We have had this discussion before, in fact, more
than a few times....
I rode pregnant until the day before I
delivered. I did a ride at 7 months along, and one three weeks after
delivery-handing the horse to the babysitter and nursing the baby during the
check. I rode a dressage clinic at about 8 months along. There were
people who thought I was crazy, or stupid and others who saw that I was an
ultra fit 23 year old who had been riding since I could hold my own head
up. Would I do it again? Only if I felt as good, as balanced and as
confident as I did then. My family physician ok'd it - he just did an
iron man tri at age 61, so he understands athletes- but did tell me if I do fall
off, the danger is not in 'losing the baby' but in breaking a major bone or
structure that would seriously complicate carrying and delivering the
baby. Since I had ridden all my life and never had that happen (knocking
on wood) and still have not, I took the odds to be in my favor.
BTW, I did not allow my son to ride as early as I
was riding, or in some instances that I felt were not safe, as I did as a
kid. I never just plopped him on behind me, and he has always worn a
helmet, something we never did as kids.
He is 22 now, a college graduate and never so much
as had an earache as a kid, still likes us, and is kind to old folks, kids and
animals, so I guess we 'done good.'
