It's been 12 weeks now and I'm back horseback riding!

[Mtngirl]

It's been 12 weeks now and I'm back horseback riding! Photo link post #14

It's been 12 weeks now since I had a right THR and I'm back to doing just about everything I want...including my passion - horseback riding!

At 7 weeks I couldn't stand it any more, and with my trainer by my horse's side, mounted my beloved Sky...just to see if I really would be able to return to riding. Despite my better-than-average recovery, there was a seed of doubt in the back of my mind about returning to my passion...horses and competitive showing - dressage. I almost couldn't believe it. NO problems throwing my leg over the cantle of the saddle...NO pain in following Sky's walk. At first, that was all I did...just let him walk. And then I dismounted...and I didn't have to raise my stirrup leathers to stand up or grit my teeth in pain or sit for 20 minutes trying to get my hip to "unlock" - I just...dismounted...like a NORMAL rider would. When I did, I hugged my horse's neck - laughing and crying at the same time because there was just such a RELIEF in actually knowing I would ride again.

I knew I wasn't totally healed yet...but that brief moment gave me an enormous mental boost. At 9 weeks I was doing walk work on my steady-eddy gelding "Bozzie" (he's out of shape too) and short, 15-20 minute walks on the lunge line with my Appaloosa - Sky (who is much more forward and opinionated) in the attempt to stretch my leg muscles. Imagine my surprise to find that I had to lengthen my stirrup leathers three holes in order to ride comfortably! At 10 weeks I started trot work...no problems. No pain. No discomfort of any sort...just lack of stamina and fitness.

Last week, at 12 weeks post op, I did a 50 minute ride of walk, trot and canter and was not only comfortable, but able to walk without hobbling afterwards. I haven't been able to do that in over two years! I can't wait for a pretty day off so I can go trail riding again in my beautiful mountains.

My trainer is thrilled. She says she's never seen my position so correct and is amazed at the difference. I'm totally in awe. I'm nearly bursting with happiness. I feel like I've been freed from a locked room. FREEDOM! Freedom to ride without pain...to walk without my hip locking up and tripping me.

That's not to say that I don't still have some recovery left. I know I still have to be careful. I still have a limp and my back hurts when I walk for any distance...but the doctor swears this will ease with time and that I should continue to use a cane to help strengthen those muscles. I still have some problems getting up and down, and going down into a kneeling position and getting up from it (this could also be from arthritis in my back). But overall I'm totally thrilled. The fear of my hip locking up is gone. The constant pain that I lived with for years has vanished.

I lost my job as a police officer due to my hip. The final obstacle for me will be to complete a 48 hr firearms training course and get my certification back. Another course won't be available to me until mid-summer, but by then, I hopefully will be as fully recovered as possible.

To all those who gave advice and words of encouragement - thank you. This site was a a blessing and comfort to me. I have recommended it to others and will continue to check back regularly.

 

[JudyS]

MtnGirl

I am so so happy for you. What a wonderful post. It will surely be so encouraging for others. I remember hiking again at 3 months and having the best time.
These hips are just great.
judy

 

[Peta]

Mtngirl I had tears in my eyes reading your post! You sound SO excited and happy - you deserve to be able to enjoy living your life to the full again! It really is wonderful surgery isn't it?

Peta

 

[kangaroo]

Mtngirl,
I would love to ride a horse, and after reading of the joy in your riding i'm determined to try it (after THR). Your joy is contagious, its more than just being pain free, or having mobility back... its the ability to reconnect with your soul, and who you are as a person. THR does more than improve mobility, it allows you to become again the person that you really were born to be...Once again you are able to do the one thing that brings you alive and makes your heart sing ...i am so thrilled for you and I hope that you continue to find joy in living...you are inspiring for us on the pre op side!
Rachel

 

[Josephine]

What more needs to be said? BoneSmart fulfils its objective again! ​

Mtngirl, I am delighted for you and could feel every step of your post, including the tears on Sky's neck. I bet he was just as delighted to have his lady back in the saddle. I bet he's missed you big time.

And please can we have a picture of you both?

 

[Jamie]

MTNGIRL.....you had me crying too!!! I'm so glad you posted your story. It will be such an inspiration to others who may be wondering if they should take this very major step in their lives. I agree with Jo that a photo posted of you and Sky would be fantastic.

 

[HopAlong]

That is wonderful news! I know each doctor is different, but after 12 weeks are there any restrictions at all for you?

 

[Judles]

Mtngirl,,,,You just proved that the SKY'S the limit!
I don't think it gets better than that!
Fulfilling your dreams is the ultimate goal...
You've achieved it! Ride on,Girl!!!!

 

[Karen54]

What a wonderful story, Mtngirl! You are truly an inspiration to all of us! Congratulations on getting your life back!

 

[Mtngirl]

Thanks everyone. I just had to share my joy!

Hopalong: Only two restrictions: 1) Recommended for me not to run regularly (as in daily 3-4 mile jogs...not a problem for me because I hate running anyhow) and 2) bending at a certain angle. It's hard to describe...picture standing, bending your knee in towards the other one while lifting your foot to the outside towards your shoulder...never was a position I put my self in anyhow. Other than those...doctor simply told me "...you're free to do pretty much whatever you want to do now."

I don't have a recent picture of myself and Sky. I'm also trying to lose some weight (gained a bunch when I couldn't ride and doctor told me me NOT to diet for the first six months after the surgery...I could try to keep from gaining more weight - but not diet. Go figure??? Something about needing the nutrients to heal properly?). I'm not happy with my weight currently and really want to at least get back to where I was 6 months ago.

If the weather holds out, I should be able to get a decent photo this next weekend and will post it then.. Sky is currently at my trainer's (an hour away), so I don't get to see him daily right now. We thought while I was recovering it would be an ideal time for him to learn some new things...some movements I don't know how to teach. It's definitely exciting for me as we are preparing to move up to a whole different level of things.

 

[Jamie]

That certainly gives you things to look forward to, doesn't it, Mtngirl! You're doing so well and it's great to hear all about it.

 

[PRGal]

I'm jealous, Mtngirl! Used to ride a lot years ago (jumpseat mostly) & loved it (closest I ever got to flying!), but fell away over the years since I don't own a horse. Can't quite tell from your posts what style of riding you do . . . ?

Sounds like you really want to get back to policework & I wish you the best in regaining your qualification this summer. Meanwhile, are you still dispatching?

 

[ripanco]

Hi Mntgirl,

I do not get here too often anymore (I am busy at the barn!!), but I happened to see your post and just had to respond! Welcome to the other side!! I can clearly remember the first time I was back on a horse after my simultaneous bilateral THR, so I know how you feel! I remember getting off and expecting the pain only to find I could walk stronger and straighter than ever before. My horse was some of my best therapy, both mental and physical.

I have a marvelous 9 yr old Hanovarian mare named Willow that I do dressage and hunter/jumper with. She is the horse of my dreams and she fell into my lap 2.5 yrs ago. She had little training, but has all the athletic ability in the world. She is a typical redhead with lots of attitude, but she and I click! I love to event, but am backing down from it a little for the more sedate hunter ring. We are showing level 1, schooling 2 and showing 2' 6" schooling 3. My leg postion post surgery is sooooo far better it is amazing. I actually can open my hips. Leg yields are no problem! My stiff lower back is my biggest problem now. and I know I will always need a mounting block, but that is better for her back too. But I am riding a good 4-6/days/week and loving every minute!

I keep Willow at an eventing/dressage barn about 20 min from me. I work chores to help pay her board several days/week and can do anything including throwing bales, carrying water buckets, mucking stalls, etc, usually better than most the teens there! I have 2 great in house trainers as well as an awsome Grand Prix trainer who comes in monthly. They have all seem the dramatic new hips at work and are blown away.

My surgeon gave me full clearence to do what I want, although he is not thrilled by me running (which I do love). Horseback riding was totally fine, but I sometimes wonder if he realizes the level of riding I do . I have taken a few good tumbles too, but the hips are strong...stronger than the rest of my body. Hence the reason I am not going to event this year.

So which mountains are you in?? I live pretty far up in the Green Mountains of Vermont and love it!! I would love to hear how your summer goes!

Andrea

 

[Mtngirl]

Well, as promised, I have added a link to some photos of me riding. Please take this with a HUGE grain of salt, as I've gained quite a bit of weight (working on losing that...and bear in mind I've always been a large gal anyhow) and my position needs improvement. Nothing like photos to point out the things you need to work on! This is only my second 'solo" ride on Sky since my surgery. I'd had two previous, short, 30 minute lunge line lessons, but they were mostly walk so I could get a "feel" for how things might be.

broken link removed: https://pets.webshots.com/photo/2732290790101367350fEOAOh

PRGal: My discipline of choice is dressage. The photos of me in the link are of me and my Appaloosa "Sky" - short for Skyline Firedance. We were starting to compete at 2nd Level dressage when I had to stop riding. He's now schooling all his Third Level moves...and I can school all of them with the exception of flying lead changes...he's just now learning those with my trainer and I don't plan on trying those myself until he's confirmed and she can teach me how to do them properly. I don't have him as "together" as I should in these photos. I'm still testing the waters so to speak, but so far I'm very encouraged. Nothing has hurt or bothered me...I've even survived some small spooks without pain or discomfort.

I'm still dispatching. Fireams class has finally been scheduled for August, so I've got some time to work on things before then. Working on my fitness by walking, riding and doing strength training. I've got a good 25lbs or more to lose (riding breeches and photos always make one look even fatter, don't you think? Ugh!). Dieting is frustrating right now. I've been on Weight Watchers before and it worked well for me (lost about 30 lbs). This time I've been on it for over a month... have followed it faithfully and haven't lost a pound! UGHHH. It's so frustrating. I keep having to remind myself that I'm just getting back to being as active as I was before. Activity is the biggest key for me to lose weight. Diet alone doesn't work. My body just adjusts to "starvation" mode too quickly.

Saturday I went for a 90 minute trail ride with my other horse. I live in the Blue Ridge mtns of NC and have access to some of the most spectacular trails you'd ever want to ride. The area where I live is known as "the land of waterfalls" and there are many that you can ride or hike to in just a few minutes. It was SOOO nice to ride and not worry about pain, and most of all, whether or not I'd be able to dismount and walk afterwards! It was the first trail ride in over a year that I've truely enjoyed.

ripanco: It sounds as if you've really found a real gem. Willow sounds like an awesome mare. I have a 5 1/2 week old Hanoverian filly that I hope will be my future dressage partner. She comes from some excellent dressage and jumper lines. Like yours, she's a redhead, and already showing her "opinionated" personality. Today while working with her, I didn't manage to get out of the way quickly enough and she nailed me with a kick to the stomach. I have a perfect, neat little hoofprint just to the left of my navel! I was teaching her to move away from pressure (simply placing my hand on her haunch) and she decided to over-react. Thank goodness she didn't get my hip. There's a picture of her in the album I posted the link to above.

And wow! Double THR. There was a man in my group that had a double...I can't even imagine going through that! One was enough for me. I think it is marvelous that you feel like you are stronger than ever. I'm not quite there yet, but it's coming along. I still have some occasional balance issues...and stiffness...but overall things are far, far better than they've been in over five years, so I'm certainly not going to complain. What an inspiration you are, to know that you've had both hips replaced and are not only doing flat work but jumping 2'5"- 3ft courses! I'm impressed!.

 

[grclark50]

Mtngirl,

Thanks for writing that post. I also am a rider and gave serious thought to whether I would ever ride again before my surgery last week. Now I know I will and am looking forward to getting the other one done and movin on. I believe you have to look forward positively, most important aspect of making things happen.

Thanks
GRC

 

[ripanco]

Mtngirl,

Sky looks very relaxed and happy with his work. Very capable. And you looks awesome for only a few months post surgery! Keep it up! My DH has family in Robbinsville, NC. I love getting up into the mountains when we visit. They are very similar to our mountains here.

I looked at your album, your filly is adorable! I am jealous! I am assuming you bred her? What is her breeding? Willow is a Wetherson daughter out of an AHS approved TB mare. I took Willow to a AHS Mare Performance Test and Inspection last summer! She passed with flying colors and is in the Main Stud Book now. I kinda would like to breed her, but I worry about what can go wrong, the economy is bad for a foal right now, and I hate to have her out of commision. We are working on our flying changes right now too....Willow gets pretty disgusted with me since she is sure I am totally mixed up. She is good changing to the right, but can't get her feet straight going left so she usually throws in a big buck to get straighted out!

When I was almost 1 yr post surgery, I got kicked hard, square on my left hip by a gelding I was leasing. He was just playing around, happy springtime bucks, didn't even mean to get me, but I went flying thru the air and landed in a ditch absolutely terrrified that I had destroyed my hip. However, after very slowly accesing the situation, and to my amazement, my hip was ok! Thank goodness he was not shod. But, I too had a perfectly shaped hoof print bruise with the toe a good 2" over my scar. The worse part was that I had to see my OS for my one year check up a week later and had to explain the bruise!

You should know too, you will continue to improve, up to a good year after your surgery, so just think where you will be by the end of summer!! It just keeps gettting better!

Andrea