Disabled Rider Horse Saddles
Posted by Bill on Apr 30 2009 at 01:10 pm | Tagged as: Tack
I’ve never really given much thought to it but there are probably a lot of people out there who would love to be able to ride a horse but can’t due to a disability. Today I came across an article on Grit.com about a saddle maker that crafts horse saddles for special needs or handicapped riders. From kids to disabled veterans, I’m sure the right saddle could be a dream come true to those who thought they would otherwise never be able to ride a horse. If you know of anybody in this situation, perhaps these links could be useful:
Horse Saddles for Disabled Riders article on Grit.com
Handicap saddles by Grays Custom Saddlery in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas.
Tel: 870-670-4800
My first experience with horses was when I moved to college and found a group called Rainbow Riders. I volunteered to warm horses up and then be a “walker”. My job was to walk next to the horse and hold onto a child with phyiscal disabilities as they rode. We used regular saddles (although some had hand grips added) but the children wore a waist belt with loops for walkers to hold onto. It was a great exercise for the children because riding a horse, as wel all know, works muscles and really adds self esteem and confidence. Riding a horse also imitates the muscles we use when we walk. Anyway, thought I’d add my two cents.
Jodi
Thanks Jodi. What a great experience.
I know how sad it is
. There is this barn in Atlanta that has a people who ride with disabilities and it is sad because they have a hard time. But when you have a disability and ride, honestly, it gives me joy to see it 
.
One of my clients is trying to start a riding program for handicapped riders here in Central Texas. he is looking for saddles. Anyone know where I can find some?
When I started feeling the pain in my hands back in July of 2000, I thought I had carpel tunnel and would just have to have some minor surgery and would be back in the saddle again in no time. As time went on and I had stranger symptoms, I thought that nothing could ever take away my riding ability. Then I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and my world turned upside down. I lost the one thing that I loved to do more than anything else….ride. For many years, my disease kept me on the ground. I learned more about my horse than I ever knew before. I learned more about ground training and equine health issues. Then, I was pushed (lovingly) by a fellow horse lover and friend to just try. I got on and although it is often a struggle, I haven’t stopped since. My main issue is balance and leg strength and having issue with those two has given my confidence quite a jolt too. What used to give me joy and freedom in cantering or even trotting, now makes me nervous and unsure of myself. I’ve been searching for a saddle to help me, but honestly, the only ones out there are for SEVERELY disabled (ie. muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy), plus, they are several thousand dollars. For me, the search continues, but my will to make it work will never again fail.