Riding horses while pregnant

Mum2Be28 · March 2013

I'm used to riding my horse 4 to 5 days a week. Has anyone else continued riding horses during pregnancy? I am 5 weeks right now. I know my doctor will most likely not encourage it, but I'm hoping if I lower my risks (like no jumping) then I can continue riding a few days a week.

02A12E · March 2013

Pregnant horses need exercise too, but I would be careful with the spurs. You don't want a foal with a dented head.

TriciaChick · March 2013

My horse of 18 years died a year ago ;( I had him through 3 of my pregnancies though and never rode. To me it was not worth the risk. I know I would have never forgiven myself if something happened so I enjoyed my time grooming him and I don't think he minded the vacation either!

noelani42 · March 2013

I also ride- You can walk your horse but anything more is considered risky, especially since there is always the risk of falling off which could cause severe trauma to baby...anything faster than a walk is a big no-no once you hit 2nd trimester since baby has moved out of pelvic region-I would find other ways to exercise your horse until after baby comes...

Southerndancinmama · March 2013

They typically say whatever you are used to doing you can continue to do... But a fall off a horse can be pretty serious... I'd be really careful.

Mum2Be28 · March 2013

=( I'm sorry for your loss. I lost my childhood pony this year-- had him for 17 years. I'm not really concerned about falling off if I'm not jumping, but I just wonder if the body movements from riding in general can affect the baby. The book "What to Expect When You're Expecting" does list horseback riding as an activity. I'm just torn what to do. Thanks!

bkeane619 · March 2013

Mum2Be28:
=( I'm sorry for your loss. I lost my childhood pony this year-- had him for 17 years. I'm not really concerned about falling off if I'm not jumping, but I just wonder if the body movements from riding in general can affect the baby. The book "What to Expect When You're Expecting" does list horseback riding as an activity. I'm just torn what to do. Thanks!

I thought you could ride for a while....I'm pretty sure my friend rode well into second tri but don't quote me on it.

BeachMama7693 · March 2013

you can ride, but personally, i do not even take the chance. im a professional trainer and used to riding multiple horses every day, but while pregnant i am not even walking on a horse. (granted, i train green babies so i would risk a spook or buck, etc.)

im sure most drs do not suggest it but that is your decision. they are too large, unpredictable, not worth the risk. its mostly about the fall factor.

lunge your horse instead,or find a friend/trainer to ride for you and supervise from the side.

noelani42 · March 2013

Mum2Be28:
=( I'm sorry for your loss. I lost my childhood pony this year-- had him for 17 years. I'm not really concerned about falling off if I'm not jumping, but I just wonder if the body movements from riding in general can affect the baby. The book "What to Expect When You're Expecting" does list horseback riding as an activity. I'm just torn what to do. Thanks!

My understanding is the jerking motions of horseback riding are unsafe after first trimester.

little_bren · March 2013

I wouldn't because of the risk. It would suck if something happened.

oliversmom03 · March 2013

little_bren:
I wouldn't because of the risk. It would suck if something happened.

Agreed

JMU_Bride09 · March 2013

I was told by a nurse no activity that you couldn't do while holding an infant. Obviously, that leaves a lot to interpretation, but to me, I would assume that riding a horse would be too risky.

LDQAM516 · March 2013

It all depends on what you are comfortable with. Our good friends have 14 horses and she is a vet tech. She never stopped her work while pregnant...which included sleeving cattle and handling her horses. I AI our cattle and I did it while pregnant.

tab1979 · March 2013

I specifically asked my doctor about continuing to ride and was told no, absolutely not. It was too risky.

Habs2Hart · March 2013

I have been riding and will continue to ride until I am uncomfortable. Everyone is different. My midwife told me to absolutely keep riding for now (she also told me to keep snowboarding and I know most people think that's too much) as she's a big proponent of keeping on doing what you do.

Now, my horse is 15 and semi-retired, so I'm no longer galloping cross country with him, but I will continue to train dressage on him. I won't be jumping nor will I be getting on any green beans or horses I'm not familiar with.

There's some great threads on COTH in the archives if you search for them about riding while pregnant. Personally, I'd be asking this sort of thing on a horse forum where more people have BTDT.

AKbadwolf · March 2013

Through all three of my pregnancies my Dr's were all for continuing my normal activity until I got to the point where it was uncomfortable which typically was about 20 weeks. I wouldn?t do any green riding and I would stay in a controlled environment to minimize the chance of falls. This being said, you have to consult your OB and make the best judgment call for you and baby once you have all the facts.

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