This time when I went for my riding lesson at the Calvert trust, Exmoor, Kerri, my usual instructor was on holiday. I was introduced to Carolyn instead.
As usual I rode Teddy a 21 year old piebald (black and white) gelding.
After being hoisted onto the saddle, without having the small panic which I had at my early lessons we walked around the indoor school. I began to feel relaxed after just a few paces. partly because I totally trust my horse and because the staff at the Calvert trust, Exmoor have now got to know me quite well so we chat as I ride.
I did some weaving in and out of traffic cones, mastering the art of steering with my one good hand.
After changing the rein (direction) across the school because the weather was nice we went for an amble outside in the autumn sunshine .
Once back in the school, Debbie, one of my helpers asked if I was feeling up to trying to trot. I said that I was and I actually managed to do a sitting trot ( when I sit in the saddle rather than rising up, as my stroke leg would struggle to push me up) 3 times.
I was really proud of myself, I think that the fact that I used to ride regularly before stroke helps with my confidence at riding now.
We walked around the arena a few more times practising a few halts and walking on again, using both my voice and good leg to tell Teddy what I wanted him to do although he is so clever he hardly needs instructing.
Soon the hour was over and I was hoisted back into my wheelchair.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the stable staff at the Calvert trust, Exmoor for their help once again.
I hope that writing about my disabled riding journey will inspire other disabled people – children and adults to give it a try it is a wonderful experience and great for improving balance and posture.
Read more about my adventures with horses before stroke in my e book titled Equestrian dreams available to download from Amazon.
I would suggest that any stroke survivors who want to try riding for the disabled wear a sling on their affected arm as I do otherwise the heaviness of the arm can drag your weight to one side. Wearing a sling on my left arm defiantly benefits my riding while making my arm feel more comfortable and secure.
As always questions/ comments are welcome,
Until next time.
Karen
x
This is amazing. I have heard of this, but I have never heard from someone that has experienced it. I think this is lovely. I am so glad that you are able to continue riding. Best of luck to you. You are inspiring!! #KCACOLS
Thanks so much Lana x
You should be proud and I am so pleased you can do that for yourself too. Always a fan of everything I have heard about this form of riding and how it helps people. You should promote this post to stroke charities and I think there may have been a National Stroke Day of some sort today that was trending on Twitter. Just a thought but well done you #AnythingGoes
It’s great to see your progress, Karen! And lovely that you got outside for a ride in the beautiful sunshine, too x
#KCACOLS
Well done Karen – and so you should feel proud of yourself. Lovely to see your progress through these blog posts. #thesatsesh xx
How wonderful to take up riding again and find ways to overcome your limbs that aren’t working. It sounds like you are doing really well and enjoying it too which is at least as important. Twinklytuesday
Amazing achievement well done X #twinklytuesday
Wow, hats off to you. Just goes to show that if there is a will there is always a way, and disabilities or handicaps do not mean the end. Good luck!
#itsok
Another brilliant lesson itsi so good to read about your experiences. Love that they took you outside in the good weather too #AdcentureCalling
Great post. I used to volunteer with riding and driving for the disabled so it’s fab to read about your experiences. #adventurecalling
Being a horse owner and life long equestrian, I’m a big supporter of riding as therapy. In my youth I even volunteered my time to one of these riding centres that bring horsemanship to people with disabilities. It’s great exercise and is good for the soul. I’m glad you’re enjoying it. Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next time.
How lovely! It’s great that these activities are still accessible regardless of disabilities. Thanks for linking up with #ItsOK x
I have never been brave enough to go riding! I’m glad you are able to enjoy riding and offer tips to others with disabilities to get the most out of it. Thanks for linking up with #globalblogging
Hi Karen… what a proud moment. Sitting trot isn’t the easiest at the best of times, but look at you go. This is so wonderful and I love reading your updates. I think your post also gives a feeling of hope and that if you put your mind to something, you may just be able to make it happen. Thank you for letting us come on your journey over on the #dreamteam xx
Wow! I bet it made you feel quite free on the horse. Amazing achievement. I hope you continue to ride and document it! #KCACOLS
What a great thing for you to do! And the tip about the arms makes sense. I hope you get to do this again. #kcacols
So interesting to read, you are very brave – I’m a bit nervous riding a horse even with fully funtioning limbs! That’s a great tip about keeping your arm in a sling, I am sure you will inspire many in your situation to take up horse riding. #dreamteam
How lovely that you can keep on riding. What an achievement. Echoing some of the other comments, I have struggled to ride even when fully fit. Keep on enjoying! #KCACOLS
It’s great to see you enjoying horses and I’m glad your confidence is growing. Teddy looks gorgeous, I’m sure he looks after you! Thanks for sharing with us and I hope that others are encouraged to give it a go #AdventureCalling
This is great. Massive well done for achieving the sitting trot – you must be very proud of yourself. Thanks for joining us on #adventurecalling.