Rosemary R... YOU GO, GIRL!!!! <Big smile> I began riding again a coupla weeks ago after a 14 year lapse and it's simply WONDERFUL!!! Tho our three horses were sold due to divorce rather than because of PD, I've missed riding and that whole life style more than I can say. For years I'd been a near-daily trail rider, my two daughters both rode dressage, plus my youngest rode hunter/jumper as well. Our horses were kept in pipe corrals right on our street. Since ours was the last house on a typical city street before the foothills and mountains began, we just stepped out our front door, turned right, and :::::poof:::::: were in the wilderness of the Santa Monica Mountains. HEAVENLY!!! NOW I've rented horses each time from a local livery stable and my daughter went with me. While it's not the same as having one's own horse (ok..... ok.... so they're kinda plugs!) <grin>, it IS still riding! I went on a nite ride with a group last Friday and we stopped at a Mexican restaurant where they had prepared a cookout for us (this is an "every-Friday-during-the-summer" event) that was SO much fun!! Then we rode back to the stable. While I experience some balance problems (no falling tho) there's been none at all when I've been riding. Maybe it's because I was enjoying myself too much to notice? <smile> And of course I DID wear a helmut.... Heck... I may just invest in some riding boots again! <'nother smile> Ohhh.... and my legs DID hurt like the dickens after that initial ride! (paying the price but well worth it!) Rosemary, I do SO hope ya resume your riding! It's SUCH an positive step and an "up" feeling! And FUN!! Hi ho Silver, awaaaaaaaaaaaay! (giggle) <errrrrr.... I grew up watching the "Lone Ranger" on TV.... > (g) Barb Mallut [log in to unmask] ---------- From: Parkinson's Information Exchange on behalf of Rosemary Russell Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 1997 2:39 AM To: Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN Subject: Re: equestrian 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