Dear Reader: Prosthetic Limbs

One of my friends has a question for you all…

Dear Reader,

Does anyone have any experience teaching individuals with a prosthesis, specifically, a lower leg prosthesis? I am wondering if there is a way to keep the prosthesis from twisting when the individual rides. It is attached via a suspension system, and it is from the knee down. Usually, during posting the trot, the prosthesis will turn inward toward the horse and we will have to stop periodically throughout the lesson to adjust and straighten it. Has anyone experienced this situation and have any ideas/solutions to help?

Please leave your responses in the “Leave a Reply” area below!

p.s. If you ever have any questions for other instructors, contact me and I’ll post them!

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Note: This is not professional advice, this is a blog. I am not liable for what you do with or how you use this information. The activities explained in this blog may not be fit for every rider, riding instructor, or riding center depending on their current condition and resources. Use your best personal judgment!

2 thoughts on “Dear Reader: Prosthetic Limbs

  1. I have not taught a rider with a prosthetic leg, however have with students with one side weakness caused from Paralysis. One trick that I have learned is to place an office sized rubber band on the toe go under the stirrup and wrap the other loop on the heel. This keeps the boot/foot in place , yet if a fall should occur it allows the foot to break away from the stirrup. This may prevent the twisting of the prosthetic and provide more stability.

  2. The author of this question recently updated me: “I did actually have a bit of a break through with this rider last Friday during her lesson. Getting the correct length for her stirrups has been an ongoing battle. Last Friday, I made the stirrups the same length and we must have hit just the right height because her posting was dramatically better. She was much more balanced and organized. To our surprise, her prosthetic stayed much straighter too! It would make sense that since she was more balanced, she was able to post more correctly using her thighs and upper body without pushing her feet against the stirrups, so the prosthetic was able to remain more steady and straight. There’s always something new to discover and learn isn’t there!”

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