Pregnancy and RidingBefore start this, I will just say, I have never been pregnant. This information comes from me strictly as a coach, and what I was taught in regards of the biomechanics of a rider. Before engaging in ANY equine related sport/riding, and even if you have had children, ALWAYS consult your Ob/gyn before continuing riding, as each pregnancy is different. Also, if your doctor DOES ok your riding, remember, it is a personal choice between you and your husband. Sit down and decide what you wish to do, and know that there is no pressure for you to continue to ride. Ride only if you want to. I have had friends ride during their pregnancies, and stop altogether until after the baby was born. It is a personal choice, and one that should be made by you and your husband. Congradulations! You're having a baby! Now, the world will be changing for you and that includes riding. I hope this information will help mom's to be, as well as mom's that are, to understand what happens when you are pregnant and after you are pregnant, and why riding can change for you all. The first thing all riders need to remember, but especially a pregnant rider is wear a GOOD sports bra. What riders tend to forget, is that full busted women are going to be slightly compromised balance wise, and since mom's to be, your breasts will be getting larger, hence changing your balance of what you are used to. Added to the fact that your breasts, if unsupported, or incorrectly supported, will take its toll on your lower back. It's a must for you to be comfortable. Now, in the first trimester of your pregnancy, you can feel great or lousy. Remember that if you are sick, it is probably best, if you must to go to the barn, to go with a friend, and not drive. The fresh air will be good for you, and maybe just brush your horse. Remembering as well, light headedness and dizziness can accompany morning sickness, so try to drink as much water as possible, and if you are light headed, sit down and rest in between. Horses are fun, and you don't want to feel it as a chore. Also, for those really bad days, perhaps ask a friend to check in on your horse, so you don't have to worry if you can't see him, and if you have a part boarder,even better. Making arrangements for the horse to get daily exercise if you can't make it up is a good idea. This way, your horse won't be fresh. Now, some interesting situations during pregnancy can arise. Sensitive bellybuttons, water retention and having to pee. These are quite a few reasons why women don't ride when they are pregnant, and all good reasons! For sensitive bellybuttons, my friend wore loose fitting clothing. I had another friend who put a band aid over hers, and I figure it's going to be one of those trial and error situations. Of course, you can ask your doctor for any recommendations as well! Having to pee. Ugh. Perhaps riding with a friend will be your best bet, so they can hold your horse as you dash to the ladies. It will get easier, but don't ignore your urge. It is important to pee. The water retention is the bigger issue. This is the start of the transference of balance for you ladies. By the time you are aware you are pregnant, you will probably be at least, five pounds heavier. The difference between being pregnant, and being just heavier/gaining weight, is that the distribution of weight when you just gain weight, is localize all over the body. In the case of pregnancy, you are carying weight in front of your, and it is compromising your spine. Lets think of it like this. Look at a popsicle stick and imagine taping a hardboiled egg to it. Now, of course, that popsicle stick won't do what your spine does, which is curve to support the baby, but you can see how unbalanced that stick is. It's the same for you. Not only has your spine started to change, but your hips and pelvis and hip flexors will all be going through subtle transitions. Also, if you were small busted before, your breasts will enlarge, creating yet another balance change for you. So, step one. Lengthen your stirrups. This will help you continue to keep your center of balance. Obviously, don't ride if they are too long, but making sure you feel centered in the saddle is essential. Next, do NOT force your back to be straight. It physically won't be able to. Instead, just focus on keeping your shoulders back. I would venture to say, you will know your body well enough to know if you feel up to sitting trot or cantering or jumping. It's all up to you, but remember, if you are feeling a bit wobbly, better to take it safe until you are feeling 100%. Most women stop riding when they are showing. Why? Well, it's harder to get up and down! Something people who are not pregnant take for granted. Your tummy, once out, doesn't allow you to mount and dismounting especially is quite tricky. Again, some moms I know rode right into their ninth month, but that's a personal choice, and one you will need to decide as things progress. It's also tricky as some mothers carry high, and others carry low, and again, this will keep affecting your balance. So, the blessed event has come!! You have your baby at last. Yeah! Now, some moms take a few years off, a few weeks, and I knew one mom who took all of two days and was back in the show ring! OUCH! Again, you must speak with your doctor before returning to the saddle. There are obvious physical situations you must be careful of before riding. Once these are worked out, you can start your riding again! So, it's going to feel weird. Lets face it, your breasts are bigger, your hips have widened(believe it or not, that's a GOOD thing!), and your back has been compromised. Back pain is very common, so remember, STRETCH. If you didn't before, start NOW. It's as simple as bending over, legs straight, and trying to touch your toes. Then, leaning against a wall, reach back and, bending your leg, do a hamstring stretch on both legs. Also, do stretches that will stretch your upper arms and lower back. Ahhh. Now, you're in the saddle. Most likely, you will alter your stirrups. They will start quite long. Don't worry. It's normal. Next, you'll notice your leg will feel wobbly. Trust me, it isn't. Just feels that way. The best thing, is to ride a simple pattern, such as a figure eight or serpentines. This is nice and basic and will help you find your balance and leg. Using pylons as focal points will help you keep your eyes up, shoulders back and back straight. Again, nursing moms will find this a bit tricky at first, but you will get the hang of it. I can't stress enough at how a very solid sports bra will make all the difference. Now, something that people don't tell you. Confidence. Suddenly, you're nervous. Why? Well, you have a baby! It's a huge change in your life. Now, you have this wonderful little person that relies solely on you. That in itself, is a huge responsibility. Suddenly, the concept of falling off your horse, which is never a fun though, has even bigger consequences. What if you are hurt? Who can get the baby? Who will do this? Who will do that? How will you do this? It's an endless cycle and it's NORMAL. What you have to do is accept this. It's part of any athletes cycle. Now, some moms are not as bothered as others. DONT compare yourself! I've known riders who came back after years and were terrified to just mount on a horse. They were then angry because they'd shown successfully and won all sorts of ribbons/awards. I calmly told them that it is normal. Having a child, or in general a family, changes your life and your outlook on life. That's not a bad thing. I explain to returning moms, that we will go slow and take our time. There isn't a rush. I often tell riders to make out goals for themselves. As simple as cantering or some wish to return to showing. It's something that helps a rider focus on what they want to get out overriding. This then helps them ride through their concerns and remember why they love to ride. It is freedom. Now, you're going to be losing weight. So, yep, your balance will change, AGAIN. Don't get frustrated! Your coach will keep you at the basics, and continue to work your position. Trot poles, two point and such are WONDERFUL ways to get yourself fit, re-balanced and riding a rhythm. Work on some basic dressage tests. They are geared to focus on transitions and accuracy, and that is exactly what you need to focus on at this point. The return to the saddle is a slow, progressive situation. As your baby grows, you will notice you will be growing too. Your riding will get stronger, as will your muscles, and hopefully, through those sleepless nights, you will get to this moment. You will come back from the barn, smiling ear to ear, and tell your baby all about your last lesson, or your hack, or your ride. Your little one, healthy and strong, will look back at you and smile. Another little rider in the making. LEC |
