Pregnancy and horse riding.

[Duchessa]

This is for those of you who rode during your pregnancies...

How long into your pregnancy did you ride? Did you have any trouble like ligament pain, balance issues etc? Why did you stop? (discomfort, difficulty, balance etc). Ummmmmm... Can't think of any other questions right now but thank you for taking the time to answer these ones.

I am riding still, but I am only 14 weeks. I am curious to know how long I will still find it comfortable, though I can see that I'll probably have to stop at some point...

[Roxy]

Whilst it was over 30 yrs ago, my mum rode when she was pregnant with me. She only stopped when she couldn't get her leg over anymore because her tummy was in the way, and that was at about 7mths I think she told me!

IMO - you'll know when the right time to stop is...it'll probably be when you can't get your leg over or you are uncomfortable in the saddle...

[Funkychicken]

I think as long as you are comfortable and you can still maintain your 'seat' you could keep riding for a while yet. It's mostly about balance.

Just as a cautionary note though-I used to work for a family and the mum rode throughout her third pregnancy (as she had done with the first two) but at about 6 months, her mare reared up and as she couldn't move back quick enough, she copped the mares poll in her chin and it was cut open quite nastily. She stopped after that until her bub was born.:)

[Little_Toad]

I cant see that there would be anything harmful about "horse riding".
I think its the "horse falling off" part that you should be concerned about.

[greengables]

I chose not to ride as I thought it was dangerous if I fell off...

[Duchessa]

Thanks for your replies.

Roxy, that is very useful info re your mum riding til she was 7 months. I figured I would be able to cope up til 6 or 7 months but wasn't sure. I didn't ride with my last preg as it was twins and I had some problems but I am keen to keep it up with this one.

Maybe I can get a small crane to overcome the swinging the let over problem :D

[punkbaby]

i did track work with racehorses with dd bub one till i was about 6 or 7 months, with the other two it was about 5 months it got uncomfy. Bottom line is if you fall off then thats the only risk that i see happening :) if you know your horse and know your limits then shouldnt realy be a problem