riding

[RidingMum]

Hi - how many other pregnant women are there out there who are still riding? (horses)?! I live in Kenya and have just got a nice horse off the track. I am nearly ten weeks pregnant and plan to keep going for as long as I feel confident...

I was advised not to ride at all as its obviously the risk of falling that could cause problems. I do tend to fall off quite a bit so stopped riding as soon as I found out.
Hope this helps a bit.

I rode in my first pregnancy during the 1st trimester but once the uterus was up & out of the pelvis I felt it was too risky. On the bright side I was back in the saddle 6 weeks after the birth despite a 2nd degree tear & stitches. Poor horse now pensioned off, sadly.

I wouldn't ride whilst being pregnant, just not worth the risk! - My waters broke whilst lunging too. Its not for long

i'm riding throughout, and my three friends rode up until 7 months. And my doctor endorses it. Just depends how comfortable you are. And obviously how safe the horse is. Maybe not the time to be breaking in youngsters, but me and my retired eventer are plodding round the lanes quite happily. I've sent my non-retired eventer off on loan for the season. Remember being on the ground with horses is always far more dnagerous than being on top. Mary King won a three-day event at 5 months.

I rode with my first until two days before I had her - my second until about the same. I know accidents happen but was sensible about what I was riding and what I was doing.

Thanks all for your thoughts. I am going with the premise - as long as I feel confident - keep going! I have ridden all my life and whilst accidents can happen - I am confident in my ability to see potential problems and avoid them! I love my horse by the way!!! thanks again all. Particularly encouraged by Sophus!

I think it depends on your horse. I have stopped riding but mine is a 4yr old 17.1 who is very green. If he was a bit older or more sensible I would keep going.

hi there, i rode during first preg till about 6.5 months but gradually doing less and only my own horse (an RDA horse very reliable!) with doctor's consent, he is male, horsey and understood the risks.Was back on board 2 weeks after! for 5 minutes walk - i really wanted to do it. Actually fell off at about 5 weeks afterwards as you don't realise how lax your ligaments are and horse only did very small jump sideways. she stood on me and left a big bruise which i was worried about explaining to other gp who did 6 weeks check! I always wanted to get going again quite quickly but don't underestimate how subconsciously more cautious you may become. Am pregant again 16 weeks and will just see how i get on - stop when my body says! oh and top tip - wearing a body protector afterwards helps keep you all in one place if breast feeding, especially when trotting - either that or 2 bras! would second the fact that on the ground is more risky too, i don't go in the stables of 1 or 2 horses at work (even tho RDA) as i know they sometimes turn their backs on you and even slight nerves transmit and make situations worse! not allowed to clip or long rein now either!

also meant to add, great to see some other horsey mums! it is a great thing to keep your sanity after baby is born. We used to go out for hacks dh carrying ds in sling/pushchair. ds absolutely loves horses but it is really hard to find horsey clothes for boys. he was on a pony at 9 months! i am lucky taht others can ride my horse to keep her ticking over and that i trust a lot too otherwise i wouldn't still be riding probably. even when you stop it is not for long.