How do you do it?

[therapyhorse]

how do I do it ... I dont know!

Im not sure how I do it really!!
Im on a huge amount of prescription drugs including numerous painkillers from codiene, NSAIDS right up to ketaprofen and morphine as well as numerous other non-painkiller drugs - I have over 120 tablets a day and thats just prescription ones not the supllements!! I also have weekly injections and drip therapy / Iv treatments when I can afford them. I have severe cfs/m.e, lordosis,scoliosis and kyphosis of the spine, mitochondria failure and now depression too! My horse is my lifeline, he is my reason to get up every day and face the world and my reason to keep on and he is what gets me out of the darkest times. I now have a lot of help from my mum who does the field for me the days she can which helps enormously, and since starting with the RDA Ive learnt thinsgs and equiptemtn to help e.g rainbow reins, extra rolls on the saddle, bareback etc.
I couldnt do it without such an incredible bond between harry my horse and I, some days I feel utterly horrendous, and when Im in hospital on drips I have his photo by my bed and I know he will look after me and help keep me brave so we can be together again when Im a bit better. I cant put into words how much he means to me, and that is really how I do it, because he means the whole world and more to me, and so you find a way to be together somehow. I need a mounting blcok to get on, the rainbow reins, extra saddle rolls and harry has been trained to respond to me and my aids as I need rather than the general aids which I cant always give.
I guess an element of sheer bl**dymindedness comes into it too, mum would say stubborn but I prefer 'determined'!!
I also use just about everything going, heat pads, wheat bags, tens, tiger balm, deep heat, extra warm layers, wrap around exercise sheet, bandages,magnets,aromatherapy,hydrotherapy,physio,bowen,homeopathy,dietry supplements,hypnotherapy cds,fully supported rest with cushions to support, a special giant pillow type ting to lie on as lying in bed is too painful, you name it and I probably use it / have it / have tried it!!

 

[FudgieFoo]

I have MS and when I'm going through a relapse I'm lucky that both my ponies are brilliant and never take the micky out of my weak arm. I use a neck strap to help with balance when that is a symptom. I find the fatigue the hardest thing to battle with but am finding short cuts like deep litter beds! Had both my ponies before I was dx. My older mare is a star with me when I'm riding her and she is very soft on the aids so don't take too much. Riding makes me feel BRILL. I am at my best on my horse and can go places I could never go on foot. Just wish I could take her everywhere!

 

[KazRider]

I broke my neck (C7 ) when a chestnut mare I was riding, bolted and threw me. I am paralysed from the chest down and have to use a wheelchair 24/7.
I did ride for a short time but didn't find it very satisfying at all. Not wanting to give up horses I took up driving instead and went on to compete at County level with success.
Anyway, this post is to say that I look after my 12.3hh now retired driving pony almost completely without help, from the w/chair. I have someone empty my wheelbarrow twice a week! I muck out,(field & stable) groom, rug, pick out feet, do water buckets, feed, go and buy feed, move electric fencing etc etc. and I get up at 05.00hrs GMT 365 days a year.

All I can add to this, 'Where there's a will, there's a way!'

Wow, your story certainly makes you stop and think. Good on you for getting on with your life and doing what you want to do, and what some would probably say you wouldn't/shouldn't be able to do.
I broke my back last year, crushed T5 vertebrae, knew at the time i was really lucky that there was no nerve damage but have to admit reading your post really hit home. You are an inspiration to us all.

Back to the OP, I have a naturally fused ankle, not too much of a problem generally when riding, but this however causes tilting and rotation of my pelvis which needs readjusting regularly by an ospeopath. When it is bad i can only do rising trot on one diagonal!! Often a problem during lessons, 'check your diagonal' seems to be the most used sentance from RI on these occasions. Although i've explained the problem to RI i'm not sure she can fully understand why i'm always on the same diagonal no matter which rein i'm on!! Something to be aware of if you want to teach, it may not be the obvious disability causing a dificulty riding.
So for me i don't have a pain problem generally. I do have trouble using the left leg sometimes - it has a mind of it's own on random occasions. But i think the referred issues i get in the pelvis make riding more difficult.

I wouldn't be without my riding though, it is actually the only exercise that doesn't cause me pain constantly. Plus just the whole experience of being around horses is so rewarding, they rely on us and make us have to get out of bed in the mornings and for this they give so much back, especially when you find a special one, as it sounds like many of the members on here have done. That is ultimately how we manage to do it i think. That sense of unconditional love and acceptance, no matter what, that animals have for humans.