I am in a very similar boat - they are talking full hip replacement due to a horse going over on me.
The twist on your saddle is the first thing to look at, if there isn't enough you may be causing yourself more pain than is necessary.
The next is to stretch and warm up. I tack up than spend 10 mins stretching out my hip and leg joints. I also stretch after I dismount.
I use a mounting block (read wheel well of a trailer LOL) to prevent undue strain
I go regularly for Active Release by a certified practitioner - they help me immensely. It essentially involves stretching out the damaged muscles. It is VERY painful to get done, but the result is I usually can walk without a limp and if I DO have to dismount on the trail, I have the strength to get back on. I do so in conjunction with Microcurrent therapy - I have tried several different ones (massage, accupuncture/preassure, laser etc), but find this one works best for me and MY pain management. The theory is that the electric pulses help to realign the damaged tissue, whatever it deffinatly helps me.
Make certain you are taking the right supplements including calcimum and magnesium, Omega fatty acids, and a combo therapy Gloucosamine, Chondroitin and MSN - all three are affective, but studies are showing more and more that the best relief comes from a combo of them. The other thing to watch is your electrolytes, I have dehydration/Elyte issues that cause extra muscle issues. In general tho I would talk to certified practitioner for the right combination for you!
These together are allowing me to live relatively pain free, without any damaging NSAID drugs except on really bad days.
Lastly take a long hard look at your mount - is he/she still appropriate. Is it time for a downgrade or perhaps an upgrade to a gaited horse who doesn't require posting (which is what usually makes me the worst off) There is also a safety issue, if my left hip dislocates while I am in the saddle, I need to know my mount is going to be OK with that. I have lost use of my leg and come off more than once, thru no fault of my horse - and I have had it happen and had horses totaly save my hide.
Your not alone tho. Just remember, your safety enjoyment and comfort are the most important - experiment with your options a little and find the compromises that work for you.
