Insult to Injury! (bit of a grump!)

[Faerie Rider]

Quick recap for those of you who don't know what happened last week...got thrown by 100% bombproof horse who shied at something..have fractured my spine and am not allowed to ride again ever.:mad:

So not only am I not allowed to ride again..not only do I look like C3PO from Star Wars...(large metal back brace)..which I have to wear for who knows how long...(kids keep asking where they can hang the baubles and tinsel on it...got to love them.:) Has Stables rung to see how I am...No! Am feeling a tadge stroppy and more than a little hurt I mean I did help out there 2 mornings a week..I did hurt myself whilst exercising a horse for them...luckily I don't own my own. would it of hurt them to pick up the phone and say how are you doing..?

It's beginning to sink in now ..got a bit teary looking at NR the other day..kept thing thank God I was in the menage..rubber landing...would I of done as much damage if I had a body protector on?..probably as I wasn't dragged just landed flat...and then later was reading some stuff up about fractures and realise that actually I am lucky to still be walking.:o
My heart still aches when I think about it but I suppose that will pass with time..at least i got to fulfill the dream that I had since being a little girl and got to ride.:D


Anyway love and hugs to all...please be careful.
Have a wonderful Christmas
lol
FR;)

[VickiGG]

OMG - how terrible - you poor thing. You must be heart broken.... why do they say you can't ride again?

[teabiscuit]

you had rotten luck FR, you deserve hugs and lots of tea and sympathy

i'm sorry your riding school hasn't had teh courtesy to ring up and find out how you're getting on

i wonder if they're terrified you'll take things further and are trying to avoid you/the issue?


xxx ((((sending tea and sympathy ))))

[Deana]

I am so sorry FR you are feeling so low.

How awful for the RS not to even give a quick call to check on how you are.

You take care. xxx

[Bobbin]

Oh you poor thing. I'm so sorry for you, these things can happen at the most unpredictable times.

I' d be so hurt if the yard hadn't phoned me, but hey now't as queer as folk.

Love and Kisses from Karen and snuffles and slobber from Bry

xx

[Faerie Rider]

Aww you lovely bunch of sweeties!!!!xxxxxxxxxxxx

Hi VickiGG ..I can't ride because the bone I have fractured is in my spine and if I hit it again it will go (Dr's words) and with 2 small ones I can't take the risk.

As to the Stables am disappointed as it doesn't take a moment does it to pick up the phone and the YO is my RI..never mind I shall try and get down there next week to drop their Xmas card off..interesting to see what they say then.

lol
FR

[Big Ears]

so sorry to hear of your injury, medics are always over pessimistic at the outset so things may not be quite as bad as they fear, in time

the yard not ringing, probably embarassment and also scared that you are going to sue them for the injury and launch a big compensation claim, so they may have talked to their lawyers/insurers who have advised them not to call you in case they say something inadvertently which says they are liable etc. that may be part of it.

i am recovering from broken ribs from a fall so i sympathise, i was just luckier, landed better than you.

[Tots N Dots]

I can't ride because the bone I have have fracture is in my spine and if I hit it again it will go (Dr's words) and with 2 small ones I can't take the risk.

ohhh I do feel for you, I feel awfull to say but I am one of the ones who is taking that risk having 2 little kids :o , might you not get the go ahead again in the future when it has healed? at least that would be something to aim for? :o

I damaged 2 of the vertebrae and 3 of the disks in my back, right between my shoulder blades, just over 12 years ago now, It pulled my spinal cord out of line and I was unable to feel my legs for 6 weeks. I have been told never to get on a horse again :o
I do still have problems now and again, but touch wood, am doing very well.
i actually have more problems with my confidence than my back when it comes to riding, but then my physio thinks I have a old quiet plod ;) not a 3 year old half Arab :eek: :D :D

I suppose its the fact I am a great believer in fate, what is ment to happen will? well thats my idea and I am sticking to it ;) I know I am very silly to ride.

I do hope things work out ok for you and you feel much better soon,
sending {{{hugs}}} and good vibes your way :)
Good luck ;)

[Denbenj]

Well I guess theres only one thing for it

Your going to have to take up horse Driving!!


On a more serious note I expect legalites are something the yard is worried about. I at a point in my life found out where I was working I wasnt insured for some of the certain horses ( youngsters) I was using!! Not funny when public are involved.

It may be an idea to call the yard and discuss what had happened and get everything out in the open.. Just remember tho Know horse is 100% bomb proof..they have there own minds and ideas!
I recently rode something that could be described to as a LAZY LUMP OF LARD!! But ' bombproof' I dont think he would flap if a bomb did liturally go of next to him!

Took him out for a hack! Well he Reared and bucked, farted and tanked of!!!!( for a whole 30 strides lol)


when I told everyone they were like WHAT OH MY GOD!!!!! NOT HIM!!!!!

We all know the risks when riding, and unless the horse was totally misdescribed I think it was just an unfortunate accident.

I hope you recover quick, and hopefully pull through to ride again, you certainley sound lucky in the fact it wasnt any worse.

All the best

Lenny x

[Afellpony]

I wish you well and am sending good vibes......(((((((((((((((Good Vibes)))))))))))))))

[Little Dolphins]

D'you know what? That STINKS! And at the darkest time of the year, too!
FR, I admire you for sounding so philosophical and looking on th bright side etc.
This is a great repayment for your yard-help, I must say.

:mad:

Would you like us all to come to your place with lots of pressies and make you a nice cuppa tea? I wish we could, but rest assured we're doing it, virtually:D

LD xxx

[RustyMary]

Big (((((hugs))))) for you FR, from Slovenia. I was just wondering this morning how you were doing.Things are always at their worst at this time of year - who knows what the doctors may say in the spring? Thinking of you.

[Rhein]

So sorry to hear your news. I can imagine just how down you are feeling at the moment. After a spinal injury when I was a teenager, I had to spend two years in a backbrace (and in and out of hospital) - and I know how horrid it is. Hang in there. You WILL get better. I had to give up riding (and everything else) too :(.

You don't say where your fracture is or what sort - but they do heal. Depending on your age and general bone condition it is possible that your fracture will heal well enough to enable you to ride again one day. At the moment you need to give yourself time to heal and to get through the next few months. Only after that you should perhaps reconsider whether you i) want to go back to riding (as opposed to driving or grooming, or taking up another outdoor sport and ii) can go back to riding. You can revisit your doctor and get another opinion and an x-ray/bone scan to see how your fracture has healed (or not).

You must be feeling really down..................... poor you. But, honestly, give it time and you will feel better about things and find a way to still do something you enjoy.

I have restarted riding in the last few years (and returned to wearing my back brace to do it in - just in case :rolleyes: ), and I am coping fine. Of course the thought of falling off does worry me more now than it did before. But I suspect a part of that is old age, and an understanding of one's mortality as well as not wishing to have to give up my line of work if I were injured - as much as the fact that I have a dodgy back :p .

Right now I'm sure your doctors advice is correct - you shouldn't ride again. But that doesn't mean that in time (be that months or even years), that the advice might be different. Wait until you're all healed up and ask again :)

In the meantime, I think driving does sound like a fun hobby to get into :D :D

[*Sez*]

Big (((HUGS))).
I'm another one who has been asked on many occasions by medical professionals why I am still riding :o , but I always have the comeback of "non-weight bearing exercise", "muscle toning", etc, which has so far kept me in the saddle ;) . I hope you're feeling much better soon! My best friend has recently broken her arm and is unable to ride until January/February, and she is missing it terribly... I can't imagine how awful it must be to be told you can't ever ride again :(

Sending good vibes your way!

[millie n pride]

Sorry to hear your bad news :(

My friend fractured her spine about 2 years ago and she had to sell her pony who she had had for 4 years. She had taught him so much, it must have been awful.

Is there any chance you might be able to ride again at all?

[Faerie Rider]

So many lovely wishes from you all! Cheers everyone!:D

I go back to the fracture clinic in january and will see what he says then they told me it was 3 month for the recovery at least and about the no riding. I suppose I'll just have to see how it heals and how it will affect my arthritis and vice versa.

I have decided no more brooding what ifs..I can't change what happened..at least it wasn't something I did. Time to find a big glttery Christmas badge and stick it on the front of the brace I think...:D maybe I can even get a musical one!!!:D

For the time being I shall stick to painting which doesn't envolve anything moving and get round to doing that set of horsey piccies I have had whizzing round my head for the last few months and just wait and see what the new year brings!

lol
FR

[teabiscuit]

please post us some piccys of your art work-i'd love to see them :)

[Trewsers]

OMG! I am soo so sorry for you - it must be heartbreaking. I too have clung to my childhood memories of riding - and realised my dream aged 34 - it only took 20 odd years to get back on board. I am always aware of the dangers and risks - its one of my phobias - yet I love my horses and couldn't go back to not riding. Well, I guess not unless forced to give up like you! I really feel for you - and I too would be upset if the yard hadn't rung me either. Look after yourself, it must feel like the end of the world - perhaps one day you can at least be lead reined on a horse (it would be better than nothing I'm guessing). Take care and look after yourself. Sending you tons of sypmathy and if you want to moan in earnest, feel free to pm me anytime.
Trewsers xxxxxxxx

[Accy]

such a horrid thing to happen, my heart goes out to you makes my arm being stood on last night pale into nothingness!

Have you thought about taking up driving ? at least you will still be around horses that way and maybe when you heal somewhat maybe a miricle might happen,

Wishing you all the best

[Faerie Rider]

[QUOTE such a horrid thing to happen, my heart goes out to you makes my arm being stood on last night pale into nothingness!/QUOTE]

OMG!!! that sounds painful!!! What on earth happened...??? Don't worry about me am up to eyeballs on happy clappy pills so am not in huge amount of pain was just feeling a bit sorry for myself this morn...am feeling alot better now after all the lovely wishes I have had from everybody at NR

So Accy ...how did your arm get stood on?
lol
FR

[Tots N Dots]

For the time being I shall stick to painting which doesn't envolve anything moving and get round to doing that set of horsey piccies I have had whizzing round my head for the last few months and just wait and see what the new year brings!


good on you ;)
if your that way inclined if you want to do a painting of Pickle? :D :D :D :cool:
would pay :D

[Skib]

First, I am really sorry about your fall.
Second, I sympathise about the yard not asking after you.
I guess this is typical of the way modern insurance puts pressure on yards and relationships at yards. And some of the responsibility lies with clients who sue the nicest yards and teachers? There is no mutual trust and respect any more.
I fell off in October. It was entered in the book that I was not hurt. My back is still not back to normal - aged normal though that Even when I rang to cancel lessons?

On the medical side, I agree most falls in a school dont hurt. But since I last fell off in a school, I have worn my body protector whenver I get on a horse. It is a bit late to tell you that now, but I would consider wearing one in future. Always.

I know at the moment you have been told there is to be no future riding for you. But health things need to be taken slowly day by day.
As time passes and your spine heals you may want to consider the possibilities again. No doctor will authorise riding for you at the moment, but equally no one not even a doctor can predict how things will be for you a year from now. Or five years.

And if you always wore a body protector.

In the end some of us, if we want to ride, have to do it on our own judgement and not on the doctors' advice. Tots and dots says it is silly to ride. Yes and no. Depends on the degree of risk to added to what is already a "silly" risk activity. getting on a horse is dangerous. But the physical risk for some of us is worth taking for the mental balance and pleasure it brings.

I cant tell you now how it will be for you five years from now. But hope and intention is a fine thing. It is easy when one stops riding after a fall to put on weight, and get unfit. Instead, look after yourself as if you were a valuable horse. Keep yourself as fit and trim as you are now.

And try not to be angry with the riding school. I was and to some extent still am furious. Because it is worse when you have previously got on well at a yard. For someone like you who worked with these people and knew them and were on good terms with them.
Be comforted, this is not personal to you and it was not your fault. From the school's point of view every time a client falls it is from their safest horse and anyway all horses are unpredictable. And the client is to blame. Maybe you weer an employee? I am not sure? But that could add to their nervousness and not wanting to know?

But just as when you ride a horse, you take charge of it. The same way, when one falls one has to take charge of one's own story. What happened, happened to you on a horse you know. The story does not belong to the riding school and its lawyers.
And I join those who say (and hope) that the ending may not be as bleak as you presently fear.

[Accy]

Whithout hi jacking the thread FR i was jumping fell off and his foot and my arm connected, in no way as severe.

My heart just goes out to you

[Faerie Rider]

Hi Skib...Am not so much angry with the Stables as disappointed-wasn't an employee..just helped out so I could learn a bit more. Thanks for your kind words as you say will just have to wait and see what the future holds...xx

Accy..that sounds really nasty..did you break anything?..don't worry about thread all are welcome....:D

Teabiscuit..am doing my best can't work out how to downsize file..am a bit of a technophobe! will ask hubby when he gets home and pm it to you..xx

lol
FR
xxx

[Bronya]

Hope it heals well and soon.

You may have to give up riding, but no one said you have to give up horses. You can show shetlands in hand, and enjoy all the grooming etc with no riding, you could drive, and there are other things to do with horses, all that groundwork to enjoy. It depends on how badly you've got the 'bug', but I know I'd want to stay involved even if I couldn't ride. One of my friends did roughly what you've done as a teenager. It does heal eventually, so take heart, the brace isn't for ever!

Regarding body protectors, I've given up wearing mine unless I have to in the school, as every time I fall off in it onto sand, I do myself more damage than I would otherwise with it on - the edges poke into the soft tissue of my back/side and it hurts for days and days. Without it, I roll, get up, and am usually unhurt. I have considered those racesafe (i think) ones with the lots of little pads - maybe they wouldn't....

Were you taught how to fall? I was, and roll instantly on landing (have also had LOTS of practice!). My OH wasn't, and only now after quite a few falls is he managing to fall without doing any damage, and that's off a 13.2hh pony! Are riding schools too worried to teach how to fall safely these days?

[jenren!!]

:(. Oh sh*t.

Hugs to you, must be such a sad time for you ((())))

[Gilly 101]

Are riding schools too worried to teach how to fall safely these days?

Hiya

The riding school at my yard do 'falling off practice' at the end of the lessons along with round the world and other games with the kids classes, they all love it and ask to do it.

Gill

[Tots N Dots]

Tots and dots says it is silly to ride. Yes and no. Depends on the degree of risk to added to what is already a "silly" risk activity. getting on a horse is dangerous. But the physical risk for some of us is worth taking for the mental balance and pleasure it brings.

can I just say I said I personally am silly to ride :D :D
but yes, my view is that if someone ran into the back of my car I (no matter what) have to come out on a spinal board, does it stop me driving? nope it doesnt ;) and I do a fair few miles :D

I do worry what would happen if I were to have a bad fall, but saying that it could happen regardless, even if I had never injured my back I could have a serious fall and I just tend to balance the odds ;)

[Faerie Rider]

Hi there

I am going to go down to the stables this week if I can get someone to drive me to say hello etc..I would like to stay involved but feel I should step back at the moment and concentrate on getting better...so maybe in the new year after I have spoken to the Dr again and found out what I can do..they might not want me there I suppose(stables that is)..but we shall see.

Was never taught how to fall..I remember just hitting the ground flat didn't get a chance to roll..it felt like I travelled trough the air a long way but I don't know couldn't move once I had connected with the ground..:o

It's one of those things isn't it ..when i told people that I couldn't ride..other than my DH and best mate (and you lovely lot on NR:D )..not one person said oh what a shame that you have to give up. That's why the support and lovely messages I have had from everyone on NR have meant so much...

Anyway love to all..good luck if you are out Christmas shopping today!!!
lol
FR
xxx

[Skib]

Regarding body protectors, I've given up wearing mine unless I have to in the school, as every time I fall off in it onto sand, I do myself more damage than I would otherwise with it on - the edges poke into the soft tissue of my back/side and it hurts for days and days. Without it, I roll, get up, and am usually unhurt. I have considered those racesafe (i think) ones with the lots of little pads - maybe they wouldn't....

Please don't be misled by individuals who believe that the marks left by the edge of a body protector after a fall prove that a body protector actually increases risk of injury. There is no evidence at all.
we have had recent threads pointing out that safety equipment can mark and bruise your body in an accident, e.g. safety harness when rock climbing. But the impact of the safety equipment, in our case the edge of the body protector which usually shows up immediately, is nothing compared to the injury that might have occurred if that same pressure had been brought to bear along the length of your spine.

I too have got up unhurt after two falls in the sand school with no bp. But that doesn't mean you will get up uninjured every time. My recent fall onto tarmac showed bruising by the edge of my bp. My spine and back covered by the bp took the major impact but was unharmed. Not a mark. The part of my spine below the bp, was badly bruised and is still stiff.
The crash of my lower spine onto the ground was bad enough for me to think, Now I shall be in a wheel chair. But I got up, and am sure it was thanks to my bp.

If you land on it and the edge marks you - count it as the minor cost of your preventing a major injury. Indeed that ridge which marks you probably helps to lift your lower back a little clear of the ground.

[KateWooten]

ow, FR, I'm so sorry to hear of your accident - what a nightmare - and things can happen so fast can't they ? One second you're fine, and the next on the ground - and it seems to be just luck of the draw sometimes whether we get injured or not. I'm sure my buddy's accident the other week, when she fell off joePony and broke her arm badly - she might not even have been injured if she'd have been on a more difficult horse, but because it was safe old joe she just wasn't expecting it :(

Anyways, hope all goes well with the riding school - just blaze on in there with your happy smile, and I bet the (gentle) hugs and sympathy will be right there - they're probably just embarrased, young, and not knowing what to say. Personally, I think it's poor form, I think the professional in charge should step up and go out of their way to call you with help and reassurance - but in any case, let's hope you find the appropriate tea and sympathy when you visit them. I can't believe how well you are taking it - good for you. I bet you'll be up and active before you know it ;)

[harryhorse11]

OOOh you poor thing, I hope you get better soon, there was a time when i thought I'd never ride again, after my back operation, but luckily now i'm better than I was before even though I was told i'd always be in pain,:D there is always hope, but make sure you get better first!

I expect the stables is worried you'll sue the backside off them!

I hope you have a lovely christmas despite everything:D

[mu0ljk]

Oh no. I'm seding lots of good vibes to you.

Take it easy and hopefully it will heal in time.

Big hug.

[NoviceNic]

FR - You make time for yourself and I hope that you recover quickly. I would be disappointed also if I hadnt received a friendly call from my yard if this had happened to me. I had a nasty fall last Summer and landed flat on my back with a huge thud. Its amazing how soft sand isnt in these circumstances.:eek: I suppose I should of gone to the Doctors but cringed through the pain for months. I was silly not to wear my BP. But since then I havent ridden without it. ;)

[nfamber]

Lots of big hugs to you!!!

[cazrider]

FaerieRider, what can I say? How awful for you. Huge hugs from Essex for you. :( I can understand how you must feel about the stables, expecially when you are inevitably feeling so low. However, as others have said, it may not be forever, but may be a matter of time.

And even if you can't ride, there are lots of other horsey things you can do. Driving, showing ponies, working with miniatures, painting horses (I'd love to see some of your work if at all possible:) ) to name but three. Scant compensation I know, but may help.

Like the idea of the musical glittery Christas badge.:D

[rohan]

FR so sorry to hear what happened. Hope things work out for you. Take time for yourself and get better. lots of hugs and good vibs to you and your family Have a happy christmas.

[Accy]

FR nothing broken but horrid bruising, still having trouble gripping anything, and bending my arm, really need to get back on and jump him again banish the demons that are building just thinking about it.

I hope the doctors give you positive news the next time you go..

[Dummer&Drummer]

aw poor you massive hugs and TLC xxx

i echo this and ride on this principal being another lady who is forbidden to ride... and does... and competes local xc and sj :) always with my BP, no matter what i am doing :)

I do worry what would happen if I were to have a bad fall, but saying that it could happen regardless, even if I had never injured my back I could have a serious fall and I just tend to balance the odds - i also go on this principal. i have osteo/moderate and this affects my spine and also a really gammy leg that i can never break and if i do i loose it :rolleyes: :) but i love it and again keep telling myself the above, it could happen to anyone with no medical background and also agree and argue the bouncy non weight bearing side of hte sport :)

[Chinarider]

Sorry to hear about your fall FR, hope with time you make a full recovery. My worst fall was when I was 6 months pregnant and decided while on a hen weekend to play rounders on the beach :eek: bit a great ball, went for a home run and fell flat on my face :rolleyes:

i my opinion horses are much safer than friends on hen weekends :p

get better soon

[ISH]

Can't really add to what others have said but I'm sending you lots of good luck vibes and hope you heal soon. I hope it isn't the end of riding for you. Stay positive.
I hope you have a nice Christmas with your family and that the New Year brings positive news :)

[fuglyjowls]

FR - so sorry to hear about your fall and that you won't be riding again. I've just fallen off again for the second time in a month and am seriously wondering whether I should just give up before I do myself a bad injury.

With regard to the stables though I do think they should have checked up on you regardless of whether they are worried about lawsuits etc. Both my recent falls were at my regular stables (one on a hack and one in a lesson) and were entered into the accident book and both times I have had two calls from the stables (one from ride leader/teacher and one from owner) to ask if I'm okay. It only takes two minutes to call.

Wishing you a speedy recovery.

[Faerie Rider]

Hiya..hope everyone is not too exhausted from a manic day Christmas Shopping!..Had a text from the Stables yesterday..so am very chuffed am popping down tomorrow to say hi...text was general about xmas get-together but I suspect that as alot of people have said they are worried that I am going to sue them...I wouldn't...from the replies that people have given me ..everybody seems to fall off :) I was just unlucky to land so badly..xx

Been a bizarre day today..went to hospital for checkup on eyes as I had some problems with a recurring condition I get..to be told I had fluid behind the eye and had to have a steroid injection into said eye..ewww!!!!:eek: Honestly talk about walking wounded I now have a glorious black eye forming to go with my back brace!!Oh Joy!!!! God help me when I go back to the fracture clinic in Jan!!!

Catch you all later
and thankyou all for your support
lol
FR
xx

[Greentchr]

FR, you are a real inspiration! I love your great attitude. It is pretty tough to be in a back brace and taking care of little ones especially during this season, but you seem to have such a positive outlook on life: it will take you far.

There is so much to enjoy in this life, and riding is just one of them. I know I might get a whop to the side of the head here for saying so;) , but I suspect that with your great attitude you are going to find a way to indulge your love of horses in a way that does not risk your mobility.

I fell and broke a few bones in my spine a couple of years ago, fortunately not in such a way as to do more than leave me with pain- it does not threaten my spinal cord. I have thought about it since then, however, and realize that even though riding for me is the first thing I have ever done for myself, and I truly feel happier on a horse than anywhere else, I could still live happily the rest of my life without riding.

I would miss it, but I am not a believer in 'fate' at all. I don't think things happen just because they were 'meant' to happen (though I do believe in divine intervention). Bad things happen to good people, but there is always a way to find a positive side. I have two friends right now dying of brain tumors. It is amazing to feel their positive attitudes even now! It shows us just how far the human spirit can take us if we let it!

I take my hat off to you!