Tell me about when you were pregnant...

[greyTBlove]

So I am pregnant, only 9 weeks- I am scared to death to ride... So tell me about when you were pregnant. How did you keep your horse(s) going? Did you do ground work- if so what kind? I need ideas guys!

[Rescue_Rider9]

You can keep riding up until the 3 trimester, but a lot of people I know rode until 8 months. I have never been pregnant so my personal opinion isn't a good one to go by, but I think if I were pregnant I would ride my nice safe horse up until I delivered! The others I would free jump and lunge often. LOL, but again... My opinion doesnt matter here.

Congrats on the baby!!!

[amdfarm]

Congrats!! Back when I was pregnant I only had one horse and wasn't showing at the time. I still have that horse and he's wonderful. BTDT and safe. Now I didn't find out I was pregnant until FIVE months along so I didn't have a lot of time to really prepare and also didn't change anything I'd been doing that whole time prior to finding out. I was riding every weekend, camping w/ the horses and so forth. My horse took great care of me on the trails and down the road. I was able to ride until my 8th month and that's simply because I couldn't fit in the saddle anymore (western w/ a horn that got in the way big time) and mounting was also difficult. I was boarding at the time so I know my horse was well taken care of while I recovered from giving birth. I helped at the barn when I had the energy, fished, hunted and worked full-time on my feet all day. My doctor was fine w/ everything I did as long as I was safe and used common sense.

[allisontatman]

I am 32 weeks pregnant, and gave up riding my 2 TB's when I was about 8 weeks or so (when I found out). Just didn't want to risk it. I did ride my neice's bombproof 14 hand pony until about 20 weeks, but just easy stuff and mostly piddled around for my enjoyment! My docs did not want me riding as they said even a minor thing like a trip could send me tumbling which could seperate the placenta and the baby would not survive. He told me that at my 20 week appt. and I haven't been on an equine since. For me, it's just not worth it.

I was lucky to find competent riders who ride my TB's for me to keep them doing something. It works out as a free-lease type deal and the horses stay at my house, and all they have to do is show up, groom, tack up, and ride. It's been working out for all involved so far. Granted, they don't get worked as much as I would like them to, but it's better than being pasture puffs!

I had grand visions of doing all kinds of groundwork things with them, but after one tough lunging day with my young guy, I said forget it. Didn't want to be tugged on! He's usually a gentleman, but that day he was fresh and pulled me around a bit. Horses will be fine with time off, so please do not fret about that! Trust me, you will have enough to worry about as you go along in your pregnancy! I would try a free-lease situation, or if you can afford it, pay someone to ride your horse(s) while you are pregnant.

Best of luck! I have 8 weeks left and am super excited!!!!

[carrie_girl]

Almost 2 years ago I was on here asking the same question! I continued riding until my third tri, which was absolutely fine w/my doctor. My horse is very safe and easygoing though, not sure I would have done the same on a youngster or less reliable horse. I did stop jumping at 12 weeks after competing Novice at Galway. In order to keep my guy going I found two people to free lease my boy-- one was actually through the freebies section on COTH. She actually still half leases my guy because she fell in love with him (not that I blame her!) and I found that my previous schedule of riding 5x's a week was just not feasible with a baby.
Best of luck and enjoy!

[deltawave]

My mare was heavily in foal around the same time I got pregnant. :) I did ride a little early on, after she had foaled, but one day after a ride I started spotting and that was one of the worst moments of my life--everything was fine, but I hung up my helmet that day with NO regrets. I groomed my mare and played with the filly A LOT--they were the gleaming-est horses in the barn and the filly got a great start on her manners. :yes:

[rennyben]

Congratulations! :)
For me, I ended up not riding. One day my normally quiet, mellow fellow just got rushy and "happy" at the canter. He never bucked or bolted and it was something that wouldn't normally phase me. But at the time it was like a light bulb going off in my mind. I realized no matter how good my horse is, he has the potential hurt me and it wasn't something I was willing to risk.
I had a student that I let ride him to keep him doing something. She even showed him won a class with him - needless to say she loved it. If your horse is quiet enough, ask a teenager you trust to ride your horse. You'll make their day!

[ideayoda]

I rode until the day before I had my son (rode at 4 pm, went to the hospital at 4 am,and had him at 8 am!), and I rode less than a week later. With my daughter I stopped about 7 months because I was bigger and uncomfortable, and took a month off after.

My student (a proffi) rode until 10 days before (her second son) and stopped because of blood pressure issues, she was riding 12 horses a day in active training.

I think it depends upon your comfort level, or secure seat, and the horses you ride.

[Josey'sMom]

Congrats! With my first son, I stopped riding at 16 weeks. My doc told me that up until that point, even if I came off, the baby is so well protected that she was not worried about anything. I actually did come off a green horse when I was about 12 weeks preggo (no, I did not purposely ride a greeny while pg, the owners said she was way more experienced than she turned out to be. That was a learning experience for me). I was terrified and called my doc right away. She said not to worry. That baby is now my almost 5 year old, perfect little boy.

With my second son, I rode until the start of the 3rd trimester. I was careful and only rode my quieter horses, while dh rode my green gelding. I also continued taking lessons on schoolies until I stopped riding. Once the baby was born I barely waited 3 weeks to start riding again. I wanted to ride at 2 weeks, but the weather was crappy, lol. My main ride when I was further along was our old Belgian mare, who we lost last year at the ripe old age of 30something. She was a saint and would never do anything wrong, so I felt as safe as you can be on a horse. I sure do miss old Phoebe :cry: Anyway, that baby is now almost 2 and the cutest lil guy ever. And he loves horses already, makes me stop and let him pet every horse we see :D

It's really all about what you and your doc are comfortable with. I had two different docs, one let me ride longer than the other. And like some others have said, when it all comes down to it, if you can't keep your horse exercised they sure don't mind a vacation. Good luck and congrats on your baby on the way!!!

[JFS]

When I initially asked my doctor about riding he told me I could ride as long as I was comfortable but he added that he didn't think that would be too long. Because my first child was breech and sitting crosswise I wasn't uncomfortable so I rode right up until the day before the scheduled C-section. Now with my second one I quit at 6 months because I wasn't as comfortable.

I guess it depends on what you, your doctor and husband are comfortable with. We live in a farming community and my husband is a large animal vet so my doctor and my husband are accustomed to the 'good farm wife' who pops the baby out one day and back to milking the cows the next :)

Jackie

[ajm402]

Anyone who has been riding long enough knows that an accident can happen even on the most bombproof horse. I rode early on when I was pregnant, but I can tell you now,( even though nothing happened) that its really NOT worth it. You will never forget how to ride. I know that I personally could not live with myself if something happened to my baby when I was riding. I think finding a good rider to free lease your horse is the best answer. Once you hold your baby in your arms, you will know you made the right decision.

[kcrubin]

I agree with AJM - I rode and competed at prelim up until about 2 weeks before a fall 3 day I was entered in (March baby).

Friends were having falls at the DeBroke and I said - what the hell am I doing?? Stopped and pulled up on course - a first. Hacked a few times -almost got dumped when a deer jumped in the bush beside us.

Having had a child and gotten back into it I would not take the chances now that I took then - riding will be there. If something happens as it can it's so not worth it.

[PorkChop1]

I am scheduled for a C-section on Thursday. I rode the last time about two and a half weeks ago. It was NOT pretty. I just hopped on a schoolie for a quick adjustment and it was VERY uncomfortable for both of us.

Until that point I had been riding a couple of times a week on easier horses. I competed at May Daze without really knowing I was pregnant. After that I turned my big, greenish competition horse out after trying to lease him did not work. He will still be there when I am ready and able after the birth.

It goes by faster than you think until the very end when it seems to drag. Just do as much as you feel like. Sometimes that is a little other times it is a lot.

I taught this past weekend and I will take this week off but plan on being back the following week with a jump crew for help during teaching.

My doc was fine with me continuing my regular routine as long as I was comfortable with it. He said that as long as I had been doing it before that it should not be a big deal.

Good luck and keep us updated.

[Bogie]

I did ride during both of my pregnancies although I tried to minimize the risks: no jumping, riding only in a ring, lunging first, etc. I rode until a week before my son was born (although at that point it was mostly just walking) and stopped at seven months with my daughter because I felt my balance was off.

I also did a lot of work in hand and taught my horses how to long line. The ground work was fun and productive. If there's no one in your area to teach you there are some good books.

In retrospect, I probably would not ride past my first trimester again.

[joharavhf]

I rode once during my pregnancy - just so my kid say she was riding before she was born, haha. I had a retired horse at the time, so I wasn't worrying about competitions.

Even if I did, I'd probably just let it go. Life is SOOOO short, and your horses will wait for you. Take this time and enjoy your pregnancy :) Don't stress about it!

[unbridledoaks]

It just depends on how confortable you are riding and the horses that you are riding. I quit riding at 34 weeks, I'm 39 weeks now. Even then I took it easy, I just got way too big (Little person that I am! LOL!) at 34 weeks to ride. I was doing ground work with the greenies until last week. Just now I feel like crap! LOL!

[javma]

I am pregnant with my 3rd right now (22 weeks along). I rode up until about 14 weeks with all 3...untill my breeches started getting too tight to zip comfortably! BTW, my OB hated that I was riding at all, so we agreed not to talk about it. ;) I did learn to long-line which was good exercise for both of us.

I have had my horse for 10 years and when I got pregnant with my 2nd, I bred her, too...so now I have a coming 2 year old horse in addition to my kids, my mare, my hubby and a FT job! I echo what the other posters have said; your horse will be there for you when you are ready to ride post-partum, so follow your comfort level. I personally have felt that although I might regret stopping early a bit, I would really regret if I rode for too long and something happened to the baby.

Congrats and best of luck!

[daisyduke]

In my first pregnancy I continued with all my regular activities, riding, working out, etc. Unfortunately, my pregnancy ended in my 7th month due to a placental separation. Although my doctor tried to assure me that the outcome was not due to my activities, I have always blamed myself. Fast forward, I have 3 kids ages 11 to 15. I can assure you that in all my post pregnancies, I became a sloth. I chose to discontinue riding and I believe that was the best choice for me. I know quite a few mom's who have continued their equestrian sports with no ill results. I think it is a personal choice.

[PNWjumper]

I think it totally depends on your comfort level with riding in general and the trust you have in your horse.

With my first pregnancy I rode through about a week before I gave birth. I had a gelding I had shown through the level 8 jumpers, and I trusted him as completely as you can (while still realizing accidents can happen). My worst accident during that pregnancy ended up being due to my own two feet. I went to step off of a 4' bank where my arena was being built and took a header at about 6 months pregnant....doh! :lol: I quit riding the greenies around that same time (24 weeks-ish).

With my second pregnancy I found out I was pregnant when I broke my ankle in a horseshow accident. So I spent the first 6 weeks on the couch and the next 6 weeks trying desperately to get into shape to show. I competed in the 4'6" jumpers at 15 weeks pregnant because it was my first chance to show after the ankle and my last chance to show because of the pregnancy. But I rattled myself a little at the show realizing that it was more risk than I wanted to take (I was actually more worried about my ankle than the baby since at that stage they're still so far down in the pelvis and pretty well protected). After the show I kept riding and jumping my big jumper mare (nothing bigger than 3'), but I slowly fazed all of rest out. She's super sure footed and I trust her with my life. The others....not so much! I quit riding in week 38 because my baby dropped at that point and it felt way to weird and uncomfortable to ride.

My doctor's recommendation to me was to go ahead and continue "business as usual" until that week 15-20 range and then to back it off since that's the point at which the baby gets high enough to be more "exposed." My babies both stayed way "in" my body the whole time, BTW, so I never felt like my balance was compromised. I also had low risk pregnancies. And most importantly, I rode every. single. day. The couple of times I took a few days off in a row (for work travel) it was really hard to get going again.....it made me sore and way more tired than normal. I don't think I would have kept riding if I hadn't had such a consistent schedule.

[dinkacat]

I was pregnant with twins and my Dr. told me that the fetuses were very well protected until 16 weeks as well!
I rode my saint of a QH and had my trainer ride my very green and exuberant OTTB as his bucks were entirely too athletic too chance!

I ended up calling it quits when in a lesson my QH stumbled the stride after a fence. He did a forward somersault and I hit my head pretty hard on the ground (Oh, helmets are a beautiful thing!) ... I came too half a minute later with my trainer peering into my face asking me what day it was, etc.

Everything was alright, just a bit of a headache that evening, but it was a bit scary. I hadn't ever factored a stumble into the whole danger equation. We hacked around the arena a few times after that, but I was just too uncomfortable with the weight of the twins to do much more than a walk.

[Catalina]

I rode up until the point that the couch looked a lot more comfortable then the back of a horse (around 5 1/2 months). I showed in the high A/A Jumpers up until about 3 months. Being tall and skinny, having a baby sticking out of the middle of me really through off my balance and drained me of all my energy (and as a 6 y.o., he still does :winkgrin:).

Everyone is different, so just listen to what your body tells you. You will know when it is time to stop.

[IFG]

Congratulations! I rode until 19 weeks when we found it was twins. Then I got sworn off horses because multiples are a high-risk pregnancy. I would ride if it makes you happy, and you are a low-risk pregnancy, and skip it if it makes you nervous.

Do what feels right for you.

[DiablosHalo]

I stopped riding the day I found out I was pregnant. I'm a bit older for a maiden and my husband had waited a loooong time for children. I didn't see the problem with riding some early on- he felt differently and very strongly. So, I decided not to ride at all for fear "something would/could happen". I'm glad I didn't.

I did however continue doing farm work until one week before I had her. Fed, hay, water, tractor, mowing, 4wheeler, etc. I just did not muck stalls. Kept me active. Of course if you ask my husband, I gave him 11 strokes in 10 months! Fell off the tractor, almost pinned by an auger coming off truck with tractor and straps, sliced my cornea mowing grass, countless bruises from banging buckets, gates, etc; 4whlr accident (low speed) at 9m preggo resulting in lots of bruises and two fractured wrists, and more I can't remember!

So...if it's not the actual riding that will "getcha"- it'll be something else!

Friends of mine have ridden until the day before birth. Like the pp's said- it all depends on rider, horse, etc.

Of course- depending on your situation it could hurt as well. I stopped riding and have NO competent riders in my immediate area, so my 7 horses were all off for one year. Now that I'm ok'd to ride- I dont' really want to. I want to spend allll my time with my newborn.

I recently found someone to start riding for me but it will be spring before any of my guys are saleable. I'll then only keep my 3 lifers and husband/mom's lifers. And of course..... my daughters pony yet to be found!!!

Congrats and good luck!