Riding horses while on medication?

[Holly95]

I was officially diagnosed with Crohns a week ago today after having it suspected for months now, and I am currently on 4g Pentasa, and 40mg Prednisone (decreasing by 10mg weekly starting tomorrow).

I'm going batty now that I'm feeling a little better, I'm so bored!! My life before this was always go go go, studying, riding horses, sports, crafts, everything. Now I sit around doing a whole lot of nothing, maybe some house cleaning etc for mum now and again, that's it.

I had a doctors appointment today and asked him if I could start riding my horses again while on the medication above, he said yeah no worries, but I would like to hear from people who are on the medication, as to whether getting on a horse 10x my size and strength would be a risk worth taking at this point, or whether I should wait until I'm at least off the prednisone before thinking about it.

My horse is a 10yo thoroughbred, I've had him for 3 years, he's generally pretty lazy and laid-back, though he is a big boy standing at 16.1-16.2hh (against my 5'5", reducing width frame) and he is built like a brick outhouse.
It is also spring time at the moment, and we are on dairy pasture so he could be a bit fizzy for a while, considering I haven't been well enough to ride for the past 6 months.
Is my best bet to wait before getting on, having somebody bring him into work for me first, or just take it slowly and see how it goes? Of course I don't intend to fall off him, but that is an inevitable part of horse riding and I want to ensure that any potential injuries won't be exacerbated by the meds that I'm on.

*IF* I get on him, i'm planning to give him at least a week of groundwork first, accompanied with magnesium supplements to take the edge off him, and then start up slowly from there with somebody in eyesight at all times. He is a good boy and I love him dearly, but if the risks outweigh the benefits then I won't go doing that just yet!

I've had no unwanted side effects from either of the meds I'm on, so I don't see myself making any rash decisions about this, but I thought I would ask anyway since surely I can't be the only crohns person who rides horses! :lol:

 

[rygon]

I cant see why not. I carried on kickboxing, snowboarding and skydiving when I was diagnosed. I had to have some time off when I was flaring badly, but whenever I was feeling fine I was out doing sport. I find exercise definitely helps keep my crohns at bay

 

[Holly95]

That's awesome thanks Rygon, I'm just a little worried about the effects that the meds might have if I come crashing off since I'm meant to be bruising easier for now.

That sounds good, I think I'll get back into it slowly so I don't overdo it, but I'm not going to sit around at home forever doing nothing and wishing I had done it when it gets later.
Good to hear from somebody else who has kept doing what they love, especially since those sports are pretty extreme! (Think I would die of fright before attempting sky diving!)

 

[Axelfl3333]

I agree if your feeling well, enjoy,i,m a chubby gym addict and go 4/5 times a week cut it back when I,m under the weather but generally feel better with exercise don,t know why but it really helps.good luck

 

[staloffn]

I train horses for a living. I had to slow down this year cause i have been in really bad shape but if you feel well enough then i`d say go for it. I would make sure you lunge him down some but be careful you don`t over do it for him. remember he`ll be out of shape too and you don`t want him to "tie up". i think the week of ground work would be perfect to get you both in shape mentally/physically.

 

[Ki3]

I'd just start slowly like you have been saying, maybe ride for a short time then slowly build up and ride for longer? You should be fine but I'd take it easy to start with and hope you have fun riding again

 

[Holly95]

Thanks everyone, I started it today by just spending some time out with both of my horses just brushing and cleaning them... More for my benefit than theirs haha.

Staloffn I won't overdo him, he keeps himself in pretty good shape but I'll make sure to take it slowly for the both of us, I'll start lunging for only 10 minute sessions probably, that'll be enough for me too to start with, I plan on keeping our first few rides to short walks around the paddock or something and I got a toxin binder and a magnesium supplement today to help him out. He gets naughty when he has to repeat things so I'll have to keep his mind busy while still not overworking his body.

Thanks everyone

 

[PVail]

Holly , theres no reason not to do what you enjoy just know your limits. I started cycling shortly after I got sick. I found physical exercise a big benefit in many ways. Now I go mountain biking twice a week and i find when I dont ,I get more GI problems. I think building up to it and you will know yourself when the time is right. As with many of us on this Forum learning to work with this disease is a very important part. Being in control and planning your activities along side meds will help you cope with the bad days too .
Best of luck and get out there
Peter

 

[MCPayne]

Hi Holly.

I don't see why that would be a problem, although you may ride more than me. I usually only do guided trail rides about once or twice a year, and I'm usually fine with no side effects afterwards.

You don't have to specify your age, but maybe have a friend maybe just lead you and your horse to start while you're on him, and not ride him alone.

 

[Brenden]

Go for it! Dont let it stop you from doing the things you enjoy. I personally enjoy intense hour long workouts everyday

 

[Holly95]

Eventually I want to be back to riding both of my horses every day, but I will take it very slowly to start with, and I will have a friend with me for my first few rides. I don't want to overdo it and go right back to square one when I'm just starting to feel better!
I just hope I stay feeling alright once I'm off the Prednisone!