Sandikay2005
Registered Member
Posts: 4
(6/26/05 1:12 am)
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Re: Prosthetic foot in or out of the stirrup?
Hi all,
Sandi here,
I am an AKA and have been only riding since last December at a theraputic riding center here in Wisconsin. I tried both the western saddle and the english saddle and we all agreed the english stirrups fit me the best. I use the peacock stirrup and put my prosthetic foot into it far enough where it actually cannot slip out, I would say a bit past the ball of the foot.
My understanding is that if I would fall the elastic type band would allow my foot to pop out of the stirrup?
I tried riding out of the stirrup but that didn't feel comfortable. One thing that concerns me about that is if the leg would start flapping around and being an experienced rider who knows how the horse would respond to that cue!!
I don't want to do any rodeo type riding !!! LOL
Sandi
AKA since 1971
new to riding
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SpottedDrafts
ezOP
Posts: 88
(6/27/05 9:10 am)
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Re: Prosthetic foot in or out of the stirrup?
Sandi,
Yesterday I rode in the trainer's western saddle. I have, before my accident, ridden in western, english and dressage saddles. I grew up riding western and was always most comfortable in them.
We put my prosthetic foot in the western stirrup. I did think that it could have been longer on that side, as the heel of the pros foot was up higher than the toe, with the knee a little more bent than could have been. We didn't worry about it right then, as we were working more with learning the horse's cues than anything. Also, I would have liked to have had the pre-turned stirrups, I think they would have been easier to get the foot in/out of.
Yes, the rubber bands is supposed to give way if you fall and release your foot. English stirrups and leathers are easier on your leg as they turn and move more freely than the stiff western 'fender'. But, they could allow the prosthetic leg to move around more on it's own, too. So, there seem to be trade-offs. There are safety stirrups in the western style, I posted links to them somewhere on this board. This is something I will be experimenting with over the next few weeks, as I will have to get a new saddle for the new horse and go from there.
As to your pros foot/leg giving odd cues to the horse - yes, we discussed that yesterday. The horse will eventually learn to ignore that odd movement. I do agree that it should be minimized as much as possible. Also, the horse will need to learn how to respond to the cues that able bodied riders use their leg for, and where we can't. There just has to be an adjustment/retraining process. Don't underestimate the power of your seat communicating to the horse - that can replace the leg cue.
I am going to find out more about the amputee trainer that I found out about yesterday. If he can train a horse, we can ride em!! It's just an adjustment to the way we communicate.
Ann
RAK amputee, Michigan
Western/Trail riding
Spotted Draft Horses |
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