[ellisr]

I have had what people would recognise as a stroke. I'm working hard on my strength left side and hope to be able to get back on my horse in spring, I know it isn't going to be graceful but was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to ride and stay on with a left side weakness.

I'm desperate to ride again so any suggestions I would be grateful

[WhiteHorses]

Sorry to hear about your problem.

Riding and staying on is definately do-able. I had a left sided hemiplegia at birth, so have always had a weak left side, but it hasn't stopped me from riding, indeed riding has helped with strength and coordination.
Also last spring I had a stupid fall and managed to tear my rotator cuff, I was back on board 6 weeks later but did feel vulnerable as it was still weak and painful. I still went to the breed show and did dressage, show jumping and working equitation, so don't dispair!
Horses are amazing and will easily adapt to being ridden one handed - (think of the Spanish Riding School, the cavalry and cowboys) or with one leg (e.g. sidesaddle) if needed.

The thing that really improved my riding overall was having a series of lunge lessons to develop a really secure, balanced and effective seat and if you can find a decent instructor I would really recommend this. I've also found using a gym ball in the house very good for  improving seat and balance. And keeping up doing the strengthening and stretching exercises - which I'm less good at! A good sports physio will also help.

 I don't know what your horse is like, but it's much easier to ride if they will go forward from a soft aid, or even a voice aid and then maintain pace by themselves, so its worth working on this for the longer term.
In practical terms before getting on again get yourself a big secure mounting block and teach your horse to stand still by it, if horse is fizzy lunge him first and maybe get a foot soldier to walk with you the first few times, or get someone to lunge you on him. A grab strap actross the d-rings or a hunting breastplate to hold are also good precautions.

Good luck with it and feel free to shout if you have any questons

[ellisr]

My horse is old now and an ex racer, we have done a lot of work over the years on voice command and standing at the block. He isn't very forward and likes to look at the scenery a lot  .
I have purchased a D-ring balance strap to help and I'm changing saddles to help us both be a bit more comfy. I have a friend who is an instructor and she is researching ways to help us both, so hopefully that will help too.
You've boosted my confidence that this is possible and determination to push my physio too. Thank you so much

[clydesdaleclopper]

Take a look at Mary Wanless who wrote ride with your mind. She has some great stuff in her books and also does courses on a simulator

[Buttermilk]

Contact a local Riding for the Disabled group as their instructors can be really helpful especially if they hold the RDASI qualification.  There is a system in place to allow people with their own horse to be attached to a group without having to ride the groups horses.

[SallyintNorth]

So sorry to hear you've had such a problem.   

Great to hear you are determined to get back on your horse and ride on  .  Wishing you all the very best; you go girl!

[Garvie]

Have you thought about a western saddle? With them having a horn could give you a bit more support. Even if it was till you built your strength up again. Xx

[ellisr]

I have thought about it but my boy is getting on now and the only saddle he is comfy with is a gp. I'm just going to have to keep working out until I can do it or fall gracefully lol

[Garvie]

Aw I see. What about someone lunging him while you are on so you are just needing to concentrate on you rather you and him best of luck to you though xx

[ellisr]

Other half has already said that I'll be on a lead rein until I manage to ride with slipping sideways

[roddycm]

My aunt had this exact same thing happen and so she started mounting from the other side as her right leg and arm were that much stronger. Her horse took to it without any problems and the independence it afforded my aunt really helped her confidence. With time she has built up her left side again and now she mounts from whichever side she is on after she has tacked up haha! As long as your horse is quiet you will be fine and the exercise will no doubt aid your recovery, at least that was the case for my aunt!

I wish you the best of luck, I am sure you will make a great recovery. Animals are such great healers! 

[sabrina]

I have a friend who had a massive stroke age 45. Like you she has problems down the left side. the riding for the disabled helped her get back in the saddle. Sad to say she lost her horse two years later and gave up riding but it did help her a great deal at the time. She had speech problems for a long time but just kept at it and now we can chat on the phone no bother. She is a very strong minded person and refused to give in.

[devonlady]

Good luck  Ellisr, keep trying my lovely, we're all behind you