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Horse riding and diabetes

A

abs

Well-Known Member
Messages
261
Location
Bath
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
I'm sure this is going to sound silly since being diagnosed with diabetes I have not ridden much and if I have not far. I want to go on a long ride in the morning now I ride alone as have my own horses kept at my own place so I'm guessing I should carry treatment for a hypo with me, as well as my mobile. I wear a braclet that says I'm diabetic on insulin treatment. I plan to be out for at least 2/3hrs.

Guess bit worried incase go hypo but know I need to get my life back to normal can't let the diabetes rule my life anymore.
 
Hi Abs,

I had'nt ridden much before diagnosis (6 yrs ago) as my pony was out on loan and I had had a baby, he is now home, however I am alot heavier than I was when I used to ride him (me 7stn him 13hh) I have lost confidence and he is now 26 nearing 27 ( worried that I will do him some damage, he has been out at grass fort the past 5 yrs ) I do know what you mean though I would be scared of having a hypo whilst riding him.

Is it possible for you to ride with company or school when people are around?

I hope you are anle to ride again with confidence ( I am hoping I will too one day )

Lucy xxx
 
abs said:
I'm sure this is going to sound silly since being diagnosed with diabetes I have not ridden much and if I have not far. I want to go on a long ride in the morning now I ride alone as have my own horses kept at my own place so I'm guessing I should carry treatment for a hypo with me, as well as my mobile. I wear a braclet that says I'm diabetic on insulin treatment. I plan to be out for at least 2/3hrs.

Guess bit worried incase go hypo but know I need to get my life back to normal can't let the diabetes rule my life anymore.
Click to expand...

You will be fine, just play safe and perhaps think about reducing your insulin slightly also make sure you have some glucose on you. Enjoy your ride :)
 
I ride a lot and I find that just going out and about doesn't affect my glucose levels at all really and I usually ride out with at least one other person anyway. In the school I do a lot of dressage and a bit of jumping and do I find I do tend to go low if I'm not careful but I just keep some glucose in my pocket. Sometimes it seems to take me a while to notice a hypo as I'm concentrating so much on what I'm doing!
 
Just make sure you take your insulin and hypo stuff with you and you will be fine. Of you're riding with others, make sure they know your diabetic. I go riding regularly and there is no reason why our diabetes should stop you. Enjoy yourself! X
 
I ride a lot, usually on my own and where my horse is there is no signal for about miles. I dont find that riding affects my levels at all and very rarely even take out hypo treatment with me (I should start but never remember!). I have never had any problems so far.

Have fun! x
 
I never let anything stop me doing as I want, but not having a horse, I've not met this one. Also I would always try to go with someone else. Even if just because of a chance of falling off. Is the hore trained to stand still if the rider comes off? Best find a companion
Hana
 
Hi All...
Used to have my own horse when younger...
Given this some thought for you :idea:
Take some jelly babies/chopped up apple out in your pocket with you.
If you dont use them - give them to your horse after the ride as a treat !!! :thumbup:
Try reduce insulin prior to long ride, eat enough pre ride to cover yourself too.
You can do top up dose after eating your evening meal later...
Wear layers if weather goes warmer whilst out.
If you prep the best you can , am sure things will be consistent for you.
Take mobile charged up too! (an after thought!)
Most importantly "enjoy" yourself and give your horse a 'love' after you share a great
experience together.
If you still feel unsure then make sure you dont ride out alone!
Hope this helps.
Anna.
 
Thanks everyone was not too bad did lower my levels and ended up going to a horse show as well today which may have been a step too far as had a hypo. Going to have to find a balance when showing i think because pre diabetes used to do a lot of bigger shows which means overnight stays or leaving at 5am and not getting back until late at night.

Dont want to let this condition rule me now im diagnosed and on insulin have a lot more energy again. And 4 horses to attempt to get fit also!
 
When I was younger I worked with horses, riding school, competition years and my last horsey job was flat racing horses. I just always carried hypo stuff with me (back in the days before mobile phones were common, good idea for all riders to carry these). And always let someone know the route I was taking and though time I'd be back in the yard. With remembering that yard work can be quite physical and best to have hypo stuff on you at all times. Good thing about shows is plenty of tea rooms and chippy vans for good sound. ;)
 
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