by Channing Seideman

An epilepsy diagnosis and risk of seizures while horseback riding doesn’t mean your equestrian days are over.

When people learn that I have epilepsy and ride horses, I typically hear: “Are you kidding? Isn’t that dangerous?” And it can be, unless you take the proper precautions (like wearing a Hit Air inflatable vest) to set yourself up for success.

Epilepsy is an individualized condition, and symptoms manifest themselves differently for everyone. Though epilepsy increases the chances of getting hurt while riding, because of the risk of having a seizure, there are steps you can take to mitigate that risk:

• Partner with a suitable horse
• Use proper safety equipment
• Find a supportive barn

Bottom line: you CAN ride horses with epilepsy, which I know from experience.

Read more: 3 Tips for Horse Riding With Epilepsy (and Confidence)

Cartilage chipping, nerve pinching, subluxated vertebrae, tongue problems – to mention only a few – can result in further behavioural and even psychological damage to the horse, which will make it almost impossible for horse and rider to find harmony. So please: listen to what your horse is trying to tell you! If you train the horse fairly and kindly the horse will accept you as the alpha horse. Once the horse accepts you as the alpha or leader, they can’t help but try to please you; it is in their nature for the last 50 million years. It is in the horse’s instinct to do want you want them to do, as long as you follow the natural and classical training methods. Be aware of potential saddle fit issues if behavioural changes or issues crop up over a longer period (a couple of days!) and do your due diligence to avoid the results shown in these photos.

The following pictures demonstrate clearly some of the often-irreparable long-term damage, which can result from a badly fitting saddle.

Read more: Physical Signs of Damage Caused by Ill-Fitting Saddles