Dave Smith wrote:


> I hobbled back to my cabin, almost half a mile away, and the more I
> walked the more sore my hip got. Later in the evening my hip problem
> cleared up and walking was easier, but my ribs started bothering more.
> Sleep was impossible. In the morning we decided to pack up and go home.
> I stopped at the local hospital on the way and the doctor confirmed what
> I suspected... a fractured rib.
>
> So now I am sitting at home, taking it easy and taking pain killers,
> extra strength Tylenol and Ibuprophen and Ibuprophen and Tylenol 3 to
> sleep.
>
> The worst part is that I am going to have to consider giving up riding
> lessons. I broke my collar bone 6 years ago but went back to lessons
> when that healed and thought that I could keep doing it as long as there
> were no more injuries. Now I have broken a second bone, and I am
> getting close to 60.
> :-(

Dave,

My sympathies to you. I did the same to my ribs when I got skewered
by a surf board. It will take some time to heal. Don't rush it,
listen to your body, etc. Going back to a full schedule too soon
might keep you off your exercise routine even longer.

As to more riding, I don't believe it's a clear cut answer. If it's
something that you really need to do and really enjoy then it's
worth some amount of risk. Man/Woman does not live by bread alone
and living a full, satifying life is a trade off which often involves
taking on risk.

Is there a way you can somehow lower the risk but still participate?
That would be my approach. Don't know if that means finding a safer
horse or a safer course or a slower pace or what.

If it were me I would not quit altogether but only you can make that
decision.

Be well.