It is important to follow your doctor's instructions and the advice of your surgeon after a surgery before you decide to ride a horse. Generally speaking, most people should wait at least 6 weeks after a major surgery before returning to riding horses. This allows time for the incisions or stitches to heal properly, reducing the risk of infection; however depending on individual medical conditions, some may need to wait longer than six weeks or speak with their physician first if they are considering returning to riding sooner. It is also recommended that those who have had any type of abdominal or chest surgery avoid activities such as horseback riding until fully healed due to the increased risk of complications associated with these types of surgeries.