Hey everyone,

Hey! When I was younger I absolutly loved to ride and spent most of my spare time (and all of my parents spare money) riding. It was somingthing that brought a smile to my face. Last semester at college I wa**** with the difficult reallity that I was to big to ride the schools horses. The weight catagorys ended at 200lbs. I am waiting for approval for my surgery and I cant wait to be able to ride again! -Em

Hi Emily I know what you're going through being "too fat" to ride school horses. I had that happen about 5 years ago, and went on a liquid diet until I was able to ride again. Of course the weight came back, but by that time I had bought my own big, beautiful mare and could ride anyway. Bad move, my center of balance was way off, and I ended up breaking my left humerus 3 times last summer. My riding has improved dramatically since my RNY (per my trainer), but the fear from the injuries last summer are still there. Unfortunately, Libby could sense the fear, and our partnership never recovered. I re-broke the humerus and had to have surgery last week to put in plate/screws/bone graft... The good news is that the arm is feeling wonderful for only being 12 days out from 6 hours of surgery. The bad news is that I know that I will never be comfortable riding Libby again, and am in the process of selling her and downsizing to a nice, patient gelding. I will miss my beautiful girl, but the joy of riding a horse that I can get past my fears with will make up for the loss. Only another 6-10 weeks until I can ride again! That freedom that comes in the saddle was a wonderful motivator for me going through my surgery. Hopefully, you'll be back in the saddle in a few months, too. (Oh, and I'm now skinnier than the person who told me, non too gently, that I was "too fat" to ride. I love the irony!) Deb

Hi Deb, Thanks for your reply. I hope your injury heals quicky and I wish you all the best of lucky in buying a new horse. I cant wait to be able to buy a pair of boots that fit over my calves!! I will never forget the day that I tried unsucessfully to squeeze myself into the largest tall boots that are avaliable with out having them custom made. What a nightmare. In the end I bought the largest half chaps that I could find until I was told that I was too big to ride. Anyways, I cant wait to be on the loosing side! -Em

Hey, hey, hey to all you horse lovers out there. I had a "horsey" breakthrough about a month ago. I started trying to ride again after about 3 months after my WLS. I was just too heavy before that. Then when I did start I was so frustrated because I couldn't get on without assistance of a step of some sort. Really aggrivated me to no end. I've ridden all my life and I couldn't get my big butt on my horse. Well, wise husband that I have assured me to just be patient and it would come in time and sure enough!!!! It Did!!! I rode again last night and it's getting easier each time. Thank goodness I have a patient horse too. He just stands and lets me groan and lift. But I will do better each time. Tina

Yes, I know about using a step stool to get on my horse. For the past 2 years I have been too "chubby" to get on my horse without a step. Also I havent ridden this year because my weight has increased so much my poor horse gets to tired. My surgery is scheduled for 9/21/2004 and I am soooo excited about the thought of being able to really ride my horse again. I want to show again too. I cant wait. Lynn

Hi, Lynn ! I want to wish you luck on your surgery - in less than two weeks! You must be getting excited and probably a little nervous. It sure will seem worth it when you are once again able to ride like you know you can. One advantage us hunt seat riders have is that even the skinny girls usually use a mounting block, so no one ever looked at me funny when I needed one because I was too fat too get my butt up there. Even now, within 15 pounds of my goal, I would have to drop my stirrup a good 6 inches to mount from the ground. (Which I would do if I needed to remount in the field and didn't have a convenient rock, but why put the strain on my old knees and my mare's back when there's a mounting block handy?) I'm hoping to start showing again next year, as soon as I get in synch with my new horse. More than that, though, I look forward to trail riding with friends. Best Wishes on your surgery. I'll keep you in my prayers. Deb

Ugh - I have always loved riding - my aunt owns a stable and it's where I grew up I was on the varsity team at my undergrad school. I took phentermine to lose weight at one point, and was successful (down to 160!), but after taking it for 10 months, ended up with heart problems. So I went off it and got all kinds of crap from my trainer when I started regaining weight - even after I explained the heart thing. Some people!

Hi All - Well, I am 3 weeks post op and wondering when it will be okay to ride. Anyone know? I will ask my Dr. tomorrow but just wondering. I am so excited about being thin enough to feel good in the saddle again. WOW. I have a 2 year old that is just waiting for me to hurrry up and get on him. Cant wait!

Hi Lynn Congratulations! I know that feeling of can't wait to ride again. I had open RNY and my doc made me wait 8 weeks. The threats of what could happen with a fall opening up that incision was enough to get me to wait. What was great was that I could ride better the first time I rode again 8 weeks later than I did before surgery, when I was riding at least 5 days a week. It has amazed me how much my balance and stamina has improved every week as the weight has come off. I am so greatful to be where I am today! Have a great weekend, Deb

Thanks Deb - I got the okay from my Dr. to go ahead and ride. I am going to get my gelding out of his pasture today and saddle him up. I will need to break the news to him that his retirement is over and I am back! Actually he has been bored so I think he will be happier now I know I will be. I have lost 25 lbs. and already feel soooo much better. I am hoping that I will be able to ride better and have better balance and more confidence. Thanks for your support, Lynn