5 Tips to Getting Back in the Saddle After a Riding Injury

Injuries are an unfortunate reality of riding, but recovery doesn’t have to feel isolating. In this blog, Bethany Lee shares her personal experience and five practical, heartfelt tips to help equestrians navigate the road back to the saddle.

by Bethany Lee

1. Get Advice. As equestrians, injuries are basically inevitable. There are so many people who have been in your shoes before- maybe not with same fall or injury, but experienced the process of getting back to normal. It's hard on so many levels, so advice has been super helpful for me while I am recovering from a broken hip. 

2. Feel Everything. There isn't a right way to grieve your injury... that's right- you're mourning the loss of your freedom, mobility, opportunity, etc. Take the time you need to really feel all the emotions. It may seem odd to give yourself permission to have an off day, but in the long run, it will make it easier for you to move forward. 

3. Find a PT Who Gets It. My surgeon told me I shouldn't even think about riding until 6 weeks post-op. As equestrians, we know that statement is COMICAL. There was no way I was waiting that long to ride again. Thankfully, I was introduced to Dr. Joanna Frantz who is one of the PTs for the Olympic Paradressage team. It is such a relief that she knows the exact movements to focus on so that when I ride, I am strong and prepared! 

4. Take Care of your Body. If your injury is anything like mine, you went through a traumatic incident. Your body has to undergo significant healing. This is where I really took the time to research the food, supplements, and peptides to take to speed up the healing process. 

5. Save the Date. Once you can get cleared to ride again, make it a (safe) celebration. Basically, create a safe environment for your first ride back (ie. Someone to lead you around and prep the horse you're getting on so he/she is quiet. Then make it a party!! Grab your favorite snack or dessert and be proud of yourself for all you've done to get your body back in the saddle. 

Bethany Lee is the creator behind My Equestrian Style, founder of equestrian lifestyle brand Ellsworth, and host of the Equestrian Podcast. She is also a professional hunter/jumper rider and trainer with top program Hesslink Williams. With all of her spare time, Bethany loves fitness, travel, and spending time with her husband while renovating houses or cuddles with her dogs Fifa and Bamba.

Personal Instagram: @myequestrianstyle

Ellsworth Instagram: @ellsworthofficial_

Equestrian Podcast: @equestrianpodcast 

I love BOTORI because they were truly the first of their kind. I remember being skeptical riding in a pair of BOTORI riding tights for the first time and how I'd never wear leggings to the barn. BOTORI single handedly changed my mind and now they're genuinely what I grab when I have a jam packed day and want to keep the same look on all day... they're that versatile!