Horse Riders/enthusiasts going through BC
Twiggyjumps
Member Posts: 116 ✭
Hi thought I'd post this to help heal and motivate those interested in horses that would like to share how they are managing with their lovely steeds and their family. And would like to share their stories and pictures to inspire others that sport and exercise may help especially by participating when possible and taking your mind off things for a moment Anne xx
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My balance is shot and 'Big' can be such an arse I haven't been on him for ages. It's on the 'to do' list.1
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I would love to go horse riding again but its so expensive to go on a guided trail ride it will have to wait.2
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@Twiggyjumps thanks for the lovely photo.....when I have a shower and got some lippy on I will post a pic of me and my little daschund Bella...she is my constant companion whilst home alone during the day. She definately puts a sparkle in my day.1
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Love to see her Ruby
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I am sadly about to have a Mastectomy, of my left breast, reconstruction and Chemo and radiation.
Surgery is booked for the 12th July.
I am 53 yrs old and am a competitive Dressage rider.
I am hoping that l do not lose too much time from riding, although it is winter and l am sure that my horse will enjoy a well earned break.
I turned down my PS suggestion to reconstruct my breast using my back muscle as l was concerned that it could affect my horse riding, l do not have enough fat for too many options, so am going to go with a tissue expander for now to be replaced by an implant, l am hoping that radiation does not ruin things.1 -
Hi Kazmar, I'm doing neo adjuvant then bilateral mastectomy (one preventive) with diep, as also concerned about my back muscles. Met another rider in her late 50's who had also double mastectomy without a reco. She is Amazing1
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HI all. My husband and I run an agistment centre, break in and train, plus have 7 horses of our own. We are always out with the ponies, fixing fences and training horses and riders. I got back on board 6 weeks after lumpectomy, pretty much as soon as I wan't so scared of the bounce factor LOL.
My arm was my biggest concern after level 3 lymph node clearance, but it coped fine, I just chose carefully the horses I worked with.
I was desperately trying to keep my hair during chemo and summer in Qld this year was ridiculous so needed my Akubra on constantly which was a bit worrying, but if I wanted to be outside with the horses it was a must. However, I succeded with the hair, so stoked with that.
The AC treatment affected my balance a little so it was only walk rides for a while, then the taxol made me super sensitive to the sunlight so had to go late afternoons.
Halfway through radiation now and have been riding consistenly since the end of my Chemo. It absolutely helped me get through by keeping my life as normal as I could. When you're with your horses and dogs you can forget everything else for a while and just be you again.
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Lovely photos ladies!
I have not ridden for about two months now, my horse is enjoying being an expensive paddock ornament for a while.
I found with FEC chemo over summer I had to wear sunscreen, a hat, long sleeves and high neck shirts and gloves even to groom, as my skin was super sensitive to even mild sunlight.
The third week after each chemo dose I was okay to ride but only walk and trot as my muscles were not keeping going.
Taxol chemo has been worse, I have not been able to get on at all due to very weak legs and balance issues and in the third week after chemo my eyes water constantly so I cannot see properly! Not safe around horses.
It didn't help that I ended up in hospital after the first two doses, bed rest will add to the muscle fitness problems.
I am so weak at the moment I have to take a rest between each hoof clean.
But I am now two weeks past the last chemo, so it will only improve from here until Surgery for mastectomy and Lymphnode clearance in early August.
A friend did mention that grooming will be great for exercising the arm after surgery, I hope so.
However, there is nothing to improve the mood like inhaling the smell of horse while you comb out a mane, and resting on the fence on a warm winter day, watching your horse eating his feed. The quiet and peace is good for the soul.
I had hoped to start Working Equitation this year, after a horror two years with serious injuries to my horse, this year it was my turn to be stable bound.
Next year will be better.8 -
This is so great to see you all. I've got a long road ahead but my treatment plan seems similar.
In between chemos I've organised a working equitation clinic with it being booked up within a week of advertising. Hopefully I'll be strong enough to participate myself. I feed my 3 horses most mornings and night and my husband has been doing it for me when I'm feeling nauseous. The exercise helps. Luckily it's winter as I'm not having to worry about rugs off/on everyday atm. And I can wear beanies, caps and my itchy shit wig! My eyes were also watery after 2nd chemo when I was out trail riding with friends. Could hardly see! When I came home I put some Albalon A allergy eye drops I had that has antihistamine. To my astonishment no more watery eyes! So I'm thinking like the dexamethasone for before and after chemo for a few days (of which I can't stand) is treating the allergic side effects
And I found chewing extra chewing gum really helps when I'm a bit squeamish.
When having energy I try and ride or at least do some ground work. I to love just grooming them and watching them eat. They're all looking fat and hairy but happy to see me. I think my buckskin horse knows I'm not well and watches me all the time when I'm outside. He is now 11 and I've had him since a foal. So he and I have a special bond. Anne x7 -
I have a 2 hour horse ride booked from midday today. First time on a horse in 28+ years! I will let you know how I go.6
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Aww Brenda good for you. Post some photos. That's so great. You may need to do some stretches and afterwards especially. And try and do some walking if you can to help as you maybe muscle sore over the next day or so. Big cyberhugs to you - what a woman! well done!!!! Xxx0
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Way to go, @Brenda5 you might feel out of practise, but I bet you have a smile all over your face.
I hope you had a great ride.0 -
Yayyyyyyyyy Brenda!!!! Thats fantastic - enjoy!! Xx
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I was very off balance and it took an hour to even get in the walking rhythm properly. I was on a big buckskin mare 15.2HH who had attitude called Bailey. The instructor said she was her pitbull horse who kept all the other horses in line and she certainly was with the ear laying back and attempted nips to the other horses. She had a mind of her own which direction she went but if I had pushed her she was sort of willing to go faster. Just a walking pace was fine with me though and the bush scenery was lovely. I'm not sure if it was just my bottom or the saddle but it pinched
on one side even when not walking but its ok today. My spine is a bit stiff though so I am glad I didn't push for cantering. I really thought I would smell the leather saddles and horse smell more but my nose went on strike and i couldn't really smell anything at all which was annoying. For the $85 for 2 hours riding it certainly was a great body workout, especially my neck which has been stiff for a while now. Can recommend the place, its Susan River Homestead and the horses are quality, not old x racehorses at all. 
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Hey Brenda, I'm really glad you went for that ride on the horse. Did it give you a good feeling to be back on a horse after all that time ?1
