Resuming Horseback Riding After a Broken Ankle

I broke my ankle after being thrown from my horse and needed surgery to pin the bones together. Now that the cast is off, I’d like to start riding again. Is this allowed?

It’s important to consult your surgeon before resuming horseback riding. You’ll likely need to wait until the ankle has fully healed, especially if metal hardware such as pins, screws, or plates were used to stabilize the joint.

Experienced riders often emphasize the importance of having a dorsiflexed ankle while riding, which means your toes point upward and your heels press downward in the stirrups. Once the motion in your recovering ankle is within five degrees of your uninjured ankle, it may be safe to return to activities like horseback riding.

Additionally, you might want to consider investing in breakaway or safety stirrups. These stirrups are designed to release from the saddle if you’re thrown or your horse falls, preventing your feet from getting stuck and reducing the risk of being dragged or crushed.

Reference:Anne M. Moseley, PhD, et al. Passive Stretching Does Not Enhance Outcomes in Patients with Plantarflexion Contracture after Cast Immobilization for Ankle Fracture: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. June 2005. Vol. 86. No. 6. Pp. 1118-1126.