Think I'm done "Riding"

becdubie · Think I'm done "Riding"

Was having a nice ride on Rusty Friday morning an asked him for a trot...he trotted, then stopped, I asked him to keep going. He lept lerched...not sure exacty what he did but when I looked down and saw him shoot out from underneatht me I knew I was in trouble. Gravity pulled me to the ground I landed on my left foot..... Yep... busted my leg right above the ankle in two places...both bones.

Went right from the ER to the OR, I'm imoble for at least 4 weeks cannot bear any weight on that leg.

Not sure I will ever crawl up on a horse again...this is my second break in 3 years.. Guess I'm just a crappy rider and belong playing on the ground.

Pedestal*Pony

Awww! I am so sorry about your accident. I hope you dont give up riding for life. Maybe you could try a different horse? A calmer one or older one that isnt as full of him self as yours?

Horses can be very dangerous or they can be the best thing in the world for a person. In my past, I have given up some pretty special horses (before natural horsemanship) because they were too spooky or did stupid things.

I hope you recover quick! Sending healing thoughts and prayers your way.

JackPNH

Sorry to hear that you had a fall, hope your leg heals ok and hopefully you will see fit to ride again, best wishes

Steve

jackspark

Becky

I know how ya feel but time will tell and you'll make the decision that best suits you and your horses. Heal up quick and then take it slow

becdubie

Yep....step 1. Heal.
Riding is just not that important to me, never has been...especially now.
Haha... I don't blame Rusty, these things just happen and I was in no way prepared for his great big leap in the air. He is a big horse with big movement. Back to the ground for me...it's just not worth getting hurt again.
Have a sipral break near my ankle. Both the tibia and fibia are broke, A plate to fix the little bone a rod from about my knee to my ankle to fix the big bone. Non weight bearing for at least 4 weeks. Guess sewing season starts early this year. Gonna have to have huby bring my sewing maching upstairs.

CoolsLadyInRed

Aww Becky, you poor thing. Will be praying for super fast healing for you girl. You do what you have to do. Your health is the most important thing. You can love horses from the ground:) There is nothing wrong with that. Sewing used to be what I did before getting horses. Nothing serious but it was fun learning.
Get well. Please keep us posted. You are on my prayer list as of today

Take care. Ice and elevate. Did they keep you overnight at the hospital? Do as much"large movement" with that leg to prevent blood clots. Like leg raises....if it doesn't hurt too badly. Move the other leg lots. Hugs to you XXXXX

ErinR76

So sorry to hear that! But did you know, that the break in the bone heals even more solid than the original bone?! Your bones will be even stronger than before! Not much comfort probably

PasoBaby_CarolU

Becky, I'm sorry to read of your fall and hope you heal quickly and fully.

A decision to ride always carries some risk. I come off every now and then also (did this summer when Rosie got her hoof over her rein while climbing a hill). And I spend a good share of my time in physical therapy from injuries sustained over the years. So, I understand what you are concerned about.

I was once talking about a friend of my husband that was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident. We visited him and all he talked about was the bike he was going to buy with the insurance money. I thought he was nuts until the man I was talking to asked me if I knew any regular riders who hadn't sustained some injuries coming off horses. Well, you know, THAT is different. LOL But it isn't really. We all do risk/benefit analyses all the time on what is worth the risk and what isn't. You certainly aren't the first person who has made this decision.

I happen to love ground "work" also, playing with the horses and training tricks and things. I decided that when I got too old to ride, I'd buy Minis and do ground play with them.

There is nothing wrong with your decision. I remember when you came off before and know what a hard journey it was for you to ride again. And I have come to a similar decision, deciding that I had to quit starting horses other then my own. My neck just doesn't do well with jolts and jigs anymore.

(HUGS) Hope you feel better soon.

bit

Hope you heal quickly! Time, good supplements and good rehab make for a speedy recovery. I'm sorta ground bound right now, too. Neither one of my saddles fit Bit. I'm having a fine time keeping Shaun and Bit company and sharing territory.
We can change our minds at any time, about anything. Life is about making choices that make us happy. Take care and hope you feel better real soon!

ElaineW

I am sorry to hear about your injury,,
I hope you get well soon!
My thoughts are with you..

jackspark

I have had to make some concessions over the last few years, like Carol, but it just is what it is

Riding is such a small part of what most of us do with our friends. Doc says that we'd be a lot better off if I just worked, all of us, on the ground..... lots of transitions for me and them! I know he's right

Need lots of updates please

Chablis

Sorry to hear about your accident, Becky. Hope you feel better soon!

There is plenty you can do with your horse/s without ever riding again (if you still feel the same way once you have recovered).

Hertha

I'm feeling for you Becky.
That confidence is a fragile thing and it takes a long time to build it.

My hips gradually got more and more upset with the riding position, and now I'm in the process of turning Boots into a harness pony, so we are long-reining everywhere and I'm thinking of making a travois with some black polythene piping.

About to join the local Wheel & Shafts club to learn more. I may never get to the cart part and I'm okay with that. If it all falls into place so we can toodle around the farms in a cart, that would be great.

The only constancy in life is change, I guess.

Hope your healing goes well.

CoolsLadyInRed

Hi Becky, How is your leg doing? Has the pain been bearable? thinking of you!

thelmanelle

Becky,
I understand about the location and re-injury. I am so sorry you got hurt again. My youngest step-daughter has the same problem with spiral fractures at her ankle and we have to watch it closely. She wears heels, runs, jumps on trampolines and rides with me on occasion. Wears the faithful air cast if it begins to start hurting.
This has occurred numerous times through out her life and she is in her later 30's, so don't completely give up on yourself, your horse or your dream...maybe change it around and once, you heal...protect that weak ankle if you plan to step back in the saddle.

Never say never. Let time allow you to heal inside and out...you got winter coming and cabin fever with a injured ankle does not help, so get some good reading, quilting, knitting, etc.

Don't stop.

bit

good morning Becky, how are ya doing today? Be sure to keep that leg elevated. Do you have a cast? Watch for swelling, and helps to have a sit down thang to do to keep your mind happy. Personally, I like eating, but not recommended! I did try knitting and made everyone cool scarfs one Christmas. Bet you get a lot of reading in, too. Hope you are feeling good and getting used to those crutches. Sending healing thoughts your way!

becdubie

Thank you all so much for your caring and encouraging words. It means a lot.

I'm doing pretty good all things considered. Don't think I'll even miss a day of work since I can prop my foot up and just work from home. Right now managing pain with Tylenol... took some oxy...at bed time last night but i'm going to try not to take the heavy duty stuff.
Came home from the hospital yesterday, my Mom is here to help me out this week so that's all good. I'm not very good asking people for help, but, it makes it nice if I don't have to get up and go fill my coffee cup or water cup every time and my Mom loves being the care taker. Using a walker is challenging...so I'm going to try to get one of those knee scooter things once my knee heals up from crawling to the road. I think I can probably get to the barn to visit the horses with that. Rachael said Bubba hung around the barn all day saturday...the other horses went out to pasture. I wonder if he was worried about me.

After I fell...Rusty came back to me then when he realized I wasn't ok, he got really upset and ran up to the corral where the rest of the hroses were. They were pretty upset then too...running back and forth at the fence winnying at me... and watching me while I crawled from the field to the fenceline near the road where I was sure someone driving by would see me. Stupid me I didn't have my cell phone on me. It's amazing what you can do when you put mind over matter. It was cold and windy and I knew if I just laid there in the field I would likely go into shock. My foot was literly dangling (not a compound fracture thank goodness ) I could feel from just above my ankle down was no longer connected to the rest of my leg. Adrenaline took over and I just kept crawling until a neighbor drove up the road (probably 15-20 minutes) He called the ambulance, got me a blanket and pillow, and put Rusty away for me.

Yeah these things happen, if you do anything besides sit on the couch there is some risk. Whether or not I ride again remains to be seen, however I've already got plans to look into the horse agility type things. I'll be ok....what doesn't kill me.... you know.....

ElaineW

CoolsLadyInRed

Glad you are coming a long, Becky. Glad your neighbor came along when he did. It's amazing what a body can go through for life preservation.
Those scooters seem to work well. I have seen some of the doctors use them. You take care Becky!!!! Hugs to you!

PasoBaby_CarolU

That's a long crawl Becky! I'm amazed...and sorry. Poor baby.

Don't buy a scooter. You can do the same thing with a chair that has wheels, like an office chair.

CoolsLadyInRed

I am thinking of a thing that looks like an elevated skateboard with handles.

You can rent them, too.

thelmanelle

You can join the driving thread and go from there. Take it slow, of course.

ErinR76

I got a driving video that'll scare anybody off driving. Well maybe not anybody but its terrible..y'all remember the one about the showhorses in the ring being driven in the two wheeled carts, and one bolted and tangled everybody else up in the mess? It was like watching a train wreck!

How about driving minis? Is that safe!? LOL

ElaineW

My uncle has one of the little scooters, and its really neat! he scoots around with it and when he's where he wants to go he can set on it.
His has hand brakes and all.. The cushion on the board part is very comfy he said.. He also said it was lite weight and folded up great to go in his car..

learningthedance

Awwwww Becky!!! I haven't been on often and I missed your post.

Just wanted to send lots of (((((hugs))))) and let you know I am thinking of you along with everyone else.

thelmanelle

becdubie

becdubie

7 days ago....so 3 weeks of no weight bearing left. Yesterday the swelling started to come down and I did finally start feeling the pain. Made it through the night with my friend OXY and today is much better. Feels like a healing pain now.

Oh I miss my daily horse fix so much. Although hubby and daughter are taking care of them, I doubt they spend the time I do out there just hanging out with them giving them each special attention.

Rachael did bring me a visitor to the front door yesterday....Bubba almost came in the house. It was great to pet him and see him up close.

ElaineW

Hang in there Becky!

I remember this past summer I was doing the same thing,, counting down the weeks to recovery! I had 6 weeks to go through..

Glad to hear the swelling has went down..

thelmanelle

Clarissa

Bec I know my situation is not quite like yours. I didn't stop riding because of accident, but all the same I haven't riden since mid February this year.

I hope to get back in the saddle early next year all things going well with Sonny.

However we haven't been standing around all the time either. It's been like extended UDT & all horses are liking it well & responding.

Cassie offered to get up on the pedestal the other day & I didn't even have a treat for her. I went back to the house & got some carrot rings & when I came back she saw me & put herself on the pedestal again! There's no way at that stage she knew I had treats.

I think Sonny is bored silly because he sighs a lot in my presence these days so he will be keen when his feet are ready.

So you should get yourself better then spend a heap of UDT with your horses until they tell you to get back up again. Also if you can think where your riding went wrong causing you to end up on the ground, you might be able to spend that UDT visualizing doing things differently & gaining even more knowledge so the situation doesn't arise again.

I'm sure it will work out well.

becdubie

I can't wait to get back out to the horses and just hang out with them Clarissa. It'll be a couple more weeks I think. I can see them out the window though and yesterday they were standing by the fence staring at the house so I went out on the front proch and talked to them. Rusty gave me a big ole whinney!!! 10 ears and eyes alert and tuned into me 100%

Two weeks have passed, the swelling is almost gone. The top of my foot feels really weird, like the nerves are all coming back alive, it's all tingly and stingy, the skin is very sensitive.... I have a check-up with the surgeon on Tuesday. Hopefully the staples and stiches will come out. I'm doing pretty good hobbling around with the walker. Tried using crutches and promptly fell on my keaster and sprained my thumb.

CoolsLadyInRed

Glad you're feeling better Becky:) Ya, not every one can do the crutch thing. Bet those arms are getting huge muscles from using the walker

Isn't it a great feeling to hear those " come over here" whinnies from the horses??? Hope you are taking some good vitamins for healing...B's and C are a good start

Take care!!!!

becdubie

I'm into week 5. Looking back it has actually gone by pretty fast. I've been using a knee walker I rented from the local med supply place. It's a lot easier than hopping around with the walker. Even went to work at the office one day this week. Wow that was good to get out.
So yesterday doc told me to start walking, take it easy but progress as much as I feel I can. He is very pleased with how everything looks, said he wished everyone healed as nicely as I have.. So I'm putting a little weight on my leg today...keep thinking...when is it going to hurt. So far so good, but I'm afraid to do too much. He even told me that when the swelling in my ankle goes away to just walk in a high top boot and get rid of the big black moon boot...that's not doing much for me anyway. HUH.....

I can't wait to feel good enough to start a little ground work with the horses. Rusty has been very skiddish since the accident. Rachael (my daughter) say's he doesn't even come up to her when she is feeding. I went out to the fence to see the horses and he just stood back staring at me...won't come near me. Tho he could be afraid of my little scooter but I'm sad that it scared him so much, he was very upset that I fell off.

Here are a few pictures....don't look if scars, stiches and kankles make you squeamish.
http://s345.photobucket.com/album...ecdubie/IATH%20SHARE/Leg%20broke/

Chablis

Glad to hear you are on the mend.

CoolsLadyInRed

Becky, from so swollen to looking pretty good! Those are the scooters I have seen. Great invention. Hang in there with your horse. The bonding will start again when you can spend time with him:) I am sure the scooter will take a bit for your horse to get used to. It is something different for him.

jackspark

Glad for the good progress Becky! Rusty will warm up again as soon as you are back to your old self

He must feel guilty about not taking better care of you; he'll get over it and so will you

Clarissa

Well I think that leg is looking really good all things considered.

Sir Smarty Pants probably has his nose out of joint because his mom no longer brings him treats.