How to Ride a Horse After Hip Replacement

After completing rehabilitation, most people are ready to ride a horse after hip replacement. Hip replacement surgery is a major procedure and takes time for recovery. However, most people are ready to get back to normal activities like riding after going through recovery. It is possible to ride a horse after a hip replacement with the right tips.

• Choose a well-trained horse.  If you are recovering from surgery, then ride a well-mannered horse or risk having to go back to the hospital for another replacement. Avoid any horses that are rearing, bucking, running and kicking. It would be wise to not get a horse that doesn’t trust you.


• Wear a riding helmet and use a mounting block. The lower body is not as strong as before the surgery and riders need to be cautious until building up strength and balance in the legs. Use the right size and a comfortable saddle. After getting on the horse, start slow by starting the horse at a walk. If your body responds well, then you can speed the horse up to a trot.


• Get off when unsure about control or behavior. If you don’t feel safe at any time, then get off immediately and hand the reins to someone else. Never ride alone after having a hip replacement. There is a possibility of something going wrong, which can lead to you getting hurt.


• Expect to feel pain. It is going to be hard to avoid feeling pain when riding for the first time after surgery. Take a pain pill, such as Tylenol as a preventative measure to alleviate the pain and ease the stiffness. Most people are willing to go through the discomfort in order to enjoy the freedom of horseback riding.