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Barnmice Community -> Barnmice Forums -> Breeds and Breeding -> Riding during pregnancy?
Post Info TOPIC: Riding during pregnancy?
cr8tivejen


Foal

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Date: Jan 9, 2011
Riding during pregnancy?
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Hi there - 

Wondering what everyone recommends for riding throughout a mare's pregnancy and how close to due date do you go?

My girl is 12yo and this is her 5th baby, but I've only had her for the past 2 years.  Her previous owner said she rode her up until the last 30 days, but took it easy after the 7th month.  Due to lack of trailer and heavy work schedule, I've only ridden her about 7 or 8 times during this pregnancy and she's just hitting 8 months.

In the past she's always thrown healthy babies with no complications.

I know every situation is different for owner and mare, but what do you do?

Thanks in advance!  Looking forward to your replies! :)



-- Edited by cr8tivejen on Sunday 9th of January 2011 10:16:19 PM

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Jen Grant
justice


Grand Prix

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Date: Jan 9, 2011
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As long as she is comfortable and willing, I think a light ride would be GOOD for her.

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Barnmouser Ash


Grand Prix

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Date: Jan 9, 2011
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I've always heard that after the first 3-4mos you should really limit how much you ride your mare for the sake of her soundness. After this time the baby starts to add some weight that will only increase with time. However, I would suggest something like long reining (I'm not a big fan of lunging, though). It can keep her in shape and supple without the added weight/stress of a rider, and will probably strengthen your relationship with her, too! :) Cool question, thanks for posting this!

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Riding a horse is not a gentle hobby, to be picked up and laid down like a game of Solitaire. It is a grand passion. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

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cr8tivejen


Foal

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Posts: 4
Date: Jan 9, 2011
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Justice - I think you're right.  I took her out this afternoon and she was nearly giddy to be out and about.   We took it easy and just walked around.

Barnmouse Ash - Long reining is a good idea - I think today was the last day I'll actually get on her back, but still plan on taking her out just because she enjoys it so much.


Hope you both had a great Sunday ... thanks for your input!

-- Edited by cr8tivejen on Sunday 9th of January 2011 10:20:49 PM

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Jen Grant
Barnmouser Ash


Grand Prix

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Date: Jan 10, 2011
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Thanks Jen :) Hope you had a great weekend, too. Excited to hear how your girl comes along and excited to hear about the baby!

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Riding a horse is not a gentle hobby, to be picked up and laid down like a game of Solitaire. It is a grand passion. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Morning Feed: Adoptable Equines
justice


Grand Prix

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Posts: 532
Date: Jan 10, 2011
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Thanks, Jen..You, too! Walking carefully never hurt anybody, glad she had a happy day!

Quite possible this foal will have a few more "Aunties"...just cos I don't know nothin' doesn't mean I don't FEEL nothin' for the wee ones : )

Keep us posted!



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Dancing Bear


Yearling

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Date: Mar 12, 2011
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From my experience with pregnant mares, Justice is right on.

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Marlene


Advanced

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Date: Mar 17, 2011
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Light exercise is really important for a pregnant mare. If you don't have the time,or think your weight might be too much for her, you might find a light teen who understands she needs mild exercise. When I was a skinny teen I rode a pregnant mare for someone who didn't have the time to exercise her. We rode right through the winter almost till she foaled in spring. She did get a little tender about her belly, so I rode her bareback to avoid the girth, then she went quite happily.

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justice


Grand Prix

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Date: Mar 18, 2011
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Oh thank you, Dancing Bear! It is always fun and so cool to be thought of as "right" once in a while : )


Hand walking is underrated. What of a light/shallow massage?

-- Edited by justice on Friday 18th of March 2011 06:46:34 AM

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ElegantExpressionsFarm


Foal

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Date: Mar 23, 2011
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I rode my mare with her 2nd last foal 3 hours before she foaled...I rode her almost everyday before that as well! BUT by "ride" I mean either bareback or with a vaulting saddle on her and hacking along the trails and fields mostly walking with a bit of a trot in there if she wanted. I did ride her regularly until 7 months, then she got to uncomfortable to much. With her foal last year she was ridden 6 days a week until 6 months...then not much other then a walk around the yard...the only reason I didn't ride more was I had a 2 legged baby of my own. (I competed myself until I was 28 weeks) Here is a video of her at 6 months with a friend riding her... http://elegantexpressionsfarm.com/GoldenSunrise.html it is about half way down the page. The way I took riding them in foal was from a person approach, exercise in pregnancy is very good.

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