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Horse riding and LS - is there any hope?

Posted , 22 users are following.

Dressagediva
Dressagediva

Hello, I am a 48 year old woman who was diagnosed with LS four months ago, having been suffering with increasing symptoms for over a year.  I started menopause early, aged 43 and as a result of a routine blood test for this also discovered that I have an underactive thyroid so take levothyroxin daily.  I've been managing the LS reasonably successfully in terms of daily comfort and sex life but as you can tell from the title of this post, I am an equestrian and this is where my real problem lies at the moment.  I have two horses and until several months ago rode at least 6 times a week.  As my symptoms were progressing and before diagnosis I tried everything to relieve the pain - vaseline, feminine pads, gel filled saddle savers etc.  If I space my rides and only go for a light hack I'm fairly ok, but any serious riding and I'm wrecked afterwards.  I have just purchased some cycling shorts with what was described as a 'perineal relief' pad in the gusset area - hoping I could put these on just before riding and take them off again if they help.  I have also gone so far as talking to a saddler (male, so that was fairly embarrassing) about the possibility of using a gel pad with a hole in the middle on top of my saddle.  He is having a think, but there are lots of ergonomic issues with balancing on top of a horse which also have to be considered.   Does anyone else here manage to ride (or even cycle) successfully using remedial padding or accessories of any description or am I facing a life without horses?cry

 

2 likes, 74 replies

74 Replies

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  • Guppy007
    Guppy007 Dressagediva

    Edited

    Hi, I don't ride horses or bicycle, but I can well imagine that it would cause some soreness!  I think your on the right track with speaking to a saddler.  It does seem like your  best plan is to come up with a saddle tailored to fit your needs.  If he can make the saddle in a way that means your genitalia  is not touching anything at all, and that you are totally lifted up and supported in other areas, then I think that should work...I really hope so!
    • Dressagediva
      Dressagediva Guppy007

      Edited

      Thank you!  If we do find a way I'll certainly post on here to update in case it helps anyone else.

       

  • jade88405
    jade88405 Dressagediva

    Posted

    Hiya!

    I used to have horses and understand how upsetting it must be to be worrying about having to stop. Have you got epederm cream? I use two types - the cream and then the thick gel. I don't ride much anymore - I stopped way before LS, but when I go running or cycling i will plaster the thick gel on. My main issue is skin splitting and sore bumps which the thick epiderm really does help.

    Try and stay happy and positive. We are all here for you!!

    xx

    • Dressagediva
      Dressagediva jade88405

      Posted

      Thank you - I have dermovate but will look at those products which I'm sure will go some way to helping.  I have just posted this question on an FB forum and found something I didn't know existed - a riding saddle with a hole cut out of it.  It's made by a company called Setzi for long distance trekking and endurance apparently.  I'm going to see if they might be able to adapt a dressage saddle in the same way.  Expect it won't be cheap but worth it if I can keep riding.  Thanks again for the advice about the epederm cream and gel.

       

    • marcel34249
      marcel34249 Dressagediva

      Posted

      I would love to hear what you find out, or if you bought one of these saddles. I looked at them and logically it seems like it would work. I usuallu ride western, so that would be a huge change for me. Last time I rode for one hour and it took me a week to get "over" it. Let me know!

  • hanny32508
    hanny32508 Dressagediva

    Posted

    Not entirely the same - I have put a special saddle on my bicycle.  Can't go for long rides, but at least some exercise is possible.  You're on the right track trying to invent a special saddle, indeed with an opening in the centre.  It's the way my bike saddle is made, with big raised 'cheek' on either side. 
    • Hazel1962
      Hazel1962 hanny32508

      Posted

      Hi Hanny, just wondering what make your saddle is or where you got it from, I've given up on cycling as its so damned uncomfortable. However we've bought a motorhome and cycling is a good way of getting about to avoid taking the van everywhere.
    • hanny32508
      hanny32508 Hazel1962

      Posted

      Hi Hazel, I looked at the bike saddle but it doesn't say a lot. (BonTracer)  Found it in our local bike store.  It's obvious that I'm not the only one looking for a different kind of bike saddle.  And we too bring our bikes camping.  
    • Hazel1962
      Hazel1962 hanny32508

      Posted

      Aah, thanks for looking, I will keep an eye out now I know they are available.
    • judym117
      judym117 hanny32508

      Posted

      Hanny32508, What type of saddle helped on your bicycle? I need to find something. Love to ride, but so painful with LS

  • christine_fay
    christine_fay Dressagediva

    Posted

    I too was a competitive rider. My daughter is a very well known horse woman and I really hope she never suffers this. I had to give up in the end. I do try and ride my bike now and again but am always fearful of LS returnng and my skin is so tissue thin in that area that even a mild abrasion can be months before it heals.. I have a 'fat' saddle for my bike which is actually an adult trike now. It would be fun if it were not for the manic rat runners on our country lanes... I am always being made to swerve off the road to get out of their way....
    • Dressagediva
      Dressagediva christine_fay

      Posted

      Thanks Christine. I am really sorry to hear you had to give up but I know how painful it is no matter how much you love riding and horses. Truly life changing. Dodging rat runners on your bike doesn't sound that different to avoiding them on horseback!
  • christine_fay
    christine_fay Dressagediva

    Posted

    It is my daughters whole life and business she is off to Barcelona at the end of the week with her dressage horse. I just see her getting nearer and nearer to the age I had this and feel so scared for her.
  • mary_58782
    mary_58782 Dressagediva

    Posted

    I am already through menopause. Although I can't address your exact situation, I have discovered using estrogen cream in that area a couple of times per week has really improved the quality of the tissue in that area.  My GYNO said that the bad effects of estrogen have been overstated. She thinks that it is more important to maintain the quality of the tissue. I am a former teenage rider and I feel that with this improvement I could be comfortable riding.
    • Dressagediva
      Dressagediva mary_58782

      Posted

      Hi Mary, as well as the steroid gel I have been prescribed oestrogen pessaries as well. They both work well as long as I don't ride. I suppose I'm just trying to have my cake and eat it too.
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