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At 05:39 AM 8/12/97 -0400, you wrote: >In re to riding for balance. > >Dear Don, > >I trained and showed horses in jumping and dressage competition for years >before being diagnosed with pd. I believe it helped keep the diagnosis at >bay for a while because I was in very good physical condition and had >extremely good balance. >Although I sold my horses a few years ago it was because I had decided to go >to graduate school and couldn't devote the time both required. This was 2 >years before I was diagnosed with pd. >I am planning on purchasing another horse within the next year and am very >excited about it, plus I definitely need the exercise. However, I won't be >able to jump anymore and will limit my showing to local dressage shows >--mainly because of the stress I place on myself when showing. For the main >part I am just going to ride for relaxation and "emotional therapy" --because >it is the thing I love most. > >My neurologist is encouraging me do do this, but only for several reasons: > 1. He stressed that I shouldn't attempt jumping anymore. > 2. He is aware that I have ridden all my life and therefore will be >cautious > and not take unnecessary risks. > 3. I have had problems with depression and the fact that I no longer >had my > horses has been harder on me than anything. I just miss that >life so much. > He thinks it would be really good for me along those lines. > (My neuro. also told me he would not recommend this to any of his other >patients.) > >I should add that I have had almost no balance problems at all. I don't >think this was because of the riding---I think pd just hasn't affected me >that way......yet. >I did have very good balance riding, but had worked on it forever. I'm sure >it will not be as good or as precise when I start riding again, and I don't >expect it will ever be as good as it was. > >If you don't have bad balance problems and you know someone who has a very >low-key "easy riding" horse it might very well help. The main thing you >should do is always have someone experienced with horses to be there with you >when you ride. And, of course, Always wear a helmet! > >Good luck! >Rosemary Russell 49, 3 >([log in to unmask]) >Arkansas > thanks rrosemary i have big house in fairfield bay. near clinton I.Y.Q. don 72/25 lima,ohio