Would you do this??? My kids are taking horseback lessons and they offer horseback trails guided or unguided for an hour at a time.
I figure maybe it would be safe since its safe for the kids?
My husband and I would do this as a date! We rarely go on dates, at most 1-2 a year. We'd rent a horse for an hour and go off ourselves. The price is very reasonable too.
The place where my daughter rides works with people of all abilities - mental and physical. I don't see why you couldn't ask about it. They might have one horse or another that's more suitable for you. If not, try to find a place that will accommodate, because it sounds like fun, even if you have to go to a different location.
So you want to be put high up on a bipedal animal known for it's speed and strength? I know they have plans and trained animals for this but this sounds like a potential recipe for disaster. If anything were to spook your horse you could be jerked or thrown and risk further injury.
I think a horse and buggy ride would be a better option or a tandem bicycle. Even a swim with the dolphins sounds better IMHO. At least then you fall off and you're still gently floating.
Actually, I've heard that riding can be very good for developing core strength, balance and posture.
Ask around and get an older, well behaved gelding to ride on. One suitable for children would be suitable for you. The reason why I mention "gelding" is that they are less temperamental and hormonal than mares and stallions.
I've always wanted to have riding lessons.
I'd say go for this and do your research, but I hear it's very therapeutic!! Posted via Mobile Device
Might depend on the type of injury and stability of your spine.
A gaited horse will give you a smoother ride.
I have neck issues and i have had non-gaited horse rides leaving me in need of a steroid pack if I'm trotting, but my neck is pretty bad in terms of tolerance to jarring. Most times it isn't a problem at a walk.
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S'ok. We all have blonde moments lol Posted via Mobile Device
Hey now... It's a recessive gene.
Besides, I don't have blonde moments I have redhead moments. That's a moment where you have a freudian slip and automatically think about sex. But you don't just think about sex, you think you're better at having sex than your fantasy partner.
And, you do know that redheads are also recessive? (Didn't know that til my ginger baby was born)! LoL!!
Back so the horses... You really think tandem biking is safer than riding? You know... User error?
Older, gelded horses that have been well socialized are pretty safe. Especially the ones that have seen and done it all.
Since IMILWMH has a stationary bike that she can only use for a few minutes at a time, I am thinking horseback riding would be easier and more therapeutic... Just my two cents. You are right, though - if she doesn't pick the right animal the potential for disaster is great. Posted via Mobile Device
Check with your doctor first. My trainer had an old injury from a horse falling on top of him. Over the years it continued to worsen. He had to finally take a year off and have more surgery on his neck. The doctor told him one wrong move would have resulted in permanent nerve damage and paralysis.
And, you do know that redheads are also recessive? (Didn't know that til my ginger baby was born)! LoL!!
Back so the horses... You really think tandem biking is safer than riding? You know... User error?
Older, gelded horses that have been well socialized are pretty safe. Especially the ones that have seen and done it all.
Since IMILWMH has a stationary bike that she can only use for a few minutes at a time, I am thinking horseback riding would be easier and more therapeutic... Just my two cents. You are right, though - if she doesn't pick the right animal the potential for disaster is great. Posted via Mobile Device
I wouldn't. Even a smooth walking horse is 'jarring'. It does take lots of core strength to stay on. Horses, even well-trained are highly unpredictable.
My experience on horses - during trail ride - got spooked and took off through woods trying to rub me off against a tree. My high school buddy rode in competition, horse got spooked, reared up - her dad ran in to help. Horse came down on his head causing a head injury requiring institution living for rest of his life.
I would find something else. Posted via Mobile Device
My only basis for my point was that OP has limited ability in riding a stationary bike, (please forgive me if I am wrong or have mistaken you for someone else, IILWMH). Using a "real" bike as opposed to a stationary one presents more risks.
I am definitely not saying she should show up at a random stable and climb aboard whatever animal is available. She needs to make it clear to the handlers that she has this condition and needs the gentlest, tamest beast they have. As I said, one suitable for children, (perhaps even a stout pony), would probably be suitable enough for her.
If this is something you want to do, OP, then I encourage you to go out and do it. I think it's great that you want to get out and try new things. Any new thing you want to try will pose some risks, so it's important that you take your time and do the research. Horses have been used as therapeutic animals for a great deal of time and for numerous reasons. I have even seen persons who cannot hold themselves upright on an animal be stabilized by people walking alongside it. It's not impossible, but again, weigh the pros and cons. Posted via Mobile Device
Heck, she doesn't even have to ride the animal alone... Her husband and her could ride the same animal together if needed. Posted via Mobile Device
I probably shouldn't respond on this - I really dislike horses. And yes I've been around them - my parents raised horses til the moved to the city and my brother raised horses until last year. Still hate them - lol! Posted via Mobile Device
1Likes
Horseback riding with a neck injury??? 
D'oh!
