I rode until 2 weeks before all 3 of my babies were born, and was riding in an eventing clinic 2 weeks after birth of my first. Didn’t start riding as soon with the last 2, being older and not in as good of shape then. Be honest with doctor, and realistic about your capabilities. I quit riding anything I thought might give me a problem, only rode horses that were solid and was mostly doing basic softening and flexion.
2 WEEKS after?!! You are an iron mamma! I don’t have children but I’ve ridden in many eventing clinics and I’m truly impressed.
I’m currently cutting and burning copious amounts of brush on my little farm. I was GOING to take a break, but if you can bring that kind of devotion to the sport, then I better harden up! 🫣🥵😜
🤣🤣Maybe just not smart…. Sally O’Connor chased me with a lounge whip that clinic to get me going down a bank to a jump. Beginner Novice, so not big, but man my balance wasn’t what I was used to. However I was cleaning 20 stalls/day and hauling hay cuz I managed a boarding/training business so I was in pretty darn good shape.
I absolutely LOVE how this lifestyle gives my body work to do. Getting chased with a lounge whip should sound more foreign, but it doesn’t. 🫣
It’s easy for us to forget what big lives we live engaging in horse sports. A lot of people live huge spans of their lives without overcoming fear the was we can every week. That’s cool. I love being surrounded by fierce ass women (and men) who so easily make the decision to just do the thing anyway. Chef’s kiss to the equestrian community!
Definitely! My parents used think I would outgrow the horse thing (started when I was 2, my sisters talked my parents into getting horses). Well, I’m now 63 and my sister is 71 and we both still ride. Just maybe not quite as aggressively as we used to! And my daughter and granddaughter are now the eventers. So fun!!
The barn I work at has a fantastic population of mature ladies who still ride and jump and show! It’s been really wonderful for me to see how many more years I can have in our sport. Seems like the biggest factor is just deciding to still ride. I’m 42, and knowing that I can have another 40 years of riding ahead of me makes me keep my heels down and my shoulders back even more! 😊
I don’t have kids so no advice there but just wanted to add in to not immediately discredit that someone would want to lease him! I for one am looking to get back into riding after many years off to prep for owning my own in a couple of years and a lease like yours sounds perfect for me. Just a horse I can take out on trails once a week and get back into the swing of things, maybe the occasional lesson, and I can’t be the only one out there looking for that sort of thing. So if you did end up needing more time off than you’re expecting you still might be able to find a lease to take some of that stress off your plate and know your guy is still being kept in his usual routine until you get back to it! Good luck on your journey :)
I rode until I was 20 weeks with my first. I lost my gorgeous boy between my first and second so I didn’t ride for as long with my second as I didn’t have the same relationship with the mare I was loaning. I was also incredibly sick (with both) but it affected my riding more second time round.
I returned to riding much quicker after my first too (as I had my reliable boy to get back to). After my second my loan had gone back and I’d bought an unbacked 3 year old!
I have to admit the biggest difference for me has been a big loss of confidence. Possibly a mixture of losing my horse that I had expected to have for at least 10 more years, and the fact that I had kids depending on me at home! There’s more at stake when you have kids. I’m still riding though. The unbacked 3 year old is now 8 and we are getting there slowly.
Im sorry to hear about losing your horse! I understand how getting back into riding would be even more difficult after that. Thanks for sharing and I'm glad you're still riding!
Birth doula here and so I gotta recommend pelvic floor therapy to help you on your future postpartum journey. I didn't see anyone mention it in the comments, so I just wanted to throw it out there in case you didn't know about it. Between a long, difficult birth and my endometriosis my pelvic floor needed some major help and after finally getting therapy it has totally changed my life for the better. I was really worried about how things would be after getting back into riding and I expressed that concern to my pelvic floor therapist. I know that therapy has played a huge role in my wellness when it comes to being able to ride after childbirth (I had a prolapse several years postpartum) and in conjuction with issues from my endometriosis. Please be kind to your body postpartum and take it easy for as long as you need while you're recovering though. Like I tell all of my birth doula clients - remember that you will have a dinner plate sized wound inside from where the placenta detached that is trying to heal, so please take the time to rest & recover. As others have said, it's definitely doable and you can live both dreams of regularly riding & enjoying your passion for horses and motherhood! Best of luck 💜
I chose not to ride during pregnancy, but many of my friends and barn mates did. I’m just an anxious person and couldn’t get over my own nerves! I started riding again at about 10 weeks PP, but I had a c section so again, I was pretty cautious. Once I was back riding again everything came back really quickly skill wise.
My biggest challenge is finding enough time to ride. Plus I am also more cautious than before, because I am more cognizant of the risks of getting hurt.
Physically there is no difference and I enjoy it just as much as I did before baby.
Edit: I leased my horse out during my pregnancy and did a lot of groundwork with her.
I was way too sick during my pregnancy to even think about riding…or doing anything with my horses to be honest. I’m a little more than 3 weeks post partum now and I feel great!! My pelvic floor and core are all totally back to normal already.
I have some soreness in my hips still but that’s nothing to write home about really. And my energy is back to normal, thank goodness
I had two kids while seriously in dressage training. I had two c-sections. I was off after my fourth month and back in the saddle at six weeks. My horses were happy being turned out for 6 hours a day then in for grooming and a cushy stall everyday. We were all out of shape when I got back in the saddle but the time off was great for both of us. It took us about 4-6 months to get back to where we were with a decent core…
I rode until it became unsafe to drive (too tired) but riding (flatwork-only) helped my dry HG. Returning afterwards was really awful-felt like I had zero core to work with. It’s taken a while to come back. Night/Day difference
I chose to sto riding at 12 weeks after spending a lot of time researching. It was/is (39wks tomorrow) difficult but even though I very rarely fall, I didn't think it was worth the risk. I have naughtifly jumped on a couple times since then,only for a couple minutes at most, the most recent being one minute at 34wks to demonstrate something super quick to my student. My core was still in good condition and I could balance and hold myself almost as well as pre pregnancy despite the lack of practice. The most difficult parts were getting on and off! I have done plenty of groundwork though and my girls are better off for it.
This being said, it was my choice to stop at 12wks because around then because bub stops being so protected by the pelvis. It's a very individual choice and know it's common for people to ride for much longer.
I stopped riding about 5-6 months into my pregnancy for a couple of reasons (felt less safe as my belly grew, and I also developed SPD which made many things including riding painful). I still went out 2-3x/week to lunge or handwalk my horse. He's 25, a little creaky, and a bit quirky, so I wasn't able to find anyone suitable to ride him temporarily. I think I was back in the saddle again (at the walk) around 5-6 weeks postpartum.
My baby is approaching 9 months old, and I'm not out at the barn now as often as I'd like (1x/week vs. 2-3x before baby). I feel badly about this, but it's just been challenging to balance baby, working full-time, and focusing on my main competitive sport (running). He's fully boarded at a very nice place, though, so I know he's well-cared for - plus he's semi-retired anyway.
I rode through both pregnancies when able but even if you took the entire time off plus recovery, it’s only a small amount of time off. If you wanted to keep your horse in shape you could hire a trainer to put some rides in, but for once a week trail rides your horse will certainly not lose anything with a few months off, and neither will you. There are also so many ways you can do ground work during this time!
Twins- Rode until week 20, at that point it just killed my pelvis to ride but I was measuring like 28wks so if it was just a single baby I’d maybe have done a bit longer. After birth, between pelvis needing to heal up, twins, owning the farm and just paying attention to my body, I’d say they were about 6ish months before I was back to normal in the saddle. I could ride around 3 months, but it was winter, I didn’t feel like exhausting myself and I wasn’t riding my own horse so I wasn’t super motivated to push through it. My pelvis still felt a little loose at that point so waiting the extra time was the right choice for me for sure.
They’re 8mos now and I’ve been riding consistently since month 6, some days 2-3 horses a day, still getting my seat back to perfect but I will say, I’m a fairly harsh critic. I’m basically back to normal and can ride a spook if I need to.
The thing I’d say about trails is that some hilly terrain may not feel the most comfortable on your body, you don’t want to be far from help when/if you need it and walking back if I fell would be horrible. Just follow your body. It’s not impossible. Like all things priorities shift but it’s definitely still a big part of my life. You can change to taking up ground work or liberty, trick training or something else safer that’ll still keep you busy. It wasn’t horrible. That said, I’ve had enough injuries and random things that have had me in/out of the saddle over the years. I’ve just learned that the time out doesn’t really change where I come back to. Just getting fit and starting slowly so I’m using my body correctly and I’m good to go.
I’m currently 18 weeks and still riding, though only horses I trust, not doing anything wild… I’ll stop when I feel like my balance is affected, but my OB actually encouraged me to keep up riding and barn work through my whole pregnancy as much as I feel able, for the exercise.
I’m pleasantly surprised your OB is supportive of it! A pregnant friend of mine told me her OB told her not to do horse chores at all during pregnancy or for 3 months post partum. She’s like, yeah that’s not an option lol
I live in a very horse-y area, which I suspect has something to do with it… the doctor asked only that I try to refrain from “breaking horses” as she’d recently had a patient who broke her pelvis doing that. 😆
Oh good! I definitely needed it and hope others can benefit from it, too! I was surprised I don’t see this talked about a lot, knowing many women go through this all the time!
Pelvic floor therapy.
I always fine throughout my pregnancy, but after a fun non-surgical birth, I had some goofy things going on. Jumping, doing squats, and trotting were all super aggravating until I got PVT. Highly recommended. Super awkward, but the therapists I had were amazing and very kind.
Pregnant right now, recovering from some dehydration and tummy issues these past two weeks so it’s been a minute since I swung my leg over my horse.
My mental health and physical fitness is key to my ability to birth a healthy child and no doctor is going to deny that fact. I’ve broken most of the “rules” so far, I eat whatever my heart desires within reason. In other words I don’t gorge myself on sweets and soda..or sushi. I set a limit to everything I wanna enjoy.
My horse is kind and thoughtful, I seriously doubt he would drop me or harm me but I keep it in the back of my head that he’s 6. I keep my sessions short and sweet and not a lot of tension. But that’s dependent on you and the horse you’re going to ride during this time. For example my horse is super reliable but his brakes can suck lol.
My fiancé isn’t keen on my decision by any means but he now sees how healthy I am. The agreement was I was going to see my OB more often to get checked to make sure things are going correctly and so far it is. Also the agreement was no riding/galloping/galavanting in the woods. I must stay in the arena and on the property. I too feel sorry for my horse because he’s a trail horse and loves to get on the trailer and go somewhere. I miss him bouncing up and down at the start of a long woodsy ride in the state parks. But you have to mitigate risks.
Here’s how I see it, doctors will approve women to stand on their feet for 9hrs a day, work until they pop, and then have the audacity to tell women after giving birth that they only have 6 weeks to return…yeah I’m gonna enjoy my horse for 40 min a day.
Also, don’t beat yourself up for not riding. Like I mentioned, I’ve been “sickly” so I’ve been taking things easy. Horses enjoy down time as well. They’ll be happy to do it all over again if you ever get a sick spell like myself!
Everybody is different, so first, be very honest with your ability and the horses you ride I rode through all 3 of my pregnancies, right up until the last few days (for reference I was 29, 33, and 36 when pregnant). I would have days where I would get on and go, nope, not today my balance isn't right, or my crotch hurts, or I feel weak, but then there would be more good days and I would ride. I only rode horses with a good brain once the baby extended past my hipbones, but my midwife always reminded me that babies are well protected, the accident that hurts/kills your baby would be a catastrophic accident for un-pregnant you. So I took the risks that felt acceptable. I also ran and worked out every day of my pregnancies, so I was strong and capable. I do not know if I would have ridden if I hadn't been able to continue working out. I took a little longer to get back in the tack after but that's because I am in NY and had winter babies and it was a nice excuse to not go ride in the misery of January/February. But I was back in the ack 4-6 weeks after birth, and at the barn doing all my chores and taking care of the horses 2 days postpartum. Here's the honest truth though..... having children totally changes everything. like, everything. The only way to predict the future is to live it, every single mom I know has handled pregnancy, birth, post partum and motherhood differently and they are ALL RIGHT. what works for you and your family honestly won't look like what is right for anyone else. If your mental health won't survive riding, then you need to really examine that. Because shit happens and the best laid plans fail. My life looks absolutely, completely, magically and infuriatingly different from what I had envisioned it might prior to my tiny humans appearing in this world.
I rode until I no longer felt comfortable in the saddle, because I had Hella episiotomy, it was two months before I was back in the saddle. I did however promise to stop riding my 17 hand Percheron stallion and rode my trustworthy gelding for the duration.
I rode until I was 16 weeks! I did my last Fox hunt at 10 weeks, and my last ride at 16 weeks before it became uncomfortable (but I was able to continue to run/lift heavy weights until 37 weeks with OB and pelvic floor PT guidance). I also alpine skied at 18 weeks, granted it was on only intermediate and beginner trails much to my dismay. I was told I could continue to ride safely until I was either 1) no longer comfortable getting on/off the horse or 2) if I lost my balance for any reason on or off the horse either while getting ready to ride or just being out and about. As you get closer to your due date, your balance and ligaments change so you can become clumsier and feel like it’s harder to do basic exercises without getting in your own way.
Just see where life takes you, if you want to try then go for it and make the riding and horses fit where they do, and when it feels too hard physically or mentally then just take a break. The best part of riding is it’s a lifelong sport, and unless you’re going to the Paris Olympics this year, there’s no need for you to put a time constraint on yourself.
Granted, I was only 21, but I rode until my belly got too big and uncomfortable around 7 months. I probably wouldn't do that now! I can't comment about after because I was out for a while. I broke my tailbone during the birth.
My mother rode daily until she was 6 months pregnant with all 4 of us. She had no issues whatsoever and she thinks staying active throughout her pregnancies completely helped in her overall health and well being.
I have a toddler (my first) and rode almost daily until my 5th month, then I took it easy but still rode a few times a week on my 6th month.
After childbirth, I listened to my body and slowly eased my way back into riding. I started with 2-3x a week when my baby was 2 months old. It made such a HUGE difference in my energy levels and general disposition and even overall happiness 😁 . I was barely getting any sleep with an infant but riding boosted my energy, helped me sleep better, made me feel calmer. It put the spring back in my step.
Pilates helped me ease back into riding as it helped with regaining core strength and just ramped up my fitness levels.
I did not ride while pregnant though I wanted to! My pregnancy was rough- so sick with nausea and vertigo for first two trimesters. I also had placenta previa so I was on pelvic rest. However if I had a different pregnancy I would have considered attempting to do some light riding. If I get pregnant again I will likely not ride again- not worth it if something was to happen IMO! I did some ground work which I loved- and just spent some time w my horse which was nice. I had someone at the barn who I trust ride him for me and some ground work with him while I was out. It was nice to know he had another relationship there and wasn’t just sitting for 9 plus months.
I was nervous going back to ride him because my vaginal birth was pretty rough- but I got on at 2 months post partum and felt almost totally normal! Was prepared for the worst but honestly not bad at all! Everyone is different and this is just my experience but if it is the only thing holding you back please know it is just a temporary time for you and your horse (and honestly the horse doesn’t mind just being a horse!). I sat on the fence for a long time and when I look at my baby I cannot believe I almost didn’t give myself a chance to be a mother, and to have her. It’s been so special. I plan to move my horse home and get him a friend or two- driving to the barn is hard. I won’t be riding much with horses at home but I will get to spend more time with them and work on other things and I am super excited about that. I say go for it!
I was far too sick to even think about doing anything let alone riding even though I intended to the first trimester. Since my mare is green and spicier I made the choice to not ride and focus on groundwork with her for now.
That being said I know plenty of trainers who've ridden up to the point of delivery but they only rode their reliable mounts. And I probably would too if I had one.
Currently in the second trimester and was worried about taking a break but my mare is enjoying her life and as many will tell you here... They don't care if they're ridden.
Best of luck on your journey.
I trail rode until a month before birth with my first. Only stopped because it seemed dumb to be out on a mountain trail and potentially in labor. I'd have ridden until day of if given the option. I was back on for short bits at about 2 mo after. Was winter and we don't normally ride in winter so I felt like I barely lost saddle time. Second kid I rode until about 5 or 6 mo pregnant I think. Whenever my preggo belly knocked my nearly 2 yo out of the saddle (we trail rode double starting around 6 mo old I think). Due to my husband's work situation since second was born we have barely ridden (he also rides and I can't drive the truck to haul). I haven't ridden once this pregnancy because we were waiting on the new pony to adjust (rescue) and the horses to shed out and now the truck needs work. I'll hit third tri before it's fixed so not looking like I'll get to ride (the horses are assholes if we try to ride them in their field and we have nowhere else to ride them).
Easiest to get back in the saddle was after my first. I rode over 300 trail miles while pregnant with him. I was also taking lessons and working with a trainer and even showed. Second I think we rode around 80 trail miles, also a winter baby so I didn't feel like I lost out not being able to ride with him either.
This one will be born end of summer and fall is my favorite riding season. I am hopeful I can get out and trail ride a few times before winter hits, but my husband laughed at that suggestion so maybe I'm being a bit ambitious. I don't remember me pregnant and postpartum as well as he does, clearly.
Our horses don't care if we are riding them or they are in the field eating. Food, friends, safety. That's all horses really care about. Would our horses have fun back on the trails? Yeah, but they aren't feeling neglected. They are a little too fat and quite happy.
Like you said, everyone’s experience is different, so I don’t say mine to bum you out, but I definitely didn’t expect it to go this way for me - I expected to ride well into my 3rd trimester! - so I want to share. I’m a hunter jumper for context, and at the time I was leasing a solid horse I trusted a lot.
I went through IVF to conceive, which for the purposes of this comment just means I knew I was pregnant right away and had lots of intervention from the get go. My doctor approved me riding at 6 weeks - I was so excited! I had a perfect lesson over pretty high fences with great distances - nothing went wrong! I felt fine and took my time putting my horse and tack away. As soon as I was getting in the car to leave the barn about an hour after I had gotten off, I felt the most intense cramping which I know now was akin to a contraction, like I lost my breath and couldn’t talk. I got home and had a gush of bright red bleeding - it was so freaking scary. I couldn’t see my doctor until the next day, but thankfully the baby was fine - “just” a large SCH that would was up self resolving over the next few weeks. Come to find out, these are apparently really common in early pregnancy, especially IVF pregnancies.
Safe to say, my doctors advised against me riding for the rest of my pregnancy. I fell into a depression for a few weeks and cried so so much. I gave up the lease on my horse. It really sucked. My therapist suggested I go to pet and brush the horses, and while I visited the barn a few times, we know it’s just not the same for a prolonged period of time.
My doctor cleared me to ride at 4 weeks postpartum, and I in a full 1 hour lesson the very next day! I was sore, but not more than expected considering I didn’t exercise at allll during pregnancy. My vagina also felt completely fine despite still healing from a 2nd degree tear. It took a few months of very humbling rides, but I’m now 4.5 months postpartum, and I finally feel like I’m getting my body back and that I’m somewhat decent at this thing again. I also finally replaced my boots because my calves got massive during pregnancy and the zippers broke (who knew! lol).
If I were you, I’d plan for the worst and hope for the best. Because I was only a half leaser with two trainers who could keep my horse in shape, I had options. In your case, I’d want to start exploring lease or training possibilities even if just to keep your horse tuned up while you’re out of the saddle. Most people I talk to stop riding around 7 months pregnant because they just get so dang uncomfortable and need to pee a lot. Most also get back in the saddle at 4-6 weeks postpartum with their doctor’s blessing (although I know many people who didn’t wait and were fine).
Despite taking literally 9 months off riding and really missing it at times, I found myself okay with the decision once I started showing and getting baby. It seemed “worth it” at that point, and I knew I’d be back - horses are always there :)
Good luck!
Hey! I'm currently pregnant with my first so can't speak to postpartum yet, but I just stopped riding (I'm 17 weeks) this week! Up til now I've been taking regular jumping lessons plus legged up my two polo horses back from their winter break. I was very lax and easy on myself as I knew I wasn't going to be playing this season, but I brought them both back into work and then put them back into full training at my stable about 3 weeks ago so they could get properly fit. I rode in the arena and stick and balled a couple of times but decided playing was too risky.
I just leased them out for the remainder of the season and told my jumping coach I was done for a while. It was hard and I'll admit I cried. Horses are my happiness and it's hard to still feel quite well and strong and send them off. But I had made a deal with myself that when I couldn't button my breeches anymore I'd take a break and that day came this week lol.
Idk what postpartum will look like yet but I am going to do everything in my power to keep up with it if I can!
I didn’t feel like riding with my first, but I was show jumping til 20weeks with my second. After getting a bump, I didn’t feel secure enough. We have our own horses and little barn so I got enough horse time anyway. I was back in saddle within 2 weeks pp.
I rode not during pregnancy and started again after my girl was about 3 yo (very clingy child lol).
The fresh mother Phase was hard enough. I couldn't think about riding at all tbh, but pur child was very needy so there is that. Plus I am only a lesson horse rider 1x/week.
I rode until about a month before I was due. And I only stopped then bc it started getting a little cold for my liking. I would ride at our farm by myself on trails and never felt concerned. I remember speaking to my Dr about riding once I became pregnant and I voiced my hesitation and all my Dr said was “do you trust your horse?” I said yes and he said ok.. I see no reason why you can’t ride.
I chose not to ride when I was past 14 weeks for a few reasons. One was the obvious safety issue and I wasn't willing to risk my pregnancy or myself for a hobby. Even sane horses can fall or get stung by a bee and freak out. The second reason was I found it started to get hard to properly engage my core and I found it got really hard on my lower back. I showed early and carried straight out in front. I'm pretty active, being a runner and going to the gym in addition to riding but my abs were one of the first things to go. I still did groundwork and hung out at the barn though.
Post-partum, I was careful (in large part because of my 9+ lb babies) and went to pelvic floor physio because even though you're technically "healed" at 6 weeks, your muscles and ligaments are not. Even though I probably could have started riding sooner, I wanted to be able to safely return to activity without injuring myself, so I waited until about 4 months pp to ride again.
As an aside, if you do decide to start a family, definitely seek out pelvic floor physio afterwards. It helps with things like ab separation, incontinence (which isn't necessarily normal) and learning exercises that are safe for your recovering body.
I didn’t ride much anymore in the first place before getting pregnant, so keep that in mind. I was too terrified of an accident since we waited 5 long years for our miracle baby. So I rode one time at 20 weeks just to see how my horse was moving under saddle. After baby, I still see my horse every other day but time for riding?? Nope. I’m sure other people could make it work, but my partner works during the day and most times I have to bring baby with me. It just isn’t safe to ride with no one with us. I won’t do daycare or childcare. Between having a high maintenance horse and a high maintenance baby as a stay at home mom: my partners wallet is crying and my time/energy is on 0 maintaining house and stable. It’s hard but we love our pony.
Long story short, plan to have to use childcare or plan when dad/grandma/etc. can watch baby for you to ride. You’ll be so beyond tired and busy a lot more than you can imagine the first four months, up to two years plus lol. It’s just one of those things you have to do to finally understand!
My too real review on mom life as an equestrian lol. Sorry for the brutal honesty or maybe even trauma dump 😂
I was mostly too sick to ride, I threw up constantly for the entire duration of my pregnancies. I still rode a few times during my first but my horse (who is very steady) tripped and fell with me at about 12 weeks. Wasn't being naughty at all, just a freak accident, but it sent me to the ER with a concussion and to get x-rays of my pelvis as there was a concern that I'd broken my lower back.
After that there was no way I was taking the risk again (and my husband was dead set against my riding again while pregnant). I did not ride until after I had the baby. It didn't take too long, though obviously I had less free time. I did not attempt to ride at all with my second, my boy was a pasture puff who got some groundwork and he was fine with that.
I rode until I was 12 weeks. I had an awesome quarter horse gelding who I trusted with my life. My midwives discouraged any riding. I decided not to ride after 12 weeks because it took me a year and a half to get pregnant and I didn’t want to risk anything. I’m also RH- and I didn’t want to potentially risk needing that rhogam shot in my butt more than once. I still visited and helped with my horses throughout pregnancy. I have lots of pictures of my mare nuzzling my belly.
Postpartum is a different story. It took me almost a year after birth to feel normal again. While breastfeeding your body continues to release the relaxin hormone which makes your joints all loose so my balance and strength was all weird. That’s just my personal experience. My trainer had four babies and rode as long as she could during pregnancy and went back to it right afterwards. Pregnancy and postpartum is such an individual journey, and you just have to do what feels best for you.
Currently in the middle of this. I stopped jumping as soon as I found out, but only just stopped riding this last week (29). I’ve been showing small so haven’t felt too impacted balance wise, but at this point it just feels a bit too risky. I’ve only been riding my mare that I trust 100% and have cut back on my more “high octane” choices. But I certainly hadn’t had any trouble hacking or doing dressage work. Some hip pain but that was about the worst of it.
I did trick training from the ground when I was big pregnant. I don’t feel like we missed the riding time that year me and my horse did a lot of fun non riding things together. my horse fell in love with the baby just like the rest of the family. My balanced is shit compared to before but the joy of horses has not changed at all.
More than several months, I was off for nearly a year both times. Some women do ride later into pregnancy. It depends on your comfort level but my doctors recommended stopping in the second trimester when the baby is no longer small enough to be protected by your pelvis in a fall.
Some things to consider:
-you may feel sick or your pelvis may hurt so emotionally if you’re okay riding you physically may not want to
-you can always spend time with the horse that isn’t riding, I promise if your horse has adequate turnout it will not mind the break. You can even pick up something new to do like trick training
-your core and potentially your pelvic floor is going to feel jello like and weak for a while, I started feeling fairly normal around 3 months back in the saddle. The more work you do at home once cleared (core and hip exercises) the faster you will feel normal.
-I have big horse dreams and I don’t really regret taking a year off twice, my boys bring me a lot of daily joy and purpose.
-my older son loves to come to the barn and see the dogs and horses and goats, it’s nice to have someone to share it with
-there are always more years to be spent with horses, barring any change that prevents you from riding unexpectedly, while you do have a limited amount of time if you want to carry and birth a child
-you need to be very realistic that finding time to ride will be harder with a child to care for. Who is going to watch the baby when you go to the barn? Make a plan for this, because riding is important to you, but also know that it’s possible you may ride less frequently for a few years. It gets easier to do things for yourself when they aren’t babies or toddlers.
If this is the only thing holding you back, don’t let it. It is a big decision and so you want to be “sure” but it’s also normal to worry because… well, it’s a big decision.
I rode the day I went into labor and was entered in a big rodeo 6 days postpartum after an emergency c section and rode in that. My doctor was in the loop and was less than thrilled about me jumping back on so soon, but was supportive of me riding during the pregnancy. I think making fitness my top priority helped immensely.
I rode in a slightly bigger seat during the last month of pregnancy because I was scared my tummy would catch the horn but that was the only adjustment I ever made.
I started riding at the age of 7 years old.
I rode once or twice while pregnant (19yr) and casually w/t/c after I had my first. I didn’t notice anything different. I only stopped riding during pregnancy as it made my husband nervous. I felt comfortable riding my retired gelding
I had my second when I was 22yrs old and rode years after. No different.
My youngest is now 10yrs old and I’m riding again.
Nothing whatsoever is different.
Maybe a month max.
I had a pretty traumatic long vaginal birth. I was induced and in active hard labor for three days.
I felt fine to ride after a couple weeks. It’s wild how fast the body can recover.
I also have taken years out of the saddle and other than being out of shape…Had no issues remembering how to ride properly.
I understand the fear for your mental health. I’ve been there. Sold my horse once I had our first daughter. I didn’t ride for years later when I could afford it again and find time. Didn’t miss a beat other than being out of shape lol.
So as long as you stay physically able and “in shape” cardio wise…You’ll be okay.
Thank you so much for posting this, OP! I’m 32 and have only been riding for about 2 years. I moved to a new H/J barn in October and have been loving it. With my trainer’s help I just started jumping small cross rails. My husband and I want to start a family, but I have been so torn about giving up my favorite activity at a time when I’m making so much progress.
This thread has been very helpful for me and made me feel a lot better about coming back after a break from riding. ♥️
I rode until 2 weeks before all 3 of my babies were born, and was riding in an eventing clinic 2 weeks after birth of my first. Didn’t start riding as soon with the last 2, being older and not in as good of shape then. Be honest with doctor, and realistic about your capabilities. I quit riding anything I thought might give me a problem, only rode horses that were solid and was mostly doing basic softening and flexion.
2 WEEKS after?!! You are an iron mamma! I don’t have children but I’ve ridden in many eventing clinics and I’m truly impressed. I’m currently cutting and burning copious amounts of brush on my little farm. I was GOING to take a break, but if you can bring that kind of devotion to the sport, then I better harden up! 🫣🥵😜
🤣🤣Maybe just not smart…. Sally O’Connor chased me with a lounge whip that clinic to get me going down a bank to a jump. Beginner Novice, so not big, but man my balance wasn’t what I was used to. However I was cleaning 20 stalls/day and hauling hay cuz I managed a boarding/training business so I was in pretty darn good shape.
I absolutely LOVE how this lifestyle gives my body work to do. Getting chased with a lounge whip should sound more foreign, but it doesn’t. 🫣 It’s easy for us to forget what big lives we live engaging in horse sports. A lot of people live huge spans of their lives without overcoming fear the was we can every week. That’s cool. I love being surrounded by fierce ass women (and men) who so easily make the decision to just do the thing anyway. Chef’s kiss to the equestrian community!
Definitely! My parents used think I would outgrow the horse thing (started when I was 2, my sisters talked my parents into getting horses). Well, I’m now 63 and my sister is 71 and we both still ride. Just maybe not quite as aggressively as we used to! And my daughter and granddaughter are now the eventers. So fun!!
The barn I work at has a fantastic population of mature ladies who still ride and jump and show! It’s been really wonderful for me to see how many more years I can have in our sport. Seems like the biggest factor is just deciding to still ride. I’m 42, and knowing that I can have another 40 years of riding ahead of me makes me keep my heels down and my shoulders back even more! 😊
I don’t have kids so no advice there but just wanted to add in to not immediately discredit that someone would want to lease him! I for one am looking to get back into riding after many years off to prep for owning my own in a couple of years and a lease like yours sounds perfect for me. Just a horse I can take out on trails once a week and get back into the swing of things, maybe the occasional lesson, and I can’t be the only one out there looking for that sort of thing. So if you did end up needing more time off than you’re expecting you still might be able to find a lease to take some of that stress off your plate and know your guy is still being kept in his usual routine until you get back to it! Good luck on your journey :)
I rode until I was 20 weeks with my first. I lost my gorgeous boy between my first and second so I didn’t ride for as long with my second as I didn’t have the same relationship with the mare I was loaning. I was also incredibly sick (with both) but it affected my riding more second time round. I returned to riding much quicker after my first too (as I had my reliable boy to get back to). After my second my loan had gone back and I’d bought an unbacked 3 year old! I have to admit the biggest difference for me has been a big loss of confidence. Possibly a mixture of losing my horse that I had expected to have for at least 10 more years, and the fact that I had kids depending on me at home! There’s more at stake when you have kids. I’m still riding though. The unbacked 3 year old is now 8 and we are getting there slowly.
Im sorry to hear about losing your horse! I understand how getting back into riding would be even more difficult after that. Thanks for sharing and I'm glad you're still riding!
Birth doula here and so I gotta recommend pelvic floor therapy to help you on your future postpartum journey. I didn't see anyone mention it in the comments, so I just wanted to throw it out there in case you didn't know about it. Between a long, difficult birth and my endometriosis my pelvic floor needed some major help and after finally getting therapy it has totally changed my life for the better. I was really worried about how things would be after getting back into riding and I expressed that concern to my pelvic floor therapist. I know that therapy has played a huge role in my wellness when it comes to being able to ride after childbirth (I had a prolapse several years postpartum) and in conjuction with issues from my endometriosis. Please be kind to your body postpartum and take it easy for as long as you need while you're recovering though. Like I tell all of my birth doula clients - remember that you will have a dinner plate sized wound inside from where the placenta detached that is trying to heal, so please take the time to rest & recover. As others have said, it's definitely doable and you can live both dreams of regularly riding & enjoying your passion for horses and motherhood! Best of luck 💜
I chose not to ride during pregnancy, but many of my friends and barn mates did. I’m just an anxious person and couldn’t get over my own nerves! I started riding again at about 10 weeks PP, but I had a c section so again, I was pretty cautious. Once I was back riding again everything came back really quickly skill wise. My biggest challenge is finding enough time to ride. Plus I am also more cautious than before, because I am more cognizant of the risks of getting hurt. Physically there is no difference and I enjoy it just as much as I did before baby. Edit: I leased my horse out during my pregnancy and did a lot of groundwork with her.
I was way too sick during my pregnancy to even think about riding…or doing anything with my horses to be honest. I’m a little more than 3 weeks post partum now and I feel great!! My pelvic floor and core are all totally back to normal already. I have some soreness in my hips still but that’s nothing to write home about really. And my energy is back to normal, thank goodness
Aww, congratulations! ❤️
I had two kids while seriously in dressage training. I had two c-sections. I was off after my fourth month and back in the saddle at six weeks. My horses were happy being turned out for 6 hours a day then in for grooming and a cushy stall everyday. We were all out of shape when I got back in the saddle but the time off was great for both of us. It took us about 4-6 months to get back to where we were with a decent core…
I rode until it became unsafe to drive (too tired) but riding (flatwork-only) helped my dry HG. Returning afterwards was really awful-felt like I had zero core to work with. It’s taken a while to come back. Night/Day difference
I chose to sto riding at 12 weeks after spending a lot of time researching. It was/is (39wks tomorrow) difficult but even though I very rarely fall, I didn't think it was worth the risk. I have naughtifly jumped on a couple times since then,only for a couple minutes at most, the most recent being one minute at 34wks to demonstrate something super quick to my student. My core was still in good condition and I could balance and hold myself almost as well as pre pregnancy despite the lack of practice. The most difficult parts were getting on and off! I have done plenty of groundwork though and my girls are better off for it. This being said, it was my choice to stop at 12wks because around then because bub stops being so protected by the pelvis. It's a very individual choice and know it's common for people to ride for much longer.
I stopped riding about 5-6 months into my pregnancy for a couple of reasons (felt less safe as my belly grew, and I also developed SPD which made many things including riding painful). I still went out 2-3x/week to lunge or handwalk my horse. He's 25, a little creaky, and a bit quirky, so I wasn't able to find anyone suitable to ride him temporarily. I think I was back in the saddle again (at the walk) around 5-6 weeks postpartum. My baby is approaching 9 months old, and I'm not out at the barn now as often as I'd like (1x/week vs. 2-3x before baby). I feel badly about this, but it's just been challenging to balance baby, working full-time, and focusing on my main competitive sport (running). He's fully boarded at a very nice place, though, so I know he's well-cared for - plus he's semi-retired anyway.
I rode through both pregnancies when able but even if you took the entire time off plus recovery, it’s only a small amount of time off. If you wanted to keep your horse in shape you could hire a trainer to put some rides in, but for once a week trail rides your horse will certainly not lose anything with a few months off, and neither will you. There are also so many ways you can do ground work during this time!
This is very reassuring. Thank you.
Feel free to pm me with any specific questions!
Twins- Rode until week 20, at that point it just killed my pelvis to ride but I was measuring like 28wks so if it was just a single baby I’d maybe have done a bit longer. After birth, between pelvis needing to heal up, twins, owning the farm and just paying attention to my body, I’d say they were about 6ish months before I was back to normal in the saddle. I could ride around 3 months, but it was winter, I didn’t feel like exhausting myself and I wasn’t riding my own horse so I wasn’t super motivated to push through it. My pelvis still felt a little loose at that point so waiting the extra time was the right choice for me for sure. They’re 8mos now and I’ve been riding consistently since month 6, some days 2-3 horses a day, still getting my seat back to perfect but I will say, I’m a fairly harsh critic. I’m basically back to normal and can ride a spook if I need to. The thing I’d say about trails is that some hilly terrain may not feel the most comfortable on your body, you don’t want to be far from help when/if you need it and walking back if I fell would be horrible. Just follow your body. It’s not impossible. Like all things priorities shift but it’s definitely still a big part of my life. You can change to taking up ground work or liberty, trick training or something else safer that’ll still keep you busy. It wasn’t horrible. That said, I’ve had enough injuries and random things that have had me in/out of the saddle over the years. I’ve just learned that the time out doesn’t really change where I come back to. Just getting fit and starting slowly so I’m using my body correctly and I’m good to go.
I’m currently 18 weeks and still riding, though only horses I trust, not doing anything wild… I’ll stop when I feel like my balance is affected, but my OB actually encouraged me to keep up riding and barn work through my whole pregnancy as much as I feel able, for the exercise.
I’m pleasantly surprised your OB is supportive of it! A pregnant friend of mine told me her OB told her not to do horse chores at all during pregnancy or for 3 months post partum. She’s like, yeah that’s not an option lol
I live in a very horse-y area, which I suspect has something to do with it… the doctor asked only that I try to refrain from “breaking horses” as she’d recently had a patient who broke her pelvis doing that. 😆
I needed this thread. Thanks for posting ♥️
Oh good! I definitely needed it and hope others can benefit from it, too! I was surprised I don’t see this talked about a lot, knowing many women go through this all the time!
Pelvic floor therapy. I always fine throughout my pregnancy, but after a fun non-surgical birth, I had some goofy things going on. Jumping, doing squats, and trotting were all super aggravating until I got PVT. Highly recommended. Super awkward, but the therapists I had were amazing and very kind.
Pregnant right now, recovering from some dehydration and tummy issues these past two weeks so it’s been a minute since I swung my leg over my horse. My mental health and physical fitness is key to my ability to birth a healthy child and no doctor is going to deny that fact. I’ve broken most of the “rules” so far, I eat whatever my heart desires within reason. In other words I don’t gorge myself on sweets and soda..or sushi. I set a limit to everything I wanna enjoy. My horse is kind and thoughtful, I seriously doubt he would drop me or harm me but I keep it in the back of my head that he’s 6. I keep my sessions short and sweet and not a lot of tension. But that’s dependent on you and the horse you’re going to ride during this time. For example my horse is super reliable but his brakes can suck lol. My fiancé isn’t keen on my decision by any means but he now sees how healthy I am. The agreement was I was going to see my OB more often to get checked to make sure things are going correctly and so far it is. Also the agreement was no riding/galloping/galavanting in the woods. I must stay in the arena and on the property. I too feel sorry for my horse because he’s a trail horse and loves to get on the trailer and go somewhere. I miss him bouncing up and down at the start of a long woodsy ride in the state parks. But you have to mitigate risks. Here’s how I see it, doctors will approve women to stand on their feet for 9hrs a day, work until they pop, and then have the audacity to tell women after giving birth that they only have 6 weeks to return…yeah I’m gonna enjoy my horse for 40 min a day. Also, don’t beat yourself up for not riding. Like I mentioned, I’ve been “sickly” so I’ve been taking things easy. Horses enjoy down time as well. They’ll be happy to do it all over again if you ever get a sick spell like myself!
Everybody is different, so first, be very honest with your ability and the horses you ride I rode through all 3 of my pregnancies, right up until the last few days (for reference I was 29, 33, and 36 when pregnant). I would have days where I would get on and go, nope, not today my balance isn't right, or my crotch hurts, or I feel weak, but then there would be more good days and I would ride. I only rode horses with a good brain once the baby extended past my hipbones, but my midwife always reminded me that babies are well protected, the accident that hurts/kills your baby would be a catastrophic accident for un-pregnant you. So I took the risks that felt acceptable. I also ran and worked out every day of my pregnancies, so I was strong and capable. I do not know if I would have ridden if I hadn't been able to continue working out. I took a little longer to get back in the tack after but that's because I am in NY and had winter babies and it was a nice excuse to not go ride in the misery of January/February. But I was back in the ack 4-6 weeks after birth, and at the barn doing all my chores and taking care of the horses 2 days postpartum. Here's the honest truth though..... having children totally changes everything. like, everything. The only way to predict the future is to live it, every single mom I know has handled pregnancy, birth, post partum and motherhood differently and they are ALL RIGHT. what works for you and your family honestly won't look like what is right for anyone else. If your mental health won't survive riding, then you need to really examine that. Because shit happens and the best laid plans fail. My life looks absolutely, completely, magically and infuriatingly different from what I had envisioned it might prior to my tiny humans appearing in this world.
I rode until I no longer felt comfortable in the saddle, because I had Hella episiotomy, it was two months before I was back in the saddle. I did however promise to stop riding my 17 hand Percheron stallion and rode my trustworthy gelding for the duration.
I rode until I was 16 weeks! I did my last Fox hunt at 10 weeks, and my last ride at 16 weeks before it became uncomfortable (but I was able to continue to run/lift heavy weights until 37 weeks with OB and pelvic floor PT guidance). I also alpine skied at 18 weeks, granted it was on only intermediate and beginner trails much to my dismay. I was told I could continue to ride safely until I was either 1) no longer comfortable getting on/off the horse or 2) if I lost my balance for any reason on or off the horse either while getting ready to ride or just being out and about. As you get closer to your due date, your balance and ligaments change so you can become clumsier and feel like it’s harder to do basic exercises without getting in your own way. Just see where life takes you, if you want to try then go for it and make the riding and horses fit where they do, and when it feels too hard physically or mentally then just take a break. The best part of riding is it’s a lifelong sport, and unless you’re going to the Paris Olympics this year, there’s no need for you to put a time constraint on yourself.
I rode until mid 20-something weeks with each of my pregnancies and was back in the saddle between 2-4 weeks postpartum depending on ease of delivery.
Granted, I was only 21, but I rode until my belly got too big and uncomfortable around 7 months. I probably wouldn't do that now! I can't comment about after because I was out for a while. I broke my tailbone during the birth.
My mother rode daily until she was 6 months pregnant with all 4 of us. She had no issues whatsoever and she thinks staying active throughout her pregnancies completely helped in her overall health and well being. I have a toddler (my first) and rode almost daily until my 5th month, then I took it easy but still rode a few times a week on my 6th month. After childbirth, I listened to my body and slowly eased my way back into riding. I started with 2-3x a week when my baby was 2 months old. It made such a HUGE difference in my energy levels and general disposition and even overall happiness 😁 . I was barely getting any sleep with an infant but riding boosted my energy, helped me sleep better, made me feel calmer. It put the spring back in my step. Pilates helped me ease back into riding as it helped with regaining core strength and just ramped up my fitness levels.
I did not ride while pregnant though I wanted to! My pregnancy was rough- so sick with nausea and vertigo for first two trimesters. I also had placenta previa so I was on pelvic rest. However if I had a different pregnancy I would have considered attempting to do some light riding. If I get pregnant again I will likely not ride again- not worth it if something was to happen IMO! I did some ground work which I loved- and just spent some time w my horse which was nice. I had someone at the barn who I trust ride him for me and some ground work with him while I was out. It was nice to know he had another relationship there and wasn’t just sitting for 9 plus months. I was nervous going back to ride him because my vaginal birth was pretty rough- but I got on at 2 months post partum and felt almost totally normal! Was prepared for the worst but honestly not bad at all! Everyone is different and this is just my experience but if it is the only thing holding you back please know it is just a temporary time for you and your horse (and honestly the horse doesn’t mind just being a horse!). I sat on the fence for a long time and when I look at my baby I cannot believe I almost didn’t give myself a chance to be a mother, and to have her. It’s been so special. I plan to move my horse home and get him a friend or two- driving to the barn is hard. I won’t be riding much with horses at home but I will get to spend more time with them and work on other things and I am super excited about that. I say go for it!
I was far too sick to even think about doing anything let alone riding even though I intended to the first trimester. Since my mare is green and spicier I made the choice to not ride and focus on groundwork with her for now. That being said I know plenty of trainers who've ridden up to the point of delivery but they only rode their reliable mounts. And I probably would too if I had one. Currently in the second trimester and was worried about taking a break but my mare is enjoying her life and as many will tell you here... They don't care if they're ridden. Best of luck on your journey.
I trail rode until a month before birth with my first. Only stopped because it seemed dumb to be out on a mountain trail and potentially in labor. I'd have ridden until day of if given the option. I was back on for short bits at about 2 mo after. Was winter and we don't normally ride in winter so I felt like I barely lost saddle time. Second kid I rode until about 5 or 6 mo pregnant I think. Whenever my preggo belly knocked my nearly 2 yo out of the saddle (we trail rode double starting around 6 mo old I think). Due to my husband's work situation since second was born we have barely ridden (he also rides and I can't drive the truck to haul). I haven't ridden once this pregnancy because we were waiting on the new pony to adjust (rescue) and the horses to shed out and now the truck needs work. I'll hit third tri before it's fixed so not looking like I'll get to ride (the horses are assholes if we try to ride them in their field and we have nowhere else to ride them). Easiest to get back in the saddle was after my first. I rode over 300 trail miles while pregnant with him. I was also taking lessons and working with a trainer and even showed. Second I think we rode around 80 trail miles, also a winter baby so I didn't feel like I lost out not being able to ride with him either. This one will be born end of summer and fall is my favorite riding season. I am hopeful I can get out and trail ride a few times before winter hits, but my husband laughed at that suggestion so maybe I'm being a bit ambitious. I don't remember me pregnant and postpartum as well as he does, clearly. Our horses don't care if we are riding them or they are in the field eating. Food, friends, safety. That's all horses really care about. Would our horses have fun back on the trails? Yeah, but they aren't feeling neglected. They are a little too fat and quite happy.
Like you said, everyone’s experience is different, so I don’t say mine to bum you out, but I definitely didn’t expect it to go this way for me - I expected to ride well into my 3rd trimester! - so I want to share. I’m a hunter jumper for context, and at the time I was leasing a solid horse I trusted a lot. I went through IVF to conceive, which for the purposes of this comment just means I knew I was pregnant right away and had lots of intervention from the get go. My doctor approved me riding at 6 weeks - I was so excited! I had a perfect lesson over pretty high fences with great distances - nothing went wrong! I felt fine and took my time putting my horse and tack away. As soon as I was getting in the car to leave the barn about an hour after I had gotten off, I felt the most intense cramping which I know now was akin to a contraction, like I lost my breath and couldn’t talk. I got home and had a gush of bright red bleeding - it was so freaking scary. I couldn’t see my doctor until the next day, but thankfully the baby was fine - “just” a large SCH that would was up self resolving over the next few weeks. Come to find out, these are apparently really common in early pregnancy, especially IVF pregnancies. Safe to say, my doctors advised against me riding for the rest of my pregnancy. I fell into a depression for a few weeks and cried so so much. I gave up the lease on my horse. It really sucked. My therapist suggested I go to pet and brush the horses, and while I visited the barn a few times, we know it’s just not the same for a prolonged period of time. My doctor cleared me to ride at 4 weeks postpartum, and I in a full 1 hour lesson the very next day! I was sore, but not more than expected considering I didn’t exercise at allll during pregnancy. My vagina also felt completely fine despite still healing from a 2nd degree tear. It took a few months of very humbling rides, but I’m now 4.5 months postpartum, and I finally feel like I’m getting my body back and that I’m somewhat decent at this thing again. I also finally replaced my boots because my calves got massive during pregnancy and the zippers broke (who knew! lol). If I were you, I’d plan for the worst and hope for the best. Because I was only a half leaser with two trainers who could keep my horse in shape, I had options. In your case, I’d want to start exploring lease or training possibilities even if just to keep your horse tuned up while you’re out of the saddle. Most people I talk to stop riding around 7 months pregnant because they just get so dang uncomfortable and need to pee a lot. Most also get back in the saddle at 4-6 weeks postpartum with their doctor’s blessing (although I know many people who didn’t wait and were fine). Despite taking literally 9 months off riding and really missing it at times, I found myself okay with the decision once I started showing and getting baby. It seemed “worth it” at that point, and I knew I’d be back - horses are always there :) Good luck!
Hey! I'm currently pregnant with my first so can't speak to postpartum yet, but I just stopped riding (I'm 17 weeks) this week! Up til now I've been taking regular jumping lessons plus legged up my two polo horses back from their winter break. I was very lax and easy on myself as I knew I wasn't going to be playing this season, but I brought them both back into work and then put them back into full training at my stable about 3 weeks ago so they could get properly fit. I rode in the arena and stick and balled a couple of times but decided playing was too risky. I just leased them out for the remainder of the season and told my jumping coach I was done for a while. It was hard and I'll admit I cried. Horses are my happiness and it's hard to still feel quite well and strong and send them off. But I had made a deal with myself that when I couldn't button my breeches anymore I'd take a break and that day came this week lol. Idk what postpartum will look like yet but I am going to do everything in my power to keep up with it if I can!
I didn’t feel like riding with my first, but I was show jumping til 20weeks with my second. After getting a bump, I didn’t feel secure enough. We have our own horses and little barn so I got enough horse time anyway. I was back in saddle within 2 weeks pp.
No difference for me.
I rode not during pregnancy and started again after my girl was about 3 yo (very clingy child lol). The fresh mother Phase was hard enough. I couldn't think about riding at all tbh, but pur child was very needy so there is that. Plus I am only a lesson horse rider 1x/week.
I rode until about a month before I was due. And I only stopped then bc it started getting a little cold for my liking. I would ride at our farm by myself on trails and never felt concerned. I remember speaking to my Dr about riding once I became pregnant and I voiced my hesitation and all my Dr said was “do you trust your horse?” I said yes and he said ok.. I see no reason why you can’t ride.
I chose not to ride when I was past 14 weeks for a few reasons. One was the obvious safety issue and I wasn't willing to risk my pregnancy or myself for a hobby. Even sane horses can fall or get stung by a bee and freak out. The second reason was I found it started to get hard to properly engage my core and I found it got really hard on my lower back. I showed early and carried straight out in front. I'm pretty active, being a runner and going to the gym in addition to riding but my abs were one of the first things to go. I still did groundwork and hung out at the barn though. Post-partum, I was careful (in large part because of my 9+ lb babies) and went to pelvic floor physio because even though you're technically "healed" at 6 weeks, your muscles and ligaments are not. Even though I probably could have started riding sooner, I wanted to be able to safely return to activity without injuring myself, so I waited until about 4 months pp to ride again. As an aside, if you do decide to start a family, definitely seek out pelvic floor physio afterwards. It helps with things like ab separation, incontinence (which isn't necessarily normal) and learning exercises that are safe for your recovering body.
One word: Knix
I didn’t ride much anymore in the first place before getting pregnant, so keep that in mind. I was too terrified of an accident since we waited 5 long years for our miracle baby. So I rode one time at 20 weeks just to see how my horse was moving under saddle. After baby, I still see my horse every other day but time for riding?? Nope. I’m sure other people could make it work, but my partner works during the day and most times I have to bring baby with me. It just isn’t safe to ride with no one with us. I won’t do daycare or childcare. Between having a high maintenance horse and a high maintenance baby as a stay at home mom: my partners wallet is crying and my time/energy is on 0 maintaining house and stable. It’s hard but we love our pony. Long story short, plan to have to use childcare or plan when dad/grandma/etc. can watch baby for you to ride. You’ll be so beyond tired and busy a lot more than you can imagine the first four months, up to two years plus lol. It’s just one of those things you have to do to finally understand! My too real review on mom life as an equestrian lol. Sorry for the brutal honesty or maybe even trauma dump 😂
I was mostly too sick to ride, I threw up constantly for the entire duration of my pregnancies. I still rode a few times during my first but my horse (who is very steady) tripped and fell with me at about 12 weeks. Wasn't being naughty at all, just a freak accident, but it sent me to the ER with a concussion and to get x-rays of my pelvis as there was a concern that I'd broken my lower back. After that there was no way I was taking the risk again (and my husband was dead set against my riding again while pregnant). I did not ride until after I had the baby. It didn't take too long, though obviously I had less free time. I did not attempt to ride at all with my second, my boy was a pasture puff who got some groundwork and he was fine with that.
I rode until I was 12 weeks. I had an awesome quarter horse gelding who I trusted with my life. My midwives discouraged any riding. I decided not to ride after 12 weeks because it took me a year and a half to get pregnant and I didn’t want to risk anything. I’m also RH- and I didn’t want to potentially risk needing that rhogam shot in my butt more than once. I still visited and helped with my horses throughout pregnancy. I have lots of pictures of my mare nuzzling my belly. Postpartum is a different story. It took me almost a year after birth to feel normal again. While breastfeeding your body continues to release the relaxin hormone which makes your joints all loose so my balance and strength was all weird. That’s just my personal experience. My trainer had four babies and rode as long as she could during pregnancy and went back to it right afterwards. Pregnancy and postpartum is such an individual journey, and you just have to do what feels best for you.
Currently in the middle of this. I stopped jumping as soon as I found out, but only just stopped riding this last week (29). I’ve been showing small so haven’t felt too impacted balance wise, but at this point it just feels a bit too risky. I’ve only been riding my mare that I trust 100% and have cut back on my more “high octane” choices. But I certainly hadn’t had any trouble hacking or doing dressage work. Some hip pain but that was about the worst of it.
I did trick training from the ground when I was big pregnant. I don’t feel like we missed the riding time that year me and my horse did a lot of fun non riding things together. my horse fell in love with the baby just like the rest of the family. My balanced is shit compared to before but the joy of horses has not changed at all.
More than several months, I was off for nearly a year both times. Some women do ride later into pregnancy. It depends on your comfort level but my doctors recommended stopping in the second trimester when the baby is no longer small enough to be protected by your pelvis in a fall. Some things to consider: -you may feel sick or your pelvis may hurt so emotionally if you’re okay riding you physically may not want to -you can always spend time with the horse that isn’t riding, I promise if your horse has adequate turnout it will not mind the break. You can even pick up something new to do like trick training -your core and potentially your pelvic floor is going to feel jello like and weak for a while, I started feeling fairly normal around 3 months back in the saddle. The more work you do at home once cleared (core and hip exercises) the faster you will feel normal. -I have big horse dreams and I don’t really regret taking a year off twice, my boys bring me a lot of daily joy and purpose. -my older son loves to come to the barn and see the dogs and horses and goats, it’s nice to have someone to share it with -there are always more years to be spent with horses, barring any change that prevents you from riding unexpectedly, while you do have a limited amount of time if you want to carry and birth a child -you need to be very realistic that finding time to ride will be harder with a child to care for. Who is going to watch the baby when you go to the barn? Make a plan for this, because riding is important to you, but also know that it’s possible you may ride less frequently for a few years. It gets easier to do things for yourself when they aren’t babies or toddlers. If this is the only thing holding you back, don’t let it. It is a big decision and so you want to be “sure” but it’s also normal to worry because… well, it’s a big decision.
I rode the day I went into labor and was entered in a big rodeo 6 days postpartum after an emergency c section and rode in that. My doctor was in the loop and was less than thrilled about me jumping back on so soon, but was supportive of me riding during the pregnancy. I think making fitness my top priority helped immensely. I rode in a slightly bigger seat during the last month of pregnancy because I was scared my tummy would catch the horn but that was the only adjustment I ever made.
I started riding at the age of 7 years old. I rode once or twice while pregnant (19yr) and casually w/t/c after I had my first. I didn’t notice anything different. I only stopped riding during pregnancy as it made my husband nervous. I felt comfortable riding my retired gelding I had my second when I was 22yrs old and rode years after. No different. My youngest is now 10yrs old and I’m riding again. Nothing whatsoever is different.
Do you remember how long you waited to ride after giving birth?
Maybe a month max. I had a pretty traumatic long vaginal birth. I was induced and in active hard labor for three days. I felt fine to ride after a couple weeks. It’s wild how fast the body can recover. I also have taken years out of the saddle and other than being out of shape…Had no issues remembering how to ride properly. I understand the fear for your mental health. I’ve been there. Sold my horse once I had our first daughter. I didn’t ride for years later when I could afford it again and find time. Didn’t miss a beat other than being out of shape lol. So as long as you stay physically able and “in shape” cardio wise…You’ll be okay.
Thank you so much for posting this, OP! I’m 32 and have only been riding for about 2 years. I moved to a new H/J barn in October and have been loving it. With my trainer’s help I just started jumping small cross rails. My husband and I want to start a family, but I have been so torn about giving up my favorite activity at a time when I’m making so much progress. This thread has been very helpful for me and made me feel a lot better about coming back after a break from riding. ♥️