Horse riding while pregnant??

[cuddlepot]

Hi everyone

I'm a newbie. We have 2 kids aged 6 and 3. We are TTC no 3.

What does everyone think about riding whilst pregnant? I am a real horse nut and don't think I could go 9 months without riding (would be VERY hard). I am a capable rider and only do flat work atm.

Would you say its out altogether or just when I feel uncomfortable on the horse?

Just trying to get others opinions.

[2littlemonkeys]

personally i would say no , even if you are a really good rider accidents happen and you would never forgive your self if you or bub were injured
:-)

[cuddlepot]

Bugger I was afraid someone would say that :(

[jaq]

I had just started riding again when I got pregnant with Sofia. I did stop pretty much straight away, but the difference is that I hadn't ridden regularly in many years so wasn't particularly competent at that point. It wasn't my horse, and I was trail riding rather than in a ring or arena, so a very different situation.

If you are riding your own horse (or one you know well), and are doing it in familiar terrain, AND aren't jumping, I wouldn't imagine there would be any greater risk than any other sport.

Yes, accidents happen, but you could stumble on stairs or have a car accident too - if you know the risks, you are better able to control them.

Maybe you could ask around at pony club (or similar!) for other rider's opinions - they're going to be able to say when it does get uncomfortable and the like.

[Leeny]

I'm a bit of a horse nut too.. I don't have my own horse, but if I did I believe I'd still ride.. I'd be cautious of course, but I'm sure there's women out there who have no problems riding through pregnancy.. You need to assess the risks like everything else.

Do you trust the horse you'll be riding? If you don't, then don't ride it obviously.. There's risks with everything, it's just a matter of deciding how big it is.. A woman may be just as likely to have a problem lifting something heavy, or falling, then they are when riding a horse.

Just be sensible.. Keep it slow, no rough riding or jumping.

Good luck! Wish I had my own horse right now.. Insanely jealous :p.. I don't even have anyone up here that'll go riding with me! :hissy:

ETA: I was posting the same time as Jaq, so we've basically said the same thing :laughing:

[jaq]

I'm in the same basket, Leen. Maybe we pinkies need to invest in our very own roan :D

[InSaneOne]

as long as you are comfortable and careful you should be fine. lots of pregnant women ride. i was told by my ob that as long as you feel comfortable doing something then it us usually ok to do it.

[Leeny]

Theres so many scare tactics these days.. With what we eat, what we do, etc whilst pregnant.. Sure, accidents happen, but accidents happen with everything.

[cuddlepot]

Thanks for all your replies. I should just ad that the horse I ride isn't mine. I have a great friend who lets me ride either of her horses whenever I want. They are both really quiet and beautiful to ride.

I did have a QH X Arab mare who I have just sold cause I didn't have enough time to have a horse full time.

I have a friend who used to do track work while pregnant, she had a bad fall when she was 5 months so her hubby wouldn't let her ride after that (bub is now 5 and is perfectly healthy).

I guess I'll see how I go when we finally concieve no 3.