horse back riding

had my pacemaker for over a year now. does anyone do horseback riding or is this something your not to do?

4 Comments

horse back riding

by chrispcritter57 - 2012-02-26 02:02:43

I've had a pacemaker forEVER (48+years). I started horse back riding in my mid-20's (late starter). I believe in "living with a pacemaker" not "sitting in a rocking chair on the porch watching your life go by". However, there are risks that you need to understand. Any type of concussion to the unit can be a real problem. When I was young (6 years old and beyond), I was not allowed to participate in gym (any activity involving any type of ball) and I was not allowed to ride a bicycle (in case I lost balance, and the handle bar hit the unit (at that time the generator was in my abdomen)). As I grew older I made my own risk assessments on my activities. I do need to tell you, though, about 3 years ago, while in a horse back riding lesson, I fell off and landed directly on my left shoulder (where the generator is now). Besides shattering my collar bone, I damaged the plug to the generator, and moved the placement of the wires. I have chosen to stay off horses since, but that is because at my current age, I have learned don't "bounce" as well as I did when I was younger. My advice: do your own risk assessment - is it worth it to ride and possibly damage the unit? To me, for many years, it was worth the risk. Again, I say, LIVE with your pacemaker. These units were developed to allow us to lead as close to a normal life as possible. Blessings.

Hi

by Gellia3 - 2012-02-26 04:02:40

I'm with chrisp425. Ive had a pacemaker for nearly 37 years (1975) and went horseback riding with a 3pound pacer in my chest two weeks after getting it. My problem was I fell off more than I rode. :(
Still I got back on and rode constantly for four years.

No one knew what a PM patient could do back when I got mine (I was 26) so I was told to "go try it out". So, I did. I don't think I missed a thing either.

I have tried to enjoy life to the fullest. My PM was a gift of life for me. It still is, as I am and always have been, 100% dependent.

Chrisp425 said it best. "LIVE with your pacemaker" and may I add, LIVE IT WELL!

Best to you,
Gellia

WOW! 37 years!

by chrispcritter57 - 2012-02-26 06:02:46

Gellia, congratulations! I've never spoken to someone who has had a PM even close to how long I've had mine. I'm honored. I got my first in 1963 at the ripe old age of 6. I don't know life without it. Thanks for your add ... always LIVE IT WELL! Blessings.

Riding

by Ride to win - 2012-02-28 09:02:17

So happy you like to ride.
I was fox hunting for 2 years when it was detected I needed a pacemaker! I was getting dizzy & could not keep up the pace. After my first pacemaker (6 weeks) I began leasing a horse, which ultimately my husband purchased for me. I continued to ride as well as hunt. At a jump I came off, landing on my back (hunting is an agressive sport). I swear the pacemaker worked bwell I was told I needed a pacemaker after 2 years of foxhunting! After the initial 6 weeks, I leased a horse, which we purchased. I rode for nearly 2 years, hunting as I could. At opening hunt I came off at a jump, landing on my back. I swear the pm worked better after the jolt. I went off to finish the hunt. After less than 2 years I needed a replacement (it was not keeping up plus found broken lead). Well here I sit, 11 days from resuming riding and I can't wait! This one better allow more gallops.
To avoid injury you need to be in excellent physical shape, with the ability to stay balanced and secure. If you are a beginner, stay in a lesson program with a quiet mount. A lot of injuries happen due to inexperience and lack of judgement on the riders part. and yes this can be a dangerous sport. Wear a protective helmet and vest. Having said that there is nothing like being in the woods on a horse. My cardiologist is a rider and hunter!
Let me know if you pursue this. Anyone else out there a rider? Yea and I am 69!
Good luck kid
Ride2win


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