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Writer's pictureDeirdre Sabo

Embracing the Journey: My Dressage Progress After Hip Surgery


 

Hello everyone! After months of not riding, I’m coming back to share my journey and progress in dressage following my hip surgery. I never anticipated this would be a teaching moment for me, but here we are, ready to embrace the next chapter with open hearts and minds.

 

Surgery was a significant hurdle, but I was determined to get back into the saddle even if for just a couple of weeks before my next surgery. The first few weeks post-op were challenging. I found myself grappling not only with physical pain (but honestly not too much) but also with a wave of mental blocks. Those initial days of recovery felt like I was in quicksand; every step forward seemed to come with a sense of anxiety and doubt. Would I ever ride again? Would I fall short of my previous abilities?

 

Yet, as I began to heal, I realized something crucial: pushing through these mental barriers wasn’t just about regaining physical strength; it was about cultivating resilience. I learned to be mindful of my thoughts and feelings throughout the process. Whenever doubt crept in, I made a conscious effort to acknowledge it without letting it overwhelm me. Instead of saying “I can’t,” I rephrased my thoughts to “I’m learning” or “I will.”

 

With each passing day, I focused on what I could do rather than what I couldn’t. This included stretching exercises to regain flexibility in my hip, practicing balance and core strength, and even visualizing myself riding my horse. Mindfulness became my ally as I engaged in activities that aligned with my recovery while nurturing my passion for dressage.

 

At first, getting back into the saddle felt daunting. The physical act of riding was unlike anything I had experienced before. My body was different, my balance was off, and the anxiety of reintegrating myself into a discipline I love was palpable. However, I learned to embrace every small victory, like being able to apply leg pressure, keep my lower leg in the correct position, or even be able to sit straight over my hips. Those moments became markers of my progress, showing me just how far I’ve come.

 

One of the most significant shifts I experienced was learning to take things one day at a time. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in a timeline or an end goal. However, I discovered that by focusing on the day ahead and setting small, attainable goals, I learned to appreciate the process. Each practice session became a chance for growth rather than a race to reach perfection.

 

Throughout this journey, I've realized that our path in dressage—much like life—isn't just about the destination but the experiences we garner along the way. The sweat, struggle, and small victories blend together to create a beautiful tapestry of progress.

 

Looking forward, I’m excited to see where this journey will lead me. While I may not be where I was before surgery (though honestly, I am much further along because I am fixed… well half way away) , I’ve gained a new perspective on resilience, mindfulness, and the importance of taking each day as it comes. I hope that anyone reading this who may be facing a similar journey finds comfort in knowing that it’s okay to move at your own pace.

 

Let’s keep pushing through those blocks together, stay mindful of our progress, and celebrate the good days—no matter how small they may seem. Here’s to new beginnings in the saddle!

 

Until next time, keep riding and believing in your journey!


This picture is Ride 3 post-surgery. You can see how I am trying to lean off of my hip. My heels and my hips are not aligned (I have been filming my rides to monitor my position so that I do not slip into bad habits). You can easily see how the horse is not engaging through the hind end because my seat is blocking him.



This is Ride 5. I had to work through some discomfort, but I really tried to get my heels under my hips. Notice how the horse's neck is in a better placement on his body, and his hind leg is coming more through than in the first photo. My next goal is to get the "coreset" straighter and stronger. This will help him reach even more through.



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