At 08:06:34 on 16.12.11, Flicka wrote:
Mary King talks to the BBC about the controversy she caused when competing whilst pregnant. I also know another top rider who kept riding until she popped! Have you or would you ride when pregnant? And how did you cope after the birth juggling horses and a baby?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/hardtalk/9607082.stm

At 10:19:13 on 16.12.11, crazycowgirl99 wrote:
I knew someone that rode up until she was almost due. I saw her 2wks before she gave birth & she was tiny, looked like she was only just starting to show. It turned out that her core muscles were so strong from all the sitting trot she did that her stomach didnt stretch - her abs kept everything hidden! She actually gave birth to a very healthy, normal 7lb something baby :)

At 14:25:29 on 16.12.11, NMH wrote:
I did, right up to the end. On a horse I trusted a lot, but I did some things too that I'm not really proud of (eg jumped a hedge at 7-8 months when the path was blocked...) The media are too quick to judge tho'. If you've considered, as far as you are able,how you would feel if something bad happened, who are they to dictate. Dr's in general won't support it, I have to say, & I can see why, not backing risky choices is understandable... some people could say after a fall -'But the DR said it was ok...' ...the responsibility is yours alone. Afterwards... a different story! Everyone has to find their own way according to situation. All I would say, tho', is that each baby with its extreme needs is only small once & I think human babies' psychological development is designed to need as much of one single dedicated caregiver for the early days as possible. Every well balanced older human has a dedicated carer to thank for it! The horse will be there to turn to for much needed respite when the baby is old enough to enjoy a change of carer!

At 15:47:18 on 16.12.11, Dazzle wrote:
I rode when pregnant with both mine but I had really conflicting advice. First pregnany Obstetrician said keep riding although don't start to jump five bar gates if you have never done before. Ride as long as it is comfortable. Second pregnancy and different Obstetrician, nearly had attack when I told him I rode told me to stop. Didn't listen to him and kept riding again until I couldn't get on. First 3 months was tricky as had really bad morning sickness......

At 16:51:09 on 16.12.11, Angelalain wrote:
I lost 2 before I actually had my first, so I stopped riding as soon as I knew I was expecting again. No idea if losing the first 2 was anything to do with riding, but thought I'd better stop to keep husband/parents etc happy. With the second I knew I was pregnant but I was due to compete for the riding club,(dressage) so I didn't tell anyone, although my friend who I ride with had guessed cos I felt sick all the time. I finally admitted to it at 4 and a half months, and stopped riding again.

At 21:37:44 on 16.12.11, JessAndGrenville123 wrote:
It will be a miracle if i ever get pregnant so no i wouldn't ride but if i was 'normal' :P i would definately keep riding but only grenville, i trust him and hardly ever fall (touch wood), if i didn't know him or i knew a horse was unpredictable then no i wouldn't ride no matter what the circumstances

At 22:07:59 on 16.12.11, Em28 wrote:
I reckon it is completely down to the individual and circumstances. I rode both times up to 3 months. If I had been riding my own horse with no one else to exercise them I would possibly have gone longer as I felt fine just thought I would be sensible. Im sure with a horse to look after along with 2 small children you would definitely need support and it would be a juggling act! Not sure I could manage both, however I am lucky to be able my friends horse.

At 18:45:10 on 20.12.11, Maria100 wrote:
When I was planning my first baby I thought I would ride up to 3 / 4 months but as it turned out I was only fit for bed for first 3 months from morning sickness & was too weak for next few months after losing loads of weight from being so sick. it was the same with all 3 of my kids so I never really found out how long I would have persevered with my riding. I really think it is up to everyone to make up their own mind. I can't imagine riding with a really big belly though - it must be really uncomfortable...

At 18:17:58 on 21.12.11, daniellemcandrew wrote:
i rode when i was pregnant my midwives didnt like it but we talked it out and my body was used to it and i TRUSTED my horse i was back on a horse 3 days after giving birth

At 18:41:44 on 21.12.11, jaz1 wrote:
I rode when i was pregnant not with my first baby but with my second untill i was seven months or so. I was careful not to do anything daft and was riding my own horse which I new was safe. My midwife was quite happy with it as she said my body was used to it. I had a girl and since she could sit on a pony seems she could have been born on one!!