Will I be able to ride any more?

[Rider3]

I'm so discouraged. I just had my latest surgery, 3 plates and 6 screws in my neck (C5, C6, and C7). About 10 years ago, I had my L5 disc removed. Healing is so slow and painful, but what brings me to tears is not knowing if I'll ever be able to ride my horses again, or even work with these incredible animals.
Has anyone had multiple spine surgeries yet can still ride in comfort? I cannot imagine losing that part of my life.
Any words of wisdom for me?
Thank you.

[Kali]

1. I'm sure there will be any number of people - and especially people who care about you -

to point out the risks even if you heal up well. I know what I would do if it was me. I sure as hell would at least have one around for therapy. Horse neck is as good if not better than dog's ear.

Check out recoveries of rough stock rodeo riders. I don't know any details, but I am sure there are plenty of injuries and I don't doubt more than a few get back on in some way or another.

Good luck to you.

[Rider3]

2. thank you

Very wise idea. I will do just that. Thank you for putting me in the right direction.

[haikugal]

3. Yes and No...

There are two things you could do. Get a 'single foot' gaited animal or teach your horses to drive. Either way you can get out with your horses. I'm down to one horse now as I had to put down my gaited boy last fall, my mare is not gaited but has a wonderful walk. I may try to ride at the walk once I get my trails mowed and ready...I have a lot of walking to do to strengthen my back and legs. I have never had surgery for my injuries so can't speak to that.

My horses have a life long home as I bought them as 4 month old foals 22 years ago. I wish you luck and a speedy recovery.

[toby jo]

4. Try riding, just trail riding. But if you can't, I'd definitely give driving a go.

I worked for years with standardbreds and drafts, and you can get really close to them while driving. It's the gait, the feel of them, their smell, their motion. I still ride, too, but have a bum knee, so nothing fancy anymore. But I enjoy driving, especially my drafts.
We pull logs, use a forecart, and also just go by buggy. It's fun.

Good luck to you.

[LWolf]

5. I don't ride much anymore.

I've got 3 horses out there breaking my budget to keep them in hay, trims, vaccinations, etc., but I work so many hours that I just don't have time to keep up. When I'm at home in daylight, I'm too busy making repairs and scooping poop to ride. It's a vicious cycle. Still, I can't imagine the girls not being there.

I've had no spine surgeries, and have still had to adjust what riding I do to accomodate an aging body. The majority of my rides are done out on the trail at a walk or trot.

I don't know if you'll be able to ride, but I hope you'll still be able to talk to, brush, and lean on your horses, or just hang out in the barn and listen to them breathe and chew.