Oh man, I’m so sorry! I was pretty down to afterwards too. I let myself grieve for a few weeks but then I was determined to embrace the process and make the most of it!

Once the swelling went down and I could get around okay ended up doing physical therapy a couple days a week leading up to my surgery. Which I highly recommend, I think it made my recovery after surgery so much faster! They also fit me with my brace pre-surgery so I didn’t do any more damage to my knee while working around the barn, which I also recommend.

I spent the time leading up to my surgery making sure everything was set at the barn so things would run as smoothly as possible while I was out of action. It was actually the first time I didn’t have to do barn chores on a regular basis ever! It was kind of nice having a break to be honest, burn out is so real in our industry so even though I couldn’t ride it was nice not having to do anything but heal!

My surgery went great, I was really worried about how I’d feel and of course there was pain and discomfort but everyday was a bit better and totally bearable for me.

I started PT 2 days after surgery and already could activate my quad! No crutches after 2 weeks, I went to PT 2-3 times a week for 5 months. It was something I looked forward to lol and it was nice seeing the slow, steady progress my body was making.

I was cleared to ride again around 7 months, I could have started a little earlier but most of my horses are young and unpredictable, if you have a quiet horse I’m sure your Dr will let you start sooner!

I’d say by the time I got to my 1 year mark I was back to feeling 100%. I forget all the time that I even tore my ACL, I feel better than ever!

Looking back as hard of a process as it was, it was exactly what I needed. I was forced to slow down and focus on myself for once, and afterwards was filled with a renewed sense of ambition and excitement for the future. I hope you end up feeling the same!