One of the things that I had to put aside for a while during my illness was my passion, horse back riding. People who know me well know that horses hold a very important place in my life.  I had just acquired a young mare and had many projects in store for us.  But when my illness was officially diagnosed, I quickly realized that riding would be too dangerous for me.  I simply did not have the energy or the strength and since horses have a mind of their own especially immature ones, I was at a much higher risk for injury.

Two years…..two long years passed with no riding.  Happily, I still had my mare who was training with other horses.  I went to see her as often as possible.  She helped me through my iullness.  My weekly visits to the stables were, aside from my family, my only social interaction.  When I was feeling better, I only wanted one thing: to ride!  But…well…I weighed 100lbs and on my 5’9” frame I was a real bag of bones.  I had to build back muscle mass.  I started practicing pilates with a physiotherapist who helped me back into shape or at least get my muscle tone back.  I also did a lot of osteopathy treatments to help my body get over the surgery.

I had to take my time and it took six more months for my to sit on my horse.  It was the first time in two years.  Even then, once we were saddled up we could only go at a walk.  Gradually, I started adding a bit of pacing, some trotting and galloping.  At first, I rode once a week, then twice a week and a few months later I rode four times a week.

At first I was afraid of riding with my stoma.  Would it move around? Would the bag leak? What if my bag filled up while I was on the horse?  What if I fall? etc. I was afraid of being uncomfortable.  In the end these were unfounded fears.  I wear a bandeau to secure my bag (ANA’s are perfect!) and I have changed my pant size to make room for my bag.  Except for that, nothing has changed.  I ride easily and comfortably.  And in the summer of 2017, I returned to competition. My stoma didn’t stop me after all, in fact, if anything, it helped me get back to my sport, my passion, horse back riding.

Joannie

Translated from French by Jane Loignon

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