Question:
Can I ride horses after recovery?

Before I became too heavy to ride horses I was a very experienced rider. I've fallen off many times without serious injury, but what would happen if I fell after having this operation? Can the stomach take even light trauma? Also riding makes you use your abdominal muscles a lot, would this be a good or bad thing. It would probably be at least a year after the surgery when I would start riding again, so I would be completly healed.    — Lauren E. (posted on November 21, 2000)

November 21, 2000
I don't think you need to wait one year out. I am 6 months post op and I would not hesitate to do it now. I certainly wouldn't do it for the first 3 months, because you do feel tender. Have fun!
   — Paula G.

November 21, 2000
Check with your surgeon for approval, however,l was riding by three months post-op..
   — Victoria B.

November 21, 2000
Been there. done that. Horseback riding, scuba diving, rock climbing, weight lifting (machine & free weight), running (not jogging). Haven't bungeed, sky-dived, or para-sailed yet. 6+ months out. Come on in, the water's fine.
   — blank first name B.

April 8, 2006
Well, IMO I would try and wear a chest protector in addition to my helmet. A fall wouldn't be the end of the world but having your chest or stomach kicked sounds like more signifcant risk to me. I worked a lot with foals, so I will be back riding ASAP but only on my quiet gelding, away from the riotuous babies!
   — penthilisea