Here's the thing -

My boyfriend is complete equine FREAK... and before his accident, used to ride competetively quite often.

Now, though, we're stuck - we've browsed online quite a bit for information and/or opportunities here in the states.

It's interesting - England is way ahead of the game as far as equine competition sports for the disabled go. But in America? It's almost non-existant.

Just curious if anyone can offer some info - My guy's mega awesome in the saddle and he's itching to get back in the circuits.

Then again, if anyone simply rides for pleasure, we'd love to hear about it!

~Nadine

this site shows saddles but I'm not sure on the prices


http://www.naturalhorse.com/phplinks/out_f...e43c1e02cece61a

My girlfriend used to ride and she loved it, she has no trunk control and limited use of her hands. What are the chances of her ever being able to ride independantly? Or care for her own horse (with help)?
I would be very interested in speaking to you further about this Nadine if your interested....

sorry I didn't explain myself very well, my girlfriend, flora hasn't ridden since she became disabled but would love to do so....

You might have to list your location. I know we have it here in western Canada.

My boyfriend Kevin rode ALL the time. It was mostly his living through this past summer and fall; after he graduated high school. He did cutting, barrels, anything he could do he did and did it very competitively. He was awesome. He is 19 so he's young and we both hope he can end up ridding again. He also has a low incomplete break, L3. He misses it so much. I guess I wouldn't know what to do if I couldn't ever ride again either. Do you think he will be able to ride again and be mostly (i wish completely) independent?

Well, only we can make change for more show opportunities. However, we are making strides forward. So many of us and our independent streaks don't want to ride in "special" classes...that has often been a pretty big nature of the game. But there are diabled equine competitions out there...minus the public funding events like the Jumping Grand Prix gets, etc. Sandi Dota has been behind disabled dressage even if most seem to compete in England. We also have the North American Driving for the Handicapped Association for those who would love to compete driving buggies, etc. My husband loves German Racing Carriages, and would love for us to get more involved there... but one can only spread themselves so thin to try it all! LOL

A lot of breed clubs (and several 'general' horse clubs across the country) are holding more and more classes for special riders. But there are just as many of us that sign up for the 'regular' classes. I've ridden so much of my life that I can do a majority of the requirements in such classes. If I can't, then I'll sign up for the "special" class (depending on requirements. i.e. I do not need side walkers or someone to lead me, etc). I'll possibly be doing some barrel racing even soon...won't be in the same timed way w/the none disabled riders, but I'll be doing it. We're working on a barrel race fundraiser for a therapeutic riding center and holding a class for anyone w/any type of "limitation". I've also got an endurance horse...since that's why I've always loved horses...they can take us where our wheelchairs can't...so hills and valleys and rugged terrain...here I am.

There's a group in Oregon that offers trail ride and horse camping events for those with disabilities, that also sells ready trained horses and offers custom horse training. I myself would love to go on their coming up June 3-day camp trip...but have other committments. The Adaptive Riding Institute (aka H.O.R.S.E.S. for the Physically Challenged) http://www.open.org/horses88/

Good Luck to all!
Apegesh Kije-Manitou Ja Wenimig (May Creator Bless You)

Mare

Why not contact the UK sites you came acroos and ask if they know any Riding for Disabled type set ups in the USA?

I broke my neck when the horse I was riding went berzerk and threw me against an oak tree.

I am a C7 incomplete.

Having been a competent rider getting back in the saddle and just walking held no appeal. I tried it twice.

A friend suggested learning learning carriage driving. Initially I had lessons with a fantastic lady who treated me as an AB and even let me compete at a local show-we didn't come last and I was hooked.

I went on to buy my own pony and carriage. The carriage back doubled as a ramp so I could stay in my chair for more stability. As my driving improved I decided to compete (in Private driving classes) on the same level as AB. This meant being tied to the vehicle round my waist and shoulders.

I had a brilliant pony and we went on to win on a regular basis. Once, at a top level show we were placed 2nd and went forward to the overall champion selection, we wern't placed but I was gobsmacked when the Judge came up to me afterwards and apologised for not knowing I was disabled. That made my day.

I don't compete anymore. I still have a pony but he's kept as a pet. It's wonderful occupational/physical therapy looking after him totaly by myself. I do have a lady who empties my muck barrow for me but I clear the field of muck daily, even in winter! My upper body strength enables me to lift/pull 15/20kg of horse food out the back of my car. Who needs to do weights in a gym when water buckets do the job for you The chair I use is a rigid frame with a longer wheelbase than normal to enable me to wheel across uneven ground giving added stability, I also use 5" pneumatic casters on the front.

I practice natural horsemanship on him and I swear he'd follow me through fire if I asked him!


If anyone wants to swap ideas about looking after a horse/pony from a W/Chair I'd be delighted to help.

A friend of mine with a SCI told me about these Icelandic horses...apparently, you can pour a glass of champagne while riding one, their gait is that smooth. I thought some here might be interested in reading about them.

Thanks for the info, they sound perfect.

The max height that I can look after without help is 13.2hh so thats a good point.

Does your SCI friend ride? How does she manage?

My boyfriend is a C7 quad. He rode horses his whole life and qualified for the National Finals Rodeo 3 years in a row. His accident was in 2004. He is 23 years old now. He has started riding by himself again and can walk and trot on his horse with no assistance. His dad made a back for his saddle with a safety belt and we use rubber bands to keep his feet in the stirrups. He can't lope on the horse yet, but we are working on that. The more he rides, the better his balance gets. I would be glad to send you some pictures of the saddle if you or anyone else out there would like to see it. Please email me at shannadunn25@hotmail.com

I believe that she used to before her injury, but not the Icelandics. She was in the process of researching about them to see if it was something she might consider. She had found a breeder the last I had heard.

Sorry it took so long for me to answer...I somehow missed this one.

Hi,

I ride a lot, mostly trail riding in the Rocky Mountains. I even went on an 8 day pack trip last month. While I don't have a spinal cord injury, I do have a neuromuscular disorder that affects my whole body. I use a wheelchair sometimes and crutches the rest of the time. I use rubberbands to keep my feet in the stirrups, and someday will probably need other adaptations to keep riding. I can somewhat take care of the horses, but mostly my husband feeds them and stuff. I have an ATV and small tractor to make some of the chorse possible for me.


Sarah

I got injured just over 30 yrs ago, and currently raise AQHA horses in VA--the most important thing is making
sure you have a sane horse, who is well broke and not the type to come unglued if you bite the dust and find
you still have a foot hanging in the stirrup (they always look bigger from that perspective....) Other than that,
trail riding is a snap. Getting on and off can be interesting---I have constructed a quick disconnect harness that
I clip to my trailer hay storage ladder, to crank myself up... I usually just grap the ladder and push the horse
out to get off. As far as saddles---I have a pretty deep western saddle with no additional bells/whistles. When
I had it made--I had the maker put brass loops and straps to run over my upper thigh--but after having a horse
do Mach 2 "about face" and the unexpected centrifical force sling me into the mud---snapping the strap, I figured
they were useless anyhow. I do usually keep my free hand holding the base of the flank strap though---just in
case something spooks em. I have seen a few guys roping with the high back extensions that have a velco
strap that runs across your front mid-torso... They seem to work--but remind me of John Deere tractor seats!
I'd be a little nervous about how you would get off-center to miss that horn coming down on ya, if you had a
horse come over backwards. Be happy to answer any questions if anyone has any. Take care, and have fun
and be safe!

I ride avidly and have my own horse--a 9 year old retired Thoroughbred race horse named Teddy. My injury is incomplete and I am lucky to have good trunk control and balance which enables me to use very little adaptive equipment. I use a Richvale close contact jumping saddle that is modified by some velcro straps to keep my legs in place and feet in the stirrups. The straps were made by me and my riding coach and designed to release in case of emergency. I have fallen off many a time and just last weekend had a really bad fall when he took off at a full tilt gallop unexpectedly, knocking me down onto his neck. I have a very hard pulling myself back up again if I lose my balance and as he was racing around the arena like a total psycho, he veered and threw me off. I was knocked unconscious on impact and landed on my head/neck/back. I went into shock, got a mild concussion, but thankfully did not damage my spine any further! I was wearing a ton of padded winter clothing which is probably what prevented any bone injuries. I walk/trot/canter with Teddy and taught him to respond to voice commands to change gaits or stop. I also taught him to lift his hoof when I tap his leg and say 'up' when I am grooming him and cleaning out his hooves. That type of training takes A LOT of patience but is so worth it.

I rode before my injury and was a jumper. I have actually jumped Teddy but I don't do it often as it's a) far too risky and b ) can't get into two point position making it jarring on his spine and c) it's incredibly difficult to stay in the saddle--I clutch his mane during the take off-air-landing and just hope for the best! I know of no other SCI rider who has also jumped post-injury but I am sure they are out there somewhere. Most people do dressage which is really not for me. I need that level of thrill to keep me interested and dressage doesn't do it for me. Since my nasty fall a week ago, I am thinking of adding more modifications to my saddle to help me stay on him better. If any of the riders have any ideas for homemade adaptations, please share. The danger with too many straps is that they may not release in an emergency.

As far as mounting/dismounting goes, the husband of the barn owner built me a wheelchair ramp/mounting block combo. There is always someone at the barn willing to lend a helping hand but I am able to mount independently by lining Teddy up with the ramp, which is level with the saddle, and then very ungracefully pulling myself into the saddle. Teddy is a large horse (16.2 hands) and so I need someone to help me tack up because I just can't reach.

Riding has been incredibly physically and emotionally healing for me. The bond with Teddy is immense and because I ride 4-5 times a week, it does invaluable things for my body. The most important thing for me is that riding gets me out of my chair and feeling very free of it. When I am riding with my AB rider friends, no one can really tell I'm in a chair unless you look more closely at me and see the straps or legs looking kinda funny and sorta flopping around. That's another thing--any horse you ride will have to not be bothered by floppy legs in his sides. This pisses some horses off. I have considered entering hunter equitation or flat classes at regular horse shows in the area but not sure that I would do well because of the floppy leg issue. Maybe I will try my hand at hunter-under-saddle which is the horse being judged, not the rider. We'll see!

Just do a google search on 'paraequestrian'. TONS of stuff will pop up. As someone else mentioned, the most important thing is to have a sane horse with a very good, patient and understanding disposition. My horse is a very typical Thoroughbred but I truly believe he knows that something is different about my body and he compensates for it and at times he even 'baby sits' me in the saddle--slowing down when he senses I lose balance, etc (except for last week!). However, I would NOT recommend a Thoroughbred for someone with little experience riding with an SCI. They can be hot and difficult to handle, plus they tend to be spookers. Also, avoid ponies. The fall may be shorter but most nasty riding falls from people I know have happened off of nasty little ponies.

I have been riding my horses my whole life about 50 years. Think I rode before I walked. I just completed my second lesson last Saturday. Took my own saddle, no special equipment, straps, velcro, or anything, just a plain old western saddle. Used a ramp to get on, was able to get on by myself (struggled a bit with spasams) but I was up in the saddle. To my surprise I rode independently, even while throwing a basket ball back and forth to the PT while the horse was walking. It was an awakening. There are things I can do, now, that I used to do. I am excited about my next lesson and hope some day I can ride in the Rocky Mountains again. So many things are possible.

i was a rider pre-injury also...i owned 5 horses when i died, i really really miss them...theres a stable here that does adaptive riding, i may check it out this spring

I have had some friends (able-bodied) who use Western saddles that have told me I'd probably have an easier time with it but I've ridden English my whole life and only ridden Western once. I considered maybe trying out a Western saddle but continuing to use my English hunter bridle. I find it so awkward to have the reins in only one hand though I'm sure you Western riders would tell me how having the reins English-style is awkward ;-)

If you research 'regular' barns in your area (if you choose to have and board your own horse), you'll probably find how quickly people are willing to help out and make adaptations which is great if you are not able to find a barn that offers therapeutic riding. I am the only one in a chair or with any type of disability at my barn and while I was somewhat of a curiousity at first (people wondering how the hell I can ride), now I am just like any other boarder at the barn. I have issues with getting Teddy out of the paddock (he spends most of the day outside) so I also have to get someone to help me with that but as I mentioned, someone is always around and willing to lend a helping hand. Because of Teddy's tendency to be a spooker, it's just not really safe for me to do something like tie him to my chair to lead him around for a longer distance and I need both hands to push so it's hard to hold the lead line, propel and try to get a 1100lb animal go where I want him to go. He usually follows me around anyway (aren't horses awesome like that?!) but if he takes off, uh oh!

If you guys rode pre-injury, I really think you should try to get back into it, even you are only spending time on the ground with the horses. They are so healing.

I rode a lot pre injury and have owned horses most of my life. My sci was caused by a fall from one of my horses. I have tried riding once since my accident and I did not like it! I felt very unstable and totally not in control. Maybe with the right adaptions I would feel differently but I have pretty poor balance and to be quite honest the experience petrified me and I don't think I would try it again. I used to do a lot of cross country and showjumping which would be impossible for me now (as far as I can see) Plus walking round in circles and the odd bit of dressage does not appeal to me.

I can understand why it would be terrifying. My SCI is not as a result of riding (car accident) but I did have a nasty fall off a horse when I was 12 or 13, going over a jump, and I landed on my head and shoulder. My shoulder was completely shattered and it took me a LONG time to not feel terrified around horses so I can understand how the confidence and trust in horses can be shattered. I'm sure that feeling is far more extreme for you since your SCI comes as a result of a horse fall. It's like healing a broken, damaged relationship. You sound more like me in terms of what interested you in riding--cross country eventing and showjumping (though I showed successfully as a hunter for a while). Dressage just doesn't interest me--though I have total respect for high level dressage riders and what they do. Walking in circles also does not appeal to me which is why, post-injury, when I decided I was going to ride come hell or high water, I was going to ride not much differently from a good able-bodied rider. It took a lot psychologically to just get over the fear and be okay with falling (I am affectionately known as the 'ragdoll' at the barn), feeling unstable/unbalanced, etc. Not to mention, that in case of emergencies, I am pretty much fu**ed which is what happened two Sundays ago when I got knocked out from that fall. I had to come to terms with the risks involved and be okay with them but that's the case with many able-bodied riders (on the higher levels) too. The early months of riding again were filled with some seriously frustrating moments but the feeling of freedom just outweighed them for me and I battled through all the stuff that pissed me off or scared me. The first jump I ever did (a tiny little 'x' that I'm sure my horse didn't even really notice) was scary as hell. We had no idea what was going to happen, whether or not I'd stay on or go flying--I pretty much went flying though managed to stay on, who knows how. Like I said in another post, I rarely jump but I feel fantastic knowing that I conquered it and can again and I do have some jumping goals I'd eventually like to try. Not sure that I will be successful but the trying is important for me. My highest jump as an AB rider was just under 5 feet though I showed at 3 feet-ish in the hunter/jumper circuit.

I think that with the right adaptations, right horse, right barn and right people helping you out, you could probably fall in love with it again like I did. It takes a lot of effort and patience though. Have you tried riding in a Western saddle at all and maybe somehow modifying the back to make it higher, more stable and giving you more of a feeling of security? Or using more straps on an english saddle. There are also adapted English saddles that have padding to hold your legs in place in front of and behind your thigh and some guy I heard somewhere in Colorado or Wyoming (or something) makes custom saddles for paras. Ther are also bars that can hold the stirrups in place, I believe (I think they attach to the girth). There is a para guy who owns a ranch and could maybe help since I think he rides Western and has adaptive riding clinics. He's got a website which I could have sworn I bookmarked but can't find it now. I will search around for it and get back to you. He may be someone to contact for advice. I noticed you are T8 like me but complete, whereas I am incomplete. AB riders have to train their balance and get a feel for riding just as disabled ones do and maybe your body would be able to compensate over time?

I rode English, I rode Western. I have had a lesson in both an English and a Western saddle. Given my level of injury the Western saddle provides more stability for riding. Once I learn my balance I may try English again. One thing I have learned that each of us must understand. With SCI every level of injury is different. Complete/Incomplete each one of us is different. The first two women I watched ride, had use of their hips and their quads and they could actually put some weight in the stirrups. Even though most of us have the commonality that we can not walk, the functions we do have/don't have can be very very different. I have seen quads that have limited finger dexterity that have hips and leg muscles that I don't have. Once I understood this I was not so angry with myself because I could not do something I saw someone else do. I understand my functions or lack of functions, and have just started to lunderstand that I can not compare myself to something someone else is doing. I am just grateful I have found that I can ride, and with more lessons I hope to continue my progress.
My SCI is from a horseback riding accident. My horse bucked and I broke my back. My friends and family were quite surprised that I wanted to ride again, but I was always taught that if you fall, you get back up. So while getting back up is different for me now, I am finding a way to get back up. Horses have/are healing me. I have learned more from horses than I could ever teach them.

Hi Everybody

I have a few contacts, You can try these if you are interested in riding again. sorry though these are in the US.

www.narha.org

www.grayssaddlrey.com

www.brokenrranch.com



Hope these help someone to ride again

Robin aka Horseman

Sorry


www.grayscustomsaddlery.com

So very true. SCIs and bodies are all very, very individual and everyone has different abilities even with the same injury level plus when injuries are incomplete, it becomes even more of a toss up as to what abilities you may or may not have. My balance and strength has definitely improved since the early days when I started riding again post injury and like any sport, you just get better with time and practice. Today I went riding with a group of friends at the barn and we rode around in the snowy fields for a while and it's just so freeing. I was actually thinking about trail rides for those of you who have expressed interest in getting back into riding but don't want to do the walk-in-circles in an arena type of thing. Trail rides/hacks can be a gentle slow pace with pretty easy going horses and it may be something to think about? As you said, horses have taught me a lot more than I could ever teach them. Teddy has taught me to always pick myself right back up and just shrug it off and keep on going. A lot of people that know me do not understand why I take the risk riding--and I got so much crap from well-meaning people after my nasty fall two weeks ago--but I think that only horse people understand other horse people and why we do what we do (or how we can spend 45 minutes talking about the different types of horse blankets!).




Thanks for those links, I will check them out! Broken Ranch is the ranch I mentioned in my previous post with the para guy who runs the place. I couldn't remember the name so I'm glad you posted the link! I probably never would have remembered otherwise!