TKR-Horse Riding

I have not ridden since my TKR's since I no longer have horses. But I used to own horses and rode for 30 years til we all geriatric-ed out.
Assuming you have a normal recovery, I can't image any problems with recreational riding. You may need a mounting block for a taller horse until your leg gets back overall flexibility, depending on which side the surgery was on. Once on the horse though, there should be no difference in how you use your legs.

I rode in the past but haven't done it in years. I had a right TKR and am still only months out but I have been thinking of this issue. When I rode before I had awful arthritis pain in my knees when I dismounted. I really thought my legs bent around the horse's trunk.. The horse was too big for me to ride really. It might have been something I just did or it could be the arthritis. What do you think?

Understandable to have pain with dismounting, as you are jarring and putting sudden weight on the knee, just like the pain walking down stairs on a bone-on-bone knee. When on the horse, it's more the thigh muscles that are affected with tension, pressure and stretch, especially if you don't ride very often. The comedy bow-legged walk and soreness can be very real if you overdo. If you have a very large broad backed horse, you might have to twist your knees a bit to try to get your heels down in the stirrups in correct form, so that strain might possibly grind or put more pressure on the more eroded areas of the knee cartilage. After a successful TKR and rehab time, the knee pain should not be a problem, but of course the unrelated thigh muscle soreness can still happen.

@ddsack

I am 3 months out and my ROM is at 130. I just put together an exercise bike. To get on it I have to step over the crossbar. Even with my ROM at 130 it is a challenge but I can do it. I am not sure I could have if my ROM were at 110 or so.

So I completely agree with you. The major challenge will be stepping over the horse to get on. Of course, side saddle would be easier😁