To those who continued to ride during pregnancy...

I think it's all down to the horse - my friend rode until she was 8 1/2 months because her girl is 110% reliable - not sure I'd ride either of my boys and especially my new boy as he's got a mean little spook on him!
 
hiya
I stopped the day I found out. I just don't see the point of putting the baby at risk. If something happened you would never forgive yourself and it doesn't matter how well you know your horse and how predictable/safe you think they are; horses are unpredictable animals.
My gran miscarried because she went jumping (obv many years ago).sorry
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hiya
I stopped the day I found out. I just don't see the point of putting the baby at risk. If something happened you would never forgive yourself and it doesn't matter how well you know your horse and how predictable/safe you think they are; horses are unpredictable animals.

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I think we are all different and make our choices based on what we think is best- we both made different choices but that is not to say there is a right/wrong way
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As I say, I am very comfortable with my decision to continue riding, as I am sure you were with your decision not to ride
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I rode until I was about 5 months.....only stopped because I didn't feel comfortable on my horse at that stage of my pregnancy. He was unpredictable and often unseating me so I decided against it.

HOWEVER I would have carried on had I had a "safer" horse......and yes, I know horses can be unpredictable but some more than others!!

And with future babies
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if I have a suitble steed at the time I will carry on riding, but perhaps not fast work or jumping (although I don't damn well do that anyway
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My aunt rode throughout each pregnancy - she's had seven (!!!!!) kids and still has a great figure - she puts it down to the riding
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She only rode 'safe' horses tho and left the youngsters to others.
 
I rode up until 6 weeks before I had my daughter. Was still competing at the local show in ridden and in hand classes, won 13 trophies that year and took the supreme champion at the end of the season (one with the most overall points). When I went to get my trophies the presenter asked when my baby was due. I replied "tomorrow". He couldnt get me off the stage quick enough. But I too had to have a section whether this was due to stronger muscles I don't know. Back in the saddle 1 month later. I got a lot of people talking about me riding in my condition especially when I was showing. I got some jodphurs that fastened at the side and put an elastic band round to keep them up. I had to dismount by swinging my leg over her neck and sliding down the saddle on my bum. Sure you will do what is right for you.
 
I rode until 7 months pregnant & only stopped then coz the horse went lame. Like H's mum my mare was fab & seemed to know i was preganat & apart from one episode at a show (when she was in season & there was a stallion about) she was a perfect angel. Got very used to me throwing up over her shoulder - as did my poor trainer. After about 4 months i handed the competiton reins to my trainer as i was exhausted with working full time & having seriously bad sickness. But did walk warm up & lateral work nearly everyday, so she could then get on & do the faster & more complicated work. I did sneek a little canter at 6 months in the school, but i knew my mare inside out & it was more comforatble than trot. Getting on from the mounting block was fine. getting off involved throwing the leg over the front of the saddle because of the bump. But the baby loved riding & was always quiet whilst i was on board - he was a cahmpion kicker otherwise 7 now he loves horse & was happy sitting on theri backs from 6 months old. Have fun
 
Hi L. I only rode for a few weeks after finding out I was pregnant. Although I trusted my mare, she is a fun-loving TB & did spook & things - I just felt uncomfortable with that. I rode her a couple of times when she spooked & it actually frightened me (whereas it wouldn't normally bother me) - I also spent more time riding thinking 'what if this or that happens' than actually concentrating on the riding, so I took all that as my sub-conscious telling me to quit. I told my instructor I was pregnant (whilst in floods of tears) she told me just to STOP riding (as she could see how I felt) & I kinda felt that was the approval/permission/whatever it was I was seeking to call it quits.

On top of that, family were giving me a hard time about it, it had taken us 7 years (& a lot of bother including a minor op) to GET pregnant & then, as you know, it turned out to be twins. I am sure I made the right decision & to be perfectly honest, it wasn't long after that until I felt pretty incapable of riding anyway - this pregnancy has REALLY taken it out of me! I know I'm due any day now, but just walking up the stairs is a strain - I'm exhausted all the time!

I think you have to do what is right for you & listen to your body.
 
I also rode pretty much all the way through but I wasn't big until the 9th month. I didn't have any trouble getting off as I just slipped my right leg over the front of my saddle and dismounted with my back sliding down the saddle.
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I gave up when I was too tired to enjoy it any more - about three weeks before daughter was due! Like you, I cut out the jumping and hacking and just pottered around in the school on a safe horse.
 
I rode till the midwife told me that the baby's head had engaged! Thought he might be born with a flat head! My horse was a total saint (always was) and I only did gentle hacks. Mount and dismount from a mounting block and dismount by throwing my leg over the neck and having husband to help me down! Labour was not fun (but that was nothing to do with riding!), epidural was administered with no problems (then I felt I might live through it) and I started again after 8 weeks - as advised. Enjoy your riding and your pregnancy (and doing the horses afterwards definitely helped to keep me sane).
 
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