Working with horses

[dancingunicorns123]

Hi I'm nearly 5 weeks pregnant and work with horses, mucking out around 8-11 every morning as well as doing my own horse. I usually ride 4 a day but I haven't ridden since I found out. Should I still be working there? Or when should I stop if it's okay now?

I also have a lot of exposure to excessive dust

Hi @dancingunicorns123 congrats first of all.

I don't work with horses but own one - I am coming up to 16 weeks and still riding, jumping, mucking out etc. For me, the tiredness kicked in at 8 weeks and there is no way I could have done that much work. Also your ligaments etc. start loosening so you do have to watch your back.

I would definitely speak to your midwife.

That said, I do have horsey friends that did yard work all the way through. Mucking out 8 -11 is a hell of a lot though.

I rode my horse and did all the horse care all the way through my first pregnancy, my midwife was more than happy with me doing day to day things like mucking out, riding and things that id normally be doing, she said the baby was pretty safe and secure just use common sense xx

Just to add that later on in my pregnancy i did need my husband to help me dismount because i had alot of pain in my hips but other than that things were fine.
Congratulations btw xx

@MegEmski thank you! I don't have a midwife appointment until 8-12 weeks, should I wait until then or speak to someone before?

@alexpie thankyou!

I would keep going if your body feels comfortable. Speak to midwife at your booking in appointment. you should be able to get one around 12 weeks?

its all exercise your body is used to doing! Quite often people don't realise they are pregnant until 7 / 8 weeks after all.

Congratulations on your pregnancy! You are probably the best person to judge if it's safe. Without knowing the type of horses you are working with, it's impossible to gauge the likelihood of, for example, being kicked or pinned up against a wall. Not trying to scare you but please just be extra vigilant (as I'm sure you are already).

Hi there.
Huge congratulations on your pregnancy.
I'm 22 weeks now and have ridden and carried on as normal throughout my pregnancy. I just found at times I was too tired to ride and therefore had to cut myself a bit of slack.
If you work on a big yard make sure you speak to your manager and let them know. Generally they will try and keep you with the 'safer' ones than the ones with a reputation. You know the horses to are the best to identify which you are happy working with. Baby is well protected but don't risk it too much by getting on the known nutter!!

As long as you know the horses you are riding then carry on.

Don't get on youngsters or known naughty ones.

I hve just stopped at 22 weeks but only due to my recurrent bleeds. But otherwise I would have continued to ride. My friend in polo (groom) Rode til 34 weeks.

Just listen to your body. And don't feel pressurised. Mucking out and being at the yard was one of the better places to be with morning sickness fresh air really helped and could always run somewhere to throw up

Congratulations, I have a horse and during my first pregnancy continued to ride until 7 months and only stopped because I struggled to dismount on my own. I mucked out and lunged until I was induced nearly 2 weeks overdue. I’m currently 20 weeks and rode this pregnancy for the last time a fortnight ago, the ice has put me off and I’m mainly doing roadwork I’m also 8 years older and less bouncy :) my old boy will have a winter holiday. Do what you feel comfortable with, I was judged a bit first time round by non horsey colleagues so be prepared for the odd safety comment but as the others have said my midwife supported me continuing my normal activities. Good luck x

Thank you everyone!