Amputees Support Group

Amputation is the removal of a body extremity by trauma or surgery. Many have undergone amputation or have been living with a missing limb since birth. In either case, life as an amputee can be challenging. This is the place to find others going through the same experiences as an amputee. Share your thoughts, troubles, and solutions with the community.

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Muscles & Bones
/ Amputees Support Group

horse riding

lynnejoy65
lynnejoy65
hi there just wondering after losing a leg has anyone been horse riding.do you were your leg or not.my leg is pretty heavy and stiil has the steel bar and i didnt know if it would hurt the horse and blance wise thankyou for any advice and have a good weekend bye for now
deleted_user
deleted_user
I am not an amputee but i have ridden horses many times in my life. I do not think that it would hurt the horse and if it did you could put padding between your leg and the horse. Having you leg on I think would help you stay on the horse better . I have seen lots of people ride with out their legs and with their legs . It would depend on how much of your real leg is there also. but I say go try it. I would make sure you are riding a very well trained gentle horse.

there are Saddle stirrups for use by a horseback rider who has had one or both legs amputated. Each stirrup includes a cup in the configuration of a hollow, truncated, open topped, right circular cone. A pair of buckles on the cone mate with a pair of straps which attach to a saddle. The buckles and straps permit adjustment of the length and of the angle of the stirrup cup to suit the rider's needs.

Here is a video about horse riding therapy for amputees http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrNoa06tGI4
deleted_user
deleted_user
I just got back from vacation and what I wanted to do most was to ride a horse on the beach (this was way before my amputation) and had really given up on doing it. But I got my chance to do It I was sorta worried about getting on and off the horse but I did not have a problem doing either, it was the best time of my life riding a horse on the East Coast with big waves rooling in. I don't think the horse cared if I had two good legs or a prostetic leg all I know is don't give up you can still do anything you want to. Its like Nike says JUST DO IT!!!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Lynne i am a AKA (rt leg) I ride all the time. my horse is 15.2hh it is fun hoping on his big but. at first you will feel very off blanace, especially if you were an avid rider before hand. for added comfort in the saddle i take a strap and cinch down on my stump and tie it down on the saddle. I am currently working on making a leather harness kind of device to secure an AKA rider. But... It is completely possible and its just as fun as it ever was. I am in the prcoess of teaching my two boys how to ride.