I don't even want to think of not being able to play the violin, but I'm pretty sure I'd be okay (after a period of grieving) if something did happen - since I'm interested in many aspects of music.  ...unless I have a stroke 😖 and can't makes sense/mental connections out of anything.  THAT would be my definition of 'Hell'. 

It's pretty inspiring (to me) when folks discover an unexpected reward because of a career, or hobby-ending injury.  Even if the injury is only a temporary disruption to moving forward on a particular path in life, some folks take advantage of it. 

From what I've been able find & have googly translate, maybe Silvie Crisinel (Western Switzerland!) is one of these people.  She was a Director & Teacher of different art & fitness dancing - and apparently owned a horse, but I have no idea of the level of her riding skills. 

Anyway, Silvie injured her knee... so NO dancing, or riding!  She decided to board her horse somewhere and found a remarkable place (the Equestrian Estate of Ogens) - not your typical boarding stable!  She got to know the owner well.

...and here's an example of what resulted! 

MEDITERRANEO - Spéctacle de danse équestre à Ogens!  I believe this is her 2nd production of this type (but I may be mistaken) - that combines Music, Dancers & Horses. 

It celebrates the ancient Civilizations, cultures & breeds of horses that surrounded the Mediterranean Sea. 

These different peoples left traces, customs, rhythms, movements, melodies and horses. 

MEDITERRANEO - 18 Dancers, 15 Horses, 13 Riders & ONE VIOLINIST!  (translated) 

I can't find a darn thing about the VIOLINIST in the video!!! 😒 

Sorry, this is a long performance & I know people are busy (maybe bookmark for later?), but this IS REALLY UNIQUE - and may inspire folks to think about how to use music/violin along with other interests. 

Btw, I think I saw Sylvie dancing in this video - so she may be back riding, too (no idea of the injury timeline).

Horses & Music - I'm used to associating music with 'Dressage' and also Cowboys (of course)!  BUT, Paco Montalvo really opened my eyes to the possibilities of playing the Violin with horses (I shared in the 'Spanish' threads).  He has a somewhat similar video as Silvie Crisinel's, but more intimate/on a much smaller scale.  He played flamenco with a dancer on stage - while the dance of rider & horse took place (simultaneously) in front of the stage! 

Paco Montalvo "El Vito Cordobés" con Ángel Peralta Astolfi

So, what if something happened & you couldn't play the fiddle/violin anymore?  Would you dig into some other aspect of music, or completely abandon it? 

...nothing wrong with changing/deviating from a path in life, but I think a big difference might have a lot to do with embracing the broader sense of 'Musician', or 'Artist'... vs seeing ourselves as someone who plays a fiddle/violin (dances, or rides a horse). 

@ABitRusty -

Jeez, I already know YOU have your fingers & mind in all sorts of interesting stuff! 🤗

You're right - I hadn't even thought about the fact that many adults have already willingly taken a new path picking up the fiddle! 

Haven't you run across any fiddlers, or other musicians (you haven't already shared in another post) doing things with music you wouldn't necessarily consider doing yourself, but it stuck in your mind - as really unusual?

Many musicians (including composers) have excited me with their creativity over the past 5 years.  SO MANY use music ideas that are novel - of course I want to try to mimic things ALL of them do (because mimicry is my 1st step in learning).  I'm comfortable learning more about music & playing the violin, but no one particular thing feels right for me to follow.  You'd think (after 5 years) I'd form some idea of where I'm going! 🥴

Okay, the secret's out... I'm a thrill-seeker!  Guess I'll just keep poking around & trying new stuff until some thing(s) 'click'! 

🤔... my whole life has changed since I picked up my 1st fiddle!  I hear & think 'music' everywhere now.  There's a lot I recognized I didn't before AND much I wouldn't have even noticed prior the fiddle! 

Couple other things I notice - not sure how they'll eventually effect me, but I think it's about the need to create while still trying to remain connected to meaningful things cultural, or geographic. 

• There are a ZILLION great old traditional tunes to pick from, yet still many musicians continually compose great new tunes that feel traditional. 
• I've heard Composers from different eras, and Film Composers, connect by using parts of melodies from traditional music as a motif. 
• I hear elements of Medieval, Renaissance & Baroque in some traditional music - not sure who influenced who here.  

I don't usually scour YT for movies, but saw an old 1948 comedy a couple nights ago (was actually looking for old haunted/horror films), think I've seen it before - only NOW, all the music just popped right out at me!!!  ...might enjoy taking a moment to see if you recognize any ITM hinted at in the score.  Got some fiddling!  No wonder I have such a crazy perception of music!

My Grandkids have started trying some stop-motion stuff with their legos... who knows, maybe I'll have fun trying to make a score for something - or (more likely) just fiddle sound effects.