Riding whilst pregnant

June 30, 2007 9:31am CST
I'm 29 weeks pregnant now and gave up riding my horse about 3 weeks ago. It was fine until then but the last time I rode my horse walked so fast it gave me a stitch so I have stopped now and really miss it. I know of somebody who was still show jumping at 6 months pregnant. OK, her horse knew his job and her husband rode the horse round the course first so that it knew which way to go but didn't the pommel bang her bump? How long did you keep riding?
3 responses
• Canada
29 Mar 10
I am 18 1/2 weeks along on my first and continue to ride as often as time allows. I am very experienced but at the same time I have given myself rules which include - listen to my body -- when it tells me it is time to take it easy, it is time. - NO NEW HORSES - I only will ride my main two and the few that I am extrememly familiar with - No new/unfamiliar situations -- this is not the time to train youngsters - bareback riding is out completely -- all proper equipment essential - dont push it -- if the weather is iffy or the horse is too pracy, stick to ground work or take a day off - stick to daylight riding and areas I know -- if possible avoid riding alone/ always let someone know you are out riding - dont be scared to ask for help ; ask a friend or find someone who will help you with your horses. I plan to ride as far along as I can then either coach my mom on my horses to keep them in shape or lease them out or send the younger of the two to a trainer. - If you have to second guess yourself on riding, you probably shouldnt. If your body or mind is not comfortable with it, it is a bad idea. Animals pick up on nervousness and we all know where that leads to. If your body says it is uncomfortable or unbalanced, listen to it and make the responsible decision to readjust the extent of your equestrian involvent. Your horses will enjoy the break just as much as you and your soon-to-be will. A day of grooming and visiting with your 4 legged critters can be super fun and relaxing just the same :)
• Australia
22 Aug 07
You are so lucky to have been able to ride for so long! I'm jealous! The last time i rode my horse was when i was about 23 weeks, and it wasnt really a propper ride, my partner just lead me around while i sat on top. lol. The time before that i was 13 weeksand was able to ride by myself. I have a overprotective baby daddy i think! I've also heard of an olympian who competed in the alst olympics who was 5 or 6 months pregnant, show jumping. This has always been my argument to get back on my horse, but it never works because well i don't have an olympic trained horse! I'm just counting down the weeks until i can get back on and ride again, although i'm worried i've lost my confidence once again. While i was pregnant with our first son, i didn't ride, and by the time i could ride again, i had lost all confidence and practically had to learn how to ride all over again. Luckily my partner supported me, bought me a horse that was great and re-educated me. I now feel i'm a much better rider and take it more seriously now than what i did before, because i know what its like to not be able to ride. Now it's got me dreaming again. Only about 10 weeks until i can ride again :)
@Calais (10893)
• Australia
9 Jul 07
I had to stop vertially straight away because I have had really bad pregnancies and I really didnt want to take any risks. I really missed it too, but I suppose its only for a short time and its better not to take any risks.