riding when pregnant?

[shella]

just found out that I am pregnant is riding now a complete no no or can I still ride at a walk?I know there is always a risk of falling but my horse is a saint(touch wood)Can I have your advice and experiences please?

 

[Tia]

I rode almost all the way through and was back on again 2 weeks later.

 

[spike123]

it is very much down to personal choice.I rode in my first pregnancy up until my 5th month but after that I couldn't get on board so stopped riding.I didn't ride again for 7 years due to having my kids but provided there is no medical reason for you to not ride and your body is used to it I see no harm in continuing to ride as normal.Just look at Mary King who continued eventing quite far along in her pregnancy.

 

[rforsyth1984]

My friend stopped at 3 months, but that was because she was so huge!
Its a personal decision really, most doctors/midwives will say to not ride at all but lots of people do. Wasn't it Mary King who went round Badminton or something at 7 months pregnant?
I guess it depends on how you feel, what you are physically capable of, weather your horse has to be ridden or not and horses temperment if you are planning on just light work? Of course its a risk, but so is crossing the road.

 

[clipclop]

Do what feels right for you.

Use your common sense and you'll be fine.

Congratulations by the way

When is little bubs due?

 

[clipclop]

Get this weeks "horse and hound", there is an article on this very subject.
I think you will find it interesting.
It includes comments from the medical profession too.

 

[shella]

thanks for your replies they have made me feel much better.I already have two children aged 7 and 4 and then I bought a horse a year ago and it changed my life four months ago I bought my second horse for my husband as he also got right into horses ,seven weeks ago we had a foal this was my first surprise as we didnt know she was in foal.Imagine now this surprise to find out that I am pregnant due April 08.I love my children more than life but I couldnt bear to give up my horsey life so I am hoping to keep both.My husband is brilliant so he is going to train the foal and anything else that I cannot manage.Are we mad?

 

[Cuffey]

Rode until it became difficult to dismount
Walk and canter were fine but trot uncomfortable
Listen to your body and if your horse is basically safe continue

Started lunging horse 2 weeks after birth and sitting on again soon after for short rides while Dad baby sat, you need your own thinking time and fresh air and exercise.
All the best--enjoy

 

[clipclop]

Aww that is lovely.

I didn't ride during my pregnancy purely because I suffered with morning sickness really badly. When I got through that I went on one hack but felt very vunerable. So I stopped. I didn't get on again until 18 months later. I just didn't feel ready to get on a get on with it again.

Once I did get back on, I was feeling fit, strong and my nerve is stronger than ever now.

My ridden horse thoroughly enjoyed him long holiday and came back in to work full of enthusiasm. We have been having fun ever since.

What I am trying to say is, it flies by and if you have a good husband it is possible to have it all.

 

[shella]

I am still waiting for the morning/all day sickness that I had with both my other pregnancies.I do feel a bit vunerable especially around my foal I suppose its just that if anything did happen all my family who are not at all horsey would blame me. Thanks for all your encouraging messages. I am feeling much better and not so selfish anymore.People who are not horsey do not understand the sheer ultimate feeling that you get around horses.I love it!

 

[sallyellis]

Hi, welcome to the HHO preggers club there seems to be a few of us at the moment although Marmite has disappeared! I rode with my first daughter, but then put my horse on loan due to personal circumstances, so didnt ride during my 2nd pregnancy, now on my 3rd have 2 horses of my own and my girls pony I have given up now at 16 weeks but that is down to SPD making it really uncomfortable but I rode normally until now even making the most of the lovely stubble fields to give my mare a blast, I would say getting off is the most difficult thing due to bump getting in the way.....so as long as your horse is sane and you feel safe do as your body tells you but dont feel guilty about giving up for the winter I am sure horsey wont mind!

 

[foxviewstud]

i was starting to break in my stallion when i was preg (only coz he is sooo placid) i rode him and a 17.2hh which was interesting getting on lol i rode right upto and on my due date with no problems i had asked my midwife and she said my body would tell me when, and aslo she said that you are at more risk of harming yourself if you fall than the baby. i rode again 3weeks after the birth which was ok being that i still had quite a few stitches. i did stay away from the more lively horses though.

 

[jnet]

My midwife told me that the baby is well protected and a lot of her mums to be were riding well upto their fifth month, my friend said she was ok until she found she couldn't lean forward to dismount so she stopped then.

 

[eventersrus]

l evented up to 6 months and felt totally happy!

 

[Smash]

Has anyone here fallen off whilst pregnant?

 

[Cobland]

Im 15 weeks pregnant myself, hubby wont let me work with the foals but i cant help myself lol. My midwife said its safe to ride until 20 weeks, infact it would help me. Didnt ride for a while as i had a bleed and was worried it would make it worse.

Was expecting my midwife to tell me that i couldnt ride at all, so was really pleased when she told me i could!