experience, I seem to recall that Sally Swift benefited from someone who taught her the Alexander Technique. Perhaps it would be worth seeing if you can find a practitioner in your area?

[sallym]

I too have a slight scoliosis which was diagnosed when I had a chiropractor check up a year ago. I don't think it makes any difference to my riding. Interestingly, one of the tests they do is to stand you with each foot on a different weight scale to see how your weight is distributed. Mine was exactly equal, which I put down to riding! I have worked very hard on my position and instructors have told me it's good and they can't see any obvious crookedness in my riding or the horse's way of going.

I found Sally Swift's book HUGELY helpful in improving my position (I was not having any instruction at the time and was doing it on my own). I think it doesn't suit everyone as it relies quite a lot on imagery - it depends on how your brain works, but I can honestly say it transformed my riding.

Good luck if you decide to give it a go!

Best wishes

Sally