Negativity riding horse when pregnant

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How do you deal with this? I completely accept people are entitled to their own opinion and I am accepting riding my horse is a risk. But I also have owned her for 5+ years. I know them inside out. I wouldnt ride if I felt like I was putting myself at risk in any way. I am sick of the negative comments from people including my partner. I ride once a week in walk on a short hack round my farm. I have just hit 24 weeks and want to ride as long as I feel comfortable doing so.

I remember watching some of Nastaha Althoff's dressage videos where she is heavily pregnant and she mentions people asking her how long into her pregnancy she would continue to ride. I think her answer was as long as she physically could! If I remember correctly she was also back riding a couple of weeks after she gave birth.

Maybe check them out to hear what she has to say about this.

In the end it is your decision and there will always be people who try to criticise whatever choice you make.

I rode up to 7 months with DS1. Just hacking out with DH on my Highland pony. I stopped when the bump was too big for comfort. I didn’t give it much thought at the time.

I rode until one day my pony was messing about and I physically couldn't dismount. Managed to get my pony under control but it made me think. So I decided it was time to stop riding. I was using a mounting block to get on and off by then!

27 weeks and still riding . 1st pregnancy stopped at 34 weeks not sure with this one. I however ride a highland pony, I know her well and trust her. Not cantering but happy to trot.

Fellow highland rider too

When I was in my twenties I rode throughout both pregnancies until I gave birth…fast forward 15yr an and I’m currently ttc with my new partner. I will not be riding during this pregnancy, I look back in horror that I rode and jumped ! Whilst heavily pg.

But you must do what you’re comfortable with, but yes people will judge you as it is a huge risk

I rode for 8 months with my first and a bit less with each of the other three because I got uncomfy earlier on. I'd say ride until you no longer feel comfortable. I even fell off in a canter at 4 and a half months with baby number one, but bounced straight back up and shouted to my friends to catch my horse. With number three I did my BHS exams at about three months plus with jumping etc. My jacket was a bit tight! If you're used to riding, keep going. I would never advise anyone to take up riding while pregnant, but if you're a competent rider then you should be able to keep going. People don't stop riding bikes while they're pregnant, do they?

It's a risk, but it's your choice. Horse people tend to express their opinions on everything but I'm surprised anyone says anything to you more than once. I think a curt 'haven't we already had this discussion' should be enough.

My only issue with what you've said is that your husband doesn't support you in this. It is an unnecessary risk, I can imagine he's not very happy. Do you plan to stop at a point? If so make sure he knows when and why, but people on the yard can mind their own business.

Also I don't really think it can be compared to a bike.

I did give up riding my bike around 7 months because it became extremely hard to balance.

I ride my bike almost daily and have fallen off a handful of times and been in an accident with a car once.

I have ridden all my life and ride my safe horse 2 or 3 times a week and have fallen off 4 times in the last year including once when she cartwheeled over me (foot down rabbit hole at canter) and once when she went sideways and pinned me under her (slippy leaves). A baby might not have fared well in either situation.

But it is still your choice and lots of people continue to ride , tell others to keep their opinions to themselves.

Check the date. The op was 24 weeks pregnant in June so presumably had the baby by now.