Horse Backriding

No. I mean, all that bouncing up and down, and then what if you fell off? I would wait til after you have the baby.

It depends on the pregnant person. If you are high risk, then no, probably not. If you are a normal healthy active person who rides horses alot and have a somewhat gentle horse, or at least one you are used to, then yeah, it's OK. The danger is getting hurt falling, just riding won't hurt the baby. He/She is very well padded. :-) If you are experienced, you know your limits, you know the horse and just use common sense and don't push it.

I continued to go to ice hockey practice until 5-6 months pregnant. When I got too big for the gear, I showed up and coached the newer skaters on basic skating drills. I was on ice skates several times a week until a couple weeks before delivery. Didn't fall once. I knew my limits and didn't push them at all. I wouldn't recommend that to most people, but I've been playing ice hockey 3-4 times a week for the past 20 years. (and yes, my doc said it was OK). So, again, it all depends on the pregnant person. You can't just say a blanket statement of 'no it's not ok' or 'yes it is'.

Due to lawsuits and stuff, society tries to put pregnant women in bubbles. Remember that less than 100 years ago it was fairly common for pregnant women to be active, ride horses, do strenuous housework, etc right up until the end. And most were fine.

Remember that the most risky thing a pregnant women does to hurt her unborn child is to drive/ride in a car. But most people I know who say pregnant women should stop living their life for 9 months "for safety" still say it's OK for them to get in a car. Hypocrites!

My OB said it was fine to continue riding.
My riding instructor said no way. Too much liability.
So, I did the safe thing and stopped. What if I fell off my horse? What if something spooked the horse? It just wasn't worth it.

yup, totally safe unless you are high-risk because of previous pregnancy problems :)

Most of my friends rode until their bellies were too big for them to get up comfortably / without help. I was high risk & allowed 0 flippin' activity :( :( :( ... so I didn't. I know docs on both sides of the fence: that it's lower impact than aerobics, and conditions legs, pelvis, & lower back in the most beneficial way possible... and others who are worried about a fall.

I would say no, because it is better to be safe than sorry.

You will have plenty of time to ride after the baby is born.

Safety First.

= )

I rode our sports bike all the way to the end with my youngest. I am an extremely high risk but sometimes I didnt have a choice to save money with gas and such. Best thing is to use your better judgement and keep both of your safety in mind. Everyone, including doctors, all have different opinions and reasons. If you do and at all start feeling sick or have strange pains quickly stop and talk to your doctor.

Good luck!

I have known plenty of people who have ridden while pregnant. My own mother kept riding until it took 6 guys to get her on the horse! (Poor Horse!) As long as you are riding a quiet animal with little risk of acting up or spooking, you should be fine. Accidents can always happen. But the riding itself should not cause any harm. (Assuming you are having a normal pregnancy without any complications)

I would think not.
I grew up riding... and well, I would be concerned about my safety if I were pregnant and riding. Even if you are a seasoned rider... well, the horse can get spooked, or who knows what. And when pregnant, a woman's balance changes too.
Do you do western riding or english?
Different saddle...

Maybe just ask your Ob/GYN... or research it online.
I know women who have done all kinds of things/hobbies/sports while pregnant... so maybe it is a personal comfort level too... or they did not have any pregnancy issues.

All the best,
Susan

I was told that if your body is used to riding then it should be ok. That is if you don't fall off.