will i be able to ride again?????

[reilly4810]

I was recently diagnosed with chiari malformation... pretty shocking since i have been relatively healthy my entire life.  my mom is a little more nervous than i am as we were told yesterday that i will more than likely need surgery.  my neurologist said that it is the worst he has seen in a long time if ever... boy the was comforting.  He doesn't want me riding a horse more than a walk. Witch for now is fine. I am getting ready to break my mare and i would really love to ride her once her training is complete. And when i say ride i mean a walk, trot, canter, and a gallop... will i be able to do this after im healed from surgery? i know i will need to take it easy at first but if i can't ever ride again i will be devastated.

thanks,
reilly4810

[selmaS]

  Hi and welcome to the Chiari forum.

Sara-Jane makes a great point wear a helmet as u do not want to risk an injury from a fall....

We are all different as to what we can do post op....so make sure they rule out ALL related conditions b4 u have surgery as some like Ehlers-Danlos can affect how u feel and heal post op.

Having the right Dr is key.

[Sara_Jane19]

I can still ride! Not the difficult, green horses like I used to, and I haven't tried jumping yet. Just listen to your body and make sure to wear a helmet!!!!

[reilly4810]

Thanks. I just dont want to get this surgery and not be able to do what i love to do. I coulxnt imagine my life without horses.  Thanks.

[desertstorm2009]

Hi Sweetie....
I can tell you this, my daughter rides and she had the surgery nine years ago. She walks and gently lopes. I ride, it's the best part of my life too! I take it easy, walk, trot and lope. Should we get on a green horse, or break a young one? Probably not! I will never lose my passion for horses and you won't either :-) Lisa