Trying to ride again... battling why I stopped originally

[Lindsayanne]

Does anyone else here struggle with allergies to horses? I was MAD horse-crazy as a teenager and because of terrible, terrible allergies could only ride a few times a year- totally doped up on antihistamies.

As an adult, I've learned about the American Curly Horse, which doesn't cause allergies like other horses. And feel that old dream reawakened by a new opportunity. Problem is there are only about 2,000 in the usa- the closest farm being about 3 hours away.

I'm of course completely terrified of the prospect of buying a horse and having no idea how to ride or care for it... but learning the basics on any other horse is impossible. It's totally a catch 22! What can I do?

I've gained a lot in the last few years too, I'm about 220lbs (almost 16 stones for you all :) and though I've been dieting still really fear I might be too heavy to ride.

Any encouragement or ideas?

[eventerbabe]

you are most definately NOT too heavy to ride, don't worry about that :) as for the allergies, i can't be of much help there. my boyfriends nephew had to stop riding for the disabled coz of an allergy to horses and he still can't go near them. definately go and check out this farm. nothing ventured, nothing gained. good luck :)

[lisae]

I would talk to the breeding farm and see if they can arrange to lease you a suitably trained Curly. I would then talk to my local 4H or pony club and arrange a half-share with a child or teen in your area who is knowlegable/been doing it but can't afford a horse. Logistics might be hard to work out but that way you have an out (return the lease horse) and some help.

I have developed allergies to the horses shedding out in the spring but there's always Allegra D! It passes when the summer coats are all in.

[AnneS]

I have a colleague who is allergic to horses too and he has two American Curlies.

One thing came to my mind:
If you buy one: where will the Curly live?
If you have it in a yard with other horses you probably will react allergic to these other horses.
If you want to have it in your own place, you need another one for company.

[Lenvale]

Message deleted

[Lindsayanne]

I hadn't even thought about leasing a horse! Duh. I suppose I could lease a bombproof old horse to learn the ropes on and "trade up" when I was ready! What a great idea! I'm planning on boarding- I should be okay with other horses in the vicinity as long as the culy spends most of his time outdoors (from what I've read, it's where they prefer to be year round anyway) As long as I don't touch a regular horse and can stay in a well ventilated area I'm fine except for a little bit of watering eyes. So I have to find a facility with an outdoor area and only train in nice weather. :(

Oh! I think I am just the opposite- the more I was around horses as a kid the worse it got. - Not only just wheezing and coughing but any exposed skin that came in contact with the horse would develop hives in a matter of minutes. Ugh. I HAVE been in contact with a few curlies, though, with no problems.- isn't that amazing?

So how tall should a horse be to carry me comfortably? Curlies run about 14.3-15.2 - is that okay or should I look for a larger one or a curly cross?

[mayS]

Sorry for what might be a stupid question, but are you sure it's the horse himself that's causing the allergy? Or could it be something in the barn you visited like hay, normal barn dust, dust/allergens on the horse's coat from other sources, stall bedding, etc? Was there hay being stored in the barn when you had your allergy attack?

If it was something besides the horse himself, perhaps it could be minimized. Is there any way a doctor could test to identify the exact allergen?

[denise42]

What I have seen in my experience with patients with allergies, is a couple of things. One have you been tested to find out what about the horse is causing the allergy. Dust , hair , dander ? This can make a huge difference in how you treat the allergy. Also a lot of patients don't know about injections.
My friend is highly allergic to dogs ( she has 3 ) and horses ( she has 2 )
She goes for shots once per month. She simply told her doctor, to think of her pets as dust, and told him to help her find a way to deal with it. And it works for her. You most likley knew all this before but just in case I wanted to share it with you.

[Suzy-Q]

I've had a similar experience - apart from I only developed my allergy as an adult - how annoying!! :mad:

I rode for 10yrs as a child, had an 8 yr break and on my first lesson back had a horrendous allergic reactin - was completely bloked up, couldn't taste and looked like I'd been punched in the face!

So..I tried an over-the-counter antihistamine that made no difference, so I then went to my doctor to see about posibly getting stronger ones.

He was unbelievably unhelpful and advised me to 'stay away from horses' - why didn't I think of that?! :rolleyes:

He flat-out refused to help me and when I asked about injections he said that they were dangerous and he strongly advised against it.

Afte that I went to the pharmacist who was much more helpful and explained about different types of antihistamines and gave me one with a built-in decongestant which, so far, ha worked! (Had to double-up on the dose though, shhh!) Anyway, I'm hoping that in time I can reduce the antihistamines and develop a resistance - fingers crossed.

I wish we had curlie here as I'd love to get my own horse. I think there's a breeder in Scotland but I've never seen any advertised to buy. Have you tried different antihistamines? Good luck with the Curly - let us know what happens!
:)

[ponypal13]

I`d go for the Curly cross with a Connemara, 15 hands upwards, and that would take any weight from Pavarotti to you or me.That would be a strong and robust breed and would rid your conscience of being overweight on your mount. The other thing is, it depends on how far you`re riding...

[Sarah-B]

First of all, you're not too heavy to ride - I've got 2 stones on you and I ride!!

Secondly, are you sure your allergies are as bad now? It is possible that you have "grown out of" the worst of it. I have allergies and mine are far better now than when I was a child/teenager.

I am allergic to horses, cats and dogs and have all three - I have also found that living with them desensitises you somewhat.

I used to be wheezy/itchy/sneezy just in the presence of horses - but now unless TC is moulting and I groom so the hair flies about I'm OK. I also find hay sets me off real bad, so you may find that it's not actually the horse thats the problem.

I also get a terrible rash when TC kisses or grooms my bare skin - but hey, horse snogs are well worth that!!

[Whatanejit]

Gosh this is an old thread!

[Little Dolphins]

Yep, W'jit, I'm confused! Wonder what happened next....?

[Whatanejit]

Yep, W'jit, I'm confused! Wonder what happened next....?

.........at the Curly yard!

Did Lindsayanne get her dream horse?

Did she have her allergy tested by the steaming Dr. Burton with the bright blue eyes?

Did she agree to the monthly injections just to get the chance to look into those eyes monthly?

Tune in soon.............................

xx

Dee

[Imp]

Check out her post on 30th September... she has her curly horses *ahhhh* :p