http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/ Para-equestrians, therapeutic programs, rehabbing riders... en Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:58:59 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/ http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum//showthread.php?t=270703&goto=newpost Mon, 30 Aug 2010 04:27:45 GMT Okay, so, basic facts about me: I'm a professional trainer who suffers from mental illness, previously diagnosed as treatment-resistant depression but possibly bipolar as I not too long ago suffered a really frightening manic episode due to an antidepressant. I was literally delusional. Fortunately I did not do anything unfixable and I also have people to help me look after my critters, so they are not at risk (I set up a system to specifically ensure they would not suffer if I was unable to care for them). I probably would not have gotten into horse training had I gotten this diagnosis before I was well-established in the career, but while I always knew something was wrong, it was never concrete until I got good enough health insurance to actually see a psychiatrist a couple of years ago. :(

My vent is just that I feel things slipping lately, and I can't seem to do anything about it. The horses are still getting ridden, but only because I have coping strategies to make sure I have to ride them every single day that they are scheduled. My personal horses are sitting untouched in their field. I've been sleeping pretty much constantly when I'm not riding, I need to fix some fences (not essential but a major eyesore) and do some work in my home which I am renovating, and none of it is getting done. And I know it is obvious that I'm just holding things together as I've lost weight and a couple of my students have commented that I don't seem like myself. They say the lessons are still good but I worry about that, too. I like my clients and want to make sure they get what they pay for.

I'm using my coping strategies and holding it together but it is really hard right now. The animals have never suffered and that is a point of pride for me, but it isn't much. I'm really good at what I do and I wouldn't want any other life, but it's a lot of responsibility when you're battling a mental illness as well. I just feel tired all the time and not much else. This is especially frustrating because things are objectively going really, really well. I relocated about a year ago and things were rough for a bit but they're really taking off now and I should love the clients I have and the life I'm living (and I don't mean "should" in the "other people would" sense, but in the "when my illness is under control I would" sense), but I just feel tired and numb instead.

I don't even know why I'm posting this except I want to talk to horse people who might understand what I'm going through. So anything you want to share that fits in the thread title, whether it's your own vents or advice or whatever, is welcome. ]]> Equestrians with Disabilities CosMonster http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum//showthread.php?t=270703 http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum//showthread.php?t=270264&goto=newpost Thu, 26 Aug 2010 02:33:18 GMT Hi all, So i help manage a small boarding, training and lesson farm in Mass and we could always use tons of help. We recently had a young girl... Hi all,
So i help manage a small boarding, training and lesson farm in Mass and we could always use tons of help.
We recently had a young girl express tons and tons of interest in riding and working and helping out.
We have a tiny "working student" program which usually just entails doing a few stalls, filling some buckets, and either getting a lesson or just some free riding time, depending on the childs riding level.
Well this one girl, and her mother have both come right out and mentioned the fact that she has ADHD. I have very little to no experience with this disease, but its pretty evident in this young woman.
I worked with her for the first time under saddle today. She has ridden before, and her family owns a very small pony that she has been able to bomb around on for the past year. She has greaaaattt natural talent and a want to learn, but doesnt know to much at this time.

I am in no way a therapeutic riding person, and dont really think its needed in this case.
I was just wondering if anyone had any exercises or programs that have working with keeping their own or a students mind focused.
For example, today we were working in the round pen on a lunge just so i could see what she could and couldnt do. She would trot half way around the pen, and then i could see her mind wander. I know its mentally hard for her to keep her mind on whats at hand, but i was just wondering what peoples experiences were with this and how they handled it.

Thanks all! ]]> Equestrians with Disabilities Shantor http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum//showthread.php?t=270264 http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum//showthread.php?t=270142&goto=newpost Wed, 25 Aug 2010 03:00:41 GMT I had posted in another section about this, but this section seems to be better suited for my questions. I was looking to connect with others that... I had posted in another section about this, but this section seems to be better suited for my questions.

I was looking to connect with others that are dealing with bipolar, mood disorders, anxiety, depression, etc. Just having someone to bounce some ideas or thoughts off of from time to time would be a great help.

I am bi-polar, and everyday things can get pretty difficult at times. Some days are a struggle to get out of bed, to go to work, to take care of the horses. This morning was pretty rough, I could barely get myself out of bed (over an hour later then planned). I arrived at work 30 minutes late and had to ask for help in getting the barn clean (i work on a horse farm) because I was feeling so terrible. I knew if one thing went wrong I'd fall to pieces. I got done quickly and left before the "meltdown." Thankfully the temperature has been cooler the last couple days so i have been leaving the horses out. I needed the break from cleaning my own stalls and bringing horses in and out. When I'm in that mood it's best I don't do too much with the horses, as I lose my temper easily so I do the minimum on those days. It's just an upsetting process sometimes. It's difficult to stay motivated. I feel like I never progress because I ride everyday for a week, and then won't ride for weeks. I schedule lessons and cancel last minute. :( ]]> Equestrians with Disabilities NeedToBreath http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum//showthread.php?t=270142 http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum//showthread.php?t=270097&goto=newpost Tue, 24 Aug 2010 19:17:13 GMT I fell off my mare on Sun & she stepped on my foot, leaving 3 fractures behind. I am on stall rest for the next month, at least.

Anyone got any ideas on books to read, etc? I like thrillers and nonfiction, especially.

I've got needlework to do, and movies to watch, but it's already getting old!

Whicker...I promise, NOW I'll have time to call you & chat!:lol: ]]> Equestrians with Disabilities rivenoak http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum//showthread.php?t=270097 http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum//showthread.php?t=270072&goto=newpost Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:15:47 GMT 9 weeks ago I had bilateral THR's posterior approach. I have large ceramic balls with metal & poly cups.

Can you share your "getting back" in the saddle experiences with me if you have had a THR (S) please?

Anything I can do to prepare?

How long was it before you rode again?

I rode last in the fall pre op, but the pain was too great and stopped me.

I have a wooden saddle rack and I am finding swinging my leg over the cantle of the saddle not yet possible even on a mounting block. I dare not try to mount my pony until this is improved.

I have had PT and it is over now, so that is not an option. The PT and the surgeon's PA say I am doing better than average in my healing.

I can ride now, as long as I have a quiet horse to ride and I do, according to the surgeon, however HE prefers I wait until 6 mos. post op just to be safe and can never say riding will be safe, CYA (we all know that).

I have an aged 1/2 Arab, walk/trot large pony...when I am ready to canter again I will have to change mounts.

I am eager to hear the good, the bad & the ugly!:yes:

Thanks,
C4 ]]> Equestrians with Disabilities Cfourhorses http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum//showthread.php?t=270072 http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum//showthread.php?t=269961&goto=newpost Mon, 23 Aug 2010 17:40:00 GMT Hi Guys

On Monday I woke up with Bell's Palsy- the whole left side of my face is paralyzed and so off we went to the ER. Luckily it isn't Lyme's or Diabetes related nor was it a stroke and because of all the symptoms I showed on the classic bell's Palsy timeline, they have determined that it is indeed Bell's brought on by stress.

So now my doctor says I shouldn't ride until we start seeing some improvement, which means it could be days weeks months or even permanent. :( He says that any more trauma to the nerve could make a temporary situation stick around longer and that I should try to take it easy for the next few weeks, even though riding is my way of relaxing, there are too many what ifs that could cause this to remain permanent.

But I want to ride. Our first event was supposed to be this past weekend and now that I am out of sorts, I am even more miserable having been grounded for the time being.

Has anyone on here ever had Bell's Palsy? How long did it take for yours to go away? i am already getting some eye twitches and mouth tingles again after 1 week of steroids so that is positive. Were you able to still ride or did you take time off too? How long did it take for your coordination to get back and your eyes to go back to normal (my biggest problem is my eye)?

I appreciate anyone's advice. I won't be riding for awhile I know that but I also know that if this is going to be a long term thing I won't let it keep me on the ground, even if I have to relearn how to ride with it. ]]> Equestrians with Disabilities onelove http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum//showthread.php?t=269961 http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum//showthread.php?t=269894&goto=newpost Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:44:52 GMT I managed to get in some riding time while I was on vacation last week (just trail riding at a walk, but it felt SO GOOD to be riding again) and it... I managed to get in some riding time while I was on vacation last week (just trail riding at a walk, but it felt SO GOOD to be riding again) and it went much better than I expected, except for a minor problem - my right ankle seems to be fine when actually riding, but when it comes time to dismount it feels very stiff and sore and I delayed dismounting for a few moments to kind of wiggle it around out of the stirrup before risking landing on it.

I'm just wondering if there's anything else I can do (better stretches, maybe?) , or if there's something specific I should look for in stirrups/length of stirrups/stirrup leathers that would help. It felt worryingly like if I'd had to hop off suddenly, my ankle might not have supported my weight well.

(I should add that I was riding in various western saddles, and I'm pretty sure that contributed - some of the fenders were pretty stiff and so maintaining good foot position in the stirrup was tricky and I'm sure that put extra stress on my ankle.)

It was weird that it seemed to be fine while riding, though - maybe I just wasn't really noticing it because of thinking about other stuff? ]]> Equestrians with Disabilities kdow http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum//showthread.php?t=269894 http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum//showthread.php?t=269862&goto=newpost Sun, 22 Aug 2010 20:53:17 GMT Since May I have been gluten free and eating mostly vegan due to Celiac disease and animal protein allergies. The bloat is nearly all gone and the... Since May I have been gluten free and eating mostly vegan due to Celiac disease and animal protein allergies. The bloat is nearly all gone and the weight is coming off quickly. I am also feeling very good, up until this week anyway, but that is okay and it is just a minor set back. :)

I'm feeling ready to ride again. The vertigo issues are resolving and I am feeling stronger than I have in probably 5 - 6 years. I *need* to do this.

Last week I sent in my paperwork for NARHA certification and took the exam. All that is left is my teaching hours and the workshop and certification so I better start getting my butt in gear! And thanks to some lovely ladies here on this forum I am taking a very keen interest in driving too. Perhaps a dual certification in the near future?

SO EXCITED!!!!!! ]]> Equestrians with Disabilities equineartworks http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum//showthread.php?t=269862 http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum//showthread.php?t=269797&goto=newpost Sat, 21 Aug 2010 23:01:15 GMT I recently had surgery to remove a tennis ball sized fibroid. It was basically a c-section um... except I had a tumor instead of a baby. I haven't been able to ride since March because this thing was wrapped around my sciatic nerve and the pain was crippling. So I guess this is a question for people who have had a c-section or similar surgery. How long was it before you could ride again? It's been 2 weeks for me and I feel really good - not perfect, but way better than I've been in months. I also have a Paso so no bouncy bouncy.
I'm going to the doctor next week, and he will no doubt tell me to wait another 2 weeks. He's not a horse guy though so what does he know? ;) ]]> Equestrians with Disabilities GotGait http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum//showthread.php?t=269797 http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum//showthread.php?t=269768&goto=newpost Sat, 21 Aug 2010 18:00:46 GMT My horse and I went out on the rangeland ALONE yesterday! It has been almost one year exactly since the car accident which really crippled me, so... My horse and I went out on the rangeland ALONE yesterday! It has been almost one year exactly since the car accident which really crippled me, so this was a huge step. We have been going on short rides, usually with someone else. The big news is we has the most beautiful canter in one of our former fave stretches!
Yay to recovery! Yay to baby steps leading to joy! I know you all are empathetic to this so had to post it today. I'm a tad bit sore but it was sooo worth it!! ]]> Equestrians with Disabilities islandrider http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum//showthread.php?t=269768 http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum//showthread.php?t=269690&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Aug 2010 21:16:10 GMT Yes, gross topic, I know. I was just wondering and wondering if we are all supposed to be tested in some way periodically. And, no, I don't have any reason to think I have them.

Thanks.

Didn't know what other forum to put this in. ]]> Equestrians with Disabilities sonomacounty http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum//showthread.php?t=269690 http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum//showthread.php?t=269686&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Aug 2010 20:51:27 GMT I just got home from 5 days in the hospital -- apparently I was bitten by the wrong mosquito and contracted spinal meningitis. Does anyone have... I just got home from 5 days in the hospital -- apparently I was bitten by the wrong mosquito and contracted spinal meningitis.

Does anyone have experience with meningitis? How long should I expect until I feel better and able to do normal farm work? I am getting tired of lying around, but anything more than a trip to the bathroom leaves me zonked and in incredible pain.

I have to get back on my feet. Husband is feeding the horses for now, but I need to take over again -- not to mention I am wasting this good summer riding weather. ]]> Equestrians with Disabilities fordtraktor http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum//showthread.php?t=269686 http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum//showthread.php?t=269599&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Aug 2010 00:47:08 GMT Does anyone have any suggestions for possible dismounting methods for one with extremely painful feet?

After battling lyme's for the last three years, I am SO happy to be back in the saddle again with my dear boy, (AND able to read CoTH without sobbing and wondering when, if ever, I'd be able to join you all and ride again) but find I'm left with some residual issues that I am hoping can be mitigated, if not completely resolved.

The biggest problem at the moment is that my feet are extremely painful to even walk on, and I am afraid that the concussive force of my dismount of yore (both feet out of stirrups, swing leg over, vault to ground) will only serve to make matters worse. I am sure that the extra weight I've put on while sick and immobile is certainly not helping any.

I caught a glimpse of myself while riding in the indoor mirrors today and I was shocked - can anyone say giant Puffalump on a Breyer pony?

Anyway, any and all suggestions for a more gentle dismount greatly appreciated. ]]> Equestrians with Disabilities onwardb http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum//showthread.php?t=269599 http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum//showthread.php?t=269525&goto=newpost Thu, 19 Aug 2010 15:40:54 GMT http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLkT3O8YDH4 (I also posted this on Off Course, but then I realized it should go here.) This is just my first attempt... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLkT3O8YDH4

(I also posted this on Off Course, but then I realized it should go here.)

This is just my first attempt at a promo video for the therapeutic horsemanship program where I volunteer. Thought I would share it. ]]> Equestrians with Disabilities Risk-Averse Rider http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum//showthread.php?t=269525 http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum//showthread.php?t=269500&goto=newpost Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:26:53 GMT I somehow misplaced your contact info. However, the docs who were finally able to properly diagnose my torn gluteus medius tendon and gluteus minimus... I somehow misplaced your contact info. However, the docs who were finally able to properly diagnose my torn gluteus medius tendon and gluteus minimus muscle were Sports Orthopods and a Hip Replacement Surgeon. Any and every other Doc I ever went to said it was bursitis of the greater trochanteric bursa. Go to a good hip replacement surgeon, probably a younger, newer one fairly recently out of residency. They see this when doing a hip replacement of some percentage of their patiens and are familiar with the repair. A Sports Orthopod made the original diagnosis, but you need to ask for an MRI of the gluteus medius tendon/trochanteric head area. If it show a tear, you need a referral to a hip replacement specialist for repair. The repair won't be easy. It is surgery, rehab for a couple of weeks, crutches (get the forearm crutches, not the under the armpit kind - INSIST!) and then 6 months minimum with NO stress to the area, and up to a year for full repair. ]]> Equestrians with Disabilities Tiki http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum//showthread.php?t=269500