I fell off a rearing horse and had my lower back vertebrae broken, a surgical operation was made to remove the broken part and fix the rest with plates and pedicle screws.

Anyone had or know similar cases to learn from? also, i was curious to know if things can get back to normal and if if there is any possibility to get back to riding and how long this would take?

Appreciate your support or having online discussion with people who can help in getting through this.

Thanks, wish a safe riding for all!

Believe me anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
I broke my back three years ago after a silly fall from a youngster and despite being told I would not ride again I am back in the saddle.
It took me two years and a lot of determination but I did it.
I will notlie things are not as easy as before and I get off feeling very sore and stiff but that is a small price to pay.
I have seen many riders with serious injuries get back in the saddle alot of it is your state of mind.
I wish you a speedy recovery and will catch you on msn soon.
Take care

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Thanks a lot for this supportive encouraging reply, you have been always like that!

Was your injury treated with plates & screws? I just worry when I think that there is something has been put in my back trying to imagine how they are moving inside and whether I am treating them correctly through my movements or not.

Do you have any information about my movements limits during this period? it has been 2 weeks now since I made the operation, i can walk a little, sit for sometime, is it ok to sit for long time on PC or for TV? I just can't wait till i checkup with my doctor next week.

What did you mean by determination? is it just a matter of having a desire to ride? is pain the only price? or something wrong can happen when riding like that? know what I mean?

Hope to talk soon.
Thanks again,take care.

Rearing horse,fall, broken back, surgical operation, can I ride again?

Popsec you should not be asking us, you should be asking your surgeon.

The risk of falling off a horse is fairly significant -any horse, any time and for no good reason. You have been close to being confined to a wheel chair - for life. You survived the last episode - you might not be so lucky next time. Noone here can help you make a decision as to the sense of your getting back on a horse.

There are several ways to be around horses without actually having to get back up on one. Driving is one good example,

It is certainly OK to plan for the future but it is too early to make hard and fast decisions. Take your time. Get comfortable with your new reinforced spine before you go too far.

I know several riders who have broken their backs and who are riding again.
If that gives you hope then great. But I also know some who have come off and whose subconcious brain won't allow them to even sit on a horse.
I have met with several disabled riders who can ride a horse better than some non disabled. I have met one who can do a dressage test even though he has no feeling below his waist - his legs hang down.

But don't rush it. Time is a great healer.

B G

I would definately ask your surgeon and doctors about actually getting back in the saddle, though i would imagine they can't give you a definate answer till you have healed enough to see what kind of movement and flexion etc you have after surgery, i would definately be worried about the possibility of more serious damage in another fall however i also worry about a car accident each time i drive so i guess common sense should be your guide, follow doctors recommendations, make sure your horse is a VERY calm nature ( especially the horse you fell off of, if it is the same horse why did you come off? pure accident or horse spook etc) if it was a case of hard to handle horse maybe look into getting a quiet calm horse instead and don't allow yourself to go into a possibly dangerous situation, again common sense, walking a boring trail calmly slowly and safely on a horses back to me is still much better than not getting on at all.
if you are not ably to actually get on the back of a horse there is still a lot you can do that is gratifying from the ground, just grooming, and playing games, teaching tricks, taking in a retirement horse and just loving it to death, all worth it just to get the love back that they offer. I wish you the best of luck with this and hope you don't lose your love of such a wonderful animal.