Back in the Saddle

Best birthday present I could wish for--to be back in the saddle again. Ever since a devastating accident broke my left hip/femur 5 months ago, the thought of getting back on a horse and riding again has kept me going. My Doctor gave me special permission for a "pony ride" on my birthday. That is, to get back in the saddle and be led around the arena at no more than a walk/trot. I'm not allowed to start formal riding lessons again until the beginning of September at the earliest--the 6 month mark from the accident/surgery.

For my birthday "ride" I chose the smallest horse at the stable, Ritchie, so that I had the best chance of mounting him successfully from the mounting block. He's only 14.3h and has a very laid back personality. Small and non-spooky: perfect!

It's a testament to the skill of the Kaiser Permante Hospital, Irvine, staff that my recovery has gone so well. Full recovery takes 6 months to a year, but now I have experienced this wonderful blessing of getting back in the saddle and being reminded of the joy that awaits, I'll be working as hard as I can in the therapy sessions to get back to what I love doing most.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• mounting a horse
• horseback riding
• mounting block
• horses