Looking for ideas on equipment

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Jul 19, 2009
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Does anyone know if there is any specialised tack available that can be used for holding legs steady/in position,eg-for someone with paralysis?

am not paralysed full time,but can be left with paralysis from the waist down for up to a day,and if have got the use of legs back in time for riding,still do not have much strength or control of them,it is very difficult having to think of reins as well as holding legs,sometimes the helpers will do it.

Have been wondering if there is any tack that can be used to hold legs down/hold them in the riding position,
am sure a lot of physically disabled riders must come across this problem?.

The saddle always use is a specialist fleecy saddle pad type [designed for riding with,not for under a saddle],and
always ride stirrupless,so do not know whether either of these would make finding something suitable more difficult.

Thanks.
 
Sorry not sure if there's anything you could use, but we do have the guy who runs the RDA up the road from work pop in most days so i could speak to him if you like?
 
Perhaps you could talk to a saddle maker and see if they could come up with something (I'm thinking of how they make side saddles) it may be costly though.
 
I think there's a type of saddle available that has 'bits' on it rather like the bits on a side saddle, that are designed to keep your leg in the correct place when you ride ... I've no idea where you can get them tho'...?

RDA site you might find someone there who can offer advise
 
I know the saddle you mean, I nearly bought it then opted for Libra because of stirrups.

If you tried another treeless with stirrups, there are velcro straps that keep the stirrups tied to the girth so they wont flap around. I also bought dapps which are plastic, that go on the front of the stirrup so your feet dont go through in case of falling off and dragging.

Definately dont put velcro straps around your ankle and to horse, or you will be fixing yourself on! If you always have helpers with you they should catch or steady the horse in any problem situation, so I am sure you are quite safe.

Hope the suggestions help.
 
Thanks for replying jennywren07,daftdraught, lobeliaoverhill and kturner!

jennywren07,
yes please! would be great if could get as many ideas together as possible.

daftdraught,lobeliaoverhill and kturner,
would a saddle maker be the first person to go to for the one with bits? are they leather only?

would a RDA RS be ok with a rider buying a saddle for use with one of their horses-especially if were to let others who needed it use it?

money shouldn't be a problem,would they be possible in synthetic or another non leather material?
it isn't a cost issue with leather,but more a sensory problem,have never had any problems with synthetic saddles but could understand if these are not possible in this type of saddle.

kturner,
sorry had never even thought of that,is there no such thing as quick/emergency release type straps that would pull off with some pressure?
It does depend on whether there are the helpers there but RI is on lead rope,RDA staff are on one side and one of own s/staff is on the other,most of the time will have a form of seizure or incident [noise triggered] whilst riding but still don't often have legs held,have ended up booting staff before whilst in trot as legs are everywhere but where they should be.
 
Hi :)

As someone else who has intermittent leg and grotty hip problems, I can really sympathise. I now only ride bareback, as it's the only way I'm comfy.

What you could do with, possibly, is a Remedi saddle, which used to be made by Thorowgood. Sadly, they discontinued them many years ago. :( I have 2! I have spoken to Thorowgood, they have no plans to re-make them.

They were based on the Maxam synthetic saddle, but the saddle flaps and seat were covered in a velcro-receptive cover. There were hard foam blocks supplied with the saddle, to stick wherever needed. It was a super design, but I don't think it 'took off' too well.

Have a google and see if you can find a Thorowgood Remedi saddle - If I were nearer to you, I'd lend you one of mine, with blocks, to try. :)

Certainly a saddler could make you something, but you are looking at a LOT of expense. :(

ETA....This may be of interest:

http://www.freewebs.com/andreaevansparadressage/adaptedtack.htm

Andrea competes at Interdressage (where I compete too - bareback!) :)
 
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Kis Vahar, I was going to mention the remmies as well but seeing as they stopped them didnt. I am glad they intend to make them again, there is a huge market. I got the suede libra, it is very sticky, I find leather very slippery. It is treeless so will fit almost any horse or pony and if you are under 11 stone can't create any pressure points. I liked the big pommel and cantel as I needed more and more security. The saddles on that site look great. I can remember investigating it a few months ago and they were all very expensive and would have to import. Happy with the libra. I am sure a RS would be ok with it as it cant hurt the horses in any way and is much better than a bad fitting treed one.
 
Kis Vihar, Sorry I misread your post and though YOU said they HAD plans to remake them, but now I see you said NO plans to remake them.

My mistake, most humble apologies, reading too fast, I also spoke to them at the beginning of this year when someone mentioned them on here around Feb, think it was Wally. The others were up on the £1000 and over mark, and it would be difficult to fit if you were importing, a template can only do so much.
 
kturner said:
Kis Vihar, Sorry I misread your post and though YOU said they HAD plans to remake them, but now I see you said NO plans to remake them.
Click to expand...

No worries...:) I was just hopeful that you had heard they WERE planning to remake them! :rolleyes: Annoying that they are not! :(

I even asked if they had any old ones knocking around their factory....no joy there either. :(
 
I don't know if this is of any use at all but i know you can get pieces of velcro that attach your stirrups to the girth. They help keep your feet in position and are usualy used to help teach people to keep their legs in the correct position , not too far forwards or back. They made of velcro so that inthe case of a fall etc they will come undone, basicaly like saftey stirrups. Off too goolge them and find out more! Sorry if this of no use what so ever.
 
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