I'm curious about the therapeutic horseback riding. I've found a couple brain rehab places that utilize it, but I wonder how safe it is to teach such a risky thing to TBI survivors?? It seems awfully likely that sooner or later they could fall off and get another TBI. Not to mention that many first TBI's are obtained in a horseback riding accident.
...oohh did I just mention that?! I did, heheh... welllll I am curious about how they minimize the risks and all. ???

Riding horses is never without risk. They do minimize the risk as much as possible by only using well trained, calm horses, well trained staff and volunteers and through well maintained tack and safety equipment (helmets are mandatory).

Many riders in the programs do not ride independently, one volunteer will lead the horse and one or two will walk beside the rider and provide physical and emotional support as required.

The environment is as controlled as possible, usually within an arena or fenced outdoor ring, the footing is soft and shock absorbent. The horses are specially chosen for temperament and then time is spent training them to deal with adaptive equipment and the routine of therapeutic riding.

Anytime you get on a horse, you do run risk of falling, that's the nature of the activity. Occasionally riders do fall, but in 15 years of teaching daily, I never had a rider fall and require medical attention following a fall, with the exception of one rider that jumped prematurely off her horse, knocking her volunteer to the ground and landing on her feet, breaking an ankle.

The job of the volunteer(s) walking beside the rider is to help prevent falls and if a fall cannot be prevented, then at least minimized and brought softly to the ground.

My brain injury was caused by a fall from a horse. If I felt I would qualify for therapeutic riding, I would not hesitate to take part. There are many benefits to therapeutic riding and each individual has to weigh the risks versus benefits for themselves.

Starr

Starr did not mention this but I have read that a key value of horseback riding therapy is how it enables the brain to re-establish a cadence that is beneficial to recovery. Somehow, the brain picks up on the movements of the horse and integrates them into movements of the rider.

I use music to help re-establish the timing of my brain after a crash. Finding that timing or cadence is very important to recovery.

I hope others have been able to find this timing aid.

My best to you all.

I spent two years from 2006 onwards trainig myself to walk properly after damaging my neck after a fall. The main problem during that time was stoppig myself crabbing (leading with my left hip) and leaning to one side.

Since my fall in January where I not only damaged my head but also my knee my gait is all over the place and tend to meander as i walk this coupled with balance problems makes me look like I have had "one too many". I have had a bit of abuse from other members of the public because I walk slowly and get in their way.

Sospan,
I'm sorry you've received some abuse about your gait... that sucks.

I've had people stare at me while I walk and kids ask their parents "why does that lady walk funny"?

I did get in someone's way at Lowes and they were being impatient and sighing loudly and I stopped and turned to look at them and I said "sorry I'm holding you up, since my brain injury I have a hard time walking normally" and I stepped to the side and let them pass. Their face turned red and they were clearly embarrassed that I noticed their impatience.

Starr

OMG good for u Starr!

I would've said the same thing!

Dear Starr,
I have a severe gait problem so i can relate with you. My family is always trying to get me to walk with my legs closed and it's hard. The best advice I can give you is to look forward when you walk and don't look at your feet.

Thanks - fortuneatly still big and ugly enough to hold my own. Its always strange when you see peoples attitudes to disabled people. I was in a well known burger bar chain walking towards an empty table, walking stick in left hand and holding a tray in the other. A mother shouted to her kids to run and grab the table I was walking towards. She still didn't get it when another customer pointed out what she had just done - theres no hope for some people