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Course you can Hun, you will just have to juggle things a little! I have a 15.2hh cob and a husband AND three children, not to mention a dog Oh and a job!

It may be tricky when you get to the end of your pregnancy, but I am sure you can get a willing helper!

Kids and animals go togetherwell, so I havent had and can't foresee any real problems!

Good luck

First of all, a woman CAN ride safely during the early months of a pregnancy, unless there is an obvious medical reason why she shouldn't- e.g., bleeding, cramps, excessive nausea or faintness. Some of the top women riders in the world have been competitive almost right up until delivery ( show jumper Katie Prudent is one of these- she rode at the Grand Prix level in the sport until she was 7 months pregnant with her son Adam, who is now in college) and there is no reason I can see that would necessitate you having to sell your horses, unless money is going to be a problem after the baby is born. ( There are numerous other famous women I am aware of who have ridden throughout their pregnancies- dressage rider Anky van Gruvensen, show jumper Leslie Burr Howard, and even a couple of event riders have also done this as well, with no problems or complications at delivery or afterwards. )

The idea that being pregnant increases the risk of falling is a MYTH. The reality is that the risk of a fall is NO greater during pregnancy than it is at any other time. This false, scary myth was invented by and has been perpetuated by the male members of the medical establishment as a way of keeping women in their place- and it actually doesn't take into account that if you are riding a horse you know well, and you are not doing things like riding 30 mile marathons, then you are in no more danger than you would be at other times. You sound as thought you have an incredible partnership with your horses, and as though you love them, and I seriously doubt that you will get hurt riding them when you're pregnant, as long as you use good judgement and common sense. Pregnancy DOES affect your balance, however, and you will probably want to stop riding once you are past a certain point- but that should be up to you, NOT a random decision made for you by your doctor or anyone else because they believe that old myth I just mentioned. Keep your horses! You may have to juggle your responsibilities a bit more when the baby comes, but this shouldn't keep you from enjoying the animals that you love. ( And there is an added bonus for you to think about- once the baby is born, riding is a wonderful way to get rid of any excess pregnancy weight gains- not to mention that it is a stress reliever that will help prevent post partum depression. ) Hope this helps !!!

Of course it's possible! Women all over the world continue to work with horses and have a family at the same time. How much you are involved with riding or training is your personal choice, and you should also discuss it with your physician. Some women ride right up to their delivery and are back on a horse soon after. Some women choose to stop riding until after the baby is born. It's all up to you and your body. Of course there is a risk when working around horses with a pregnancy, but there's a risk when working around horses at any time, and you could be hit by a car while out walking or get in a car accident too, but pregnant women still walk and drive in most cases. :-)

If you use precautions to keep your children safe around horses, there is no better way to raise kids, in my opinion. Your children will learn from the start about responsibility, about putting the needs of others before their own, about safety, and you'll have a wonderful family hobby to get them outdoors and active and to do together as a family.

Depending on your pregnancy and situation, you may need to spend a little less time with your horses than you normally would, but you should still be able to do both. Horses are a great way for you to get some 'me time' as well away from your child and concentrate on something else that you enjoy for a few hours. If your partner is willing to help out, and you have the budget for both, give it a try. With a little practice at time management, you should be fine. When my husband and I start a family, I will not be selling my horses. My horses (and dogs) are too much a part of my lifestyle to consider parting with. I would be miserable without them.

Best of luck with your pregnancy and future family.

Why not if you have family to help - Shetlands are hardy little things and if they've got grass and company they are happy and not too much work - Do you ride the Arab - is there any one tat ou know that would like to ride her for you? I will be doing the same in a years time and i have an irish sports horse and a TB mere both need alot or time with riding and the mare gets colic so has to come in and out when required - so why not - good luck!!!

Definately possible, its your decision. Just because you are pregnant doesnt mean you have to stop enjoying what you have always enjoyed. I have had horses all my life and I have not and never will stop having horses in my life. My first pregnancy I rode up until I was around 8mths pregnant. The 2nd I rode a little, but not as much and the 3rd, again a little but not that much. But its not like you are going to catch anything from them. You just have to be more wary, especially if they have habit of kicking out at the other horses etc, during feed time or playing around. I guess it depends on how fir you are also for riding. But nothing really needs to change. Besides they'll keep you fit and healthy during pregnancy. Oh and Congratulations and hope is all going well for you. Good Luck also.

I think its GREAT to start a family and keep you horses. You may want to get someone who can take care of the horses while your at the end of you pregnancy and beginning mother(of children, your already a mother of horses), but you might also want a relative or someone who could watch the new baby for an hour while you go to see/exercise your horses! It will get easier with the second kid, b/c you will know what to expect! Don't push you kids into riding, though! Good Luck!

Its totally up to you. If you can afford both then why not, although I must say I do find it a bit worrying when a person has to ask such a question. I hope you are not comparing your horses to a baby. Just remember, a baby will take up the majority of your time and for a while there may not be time to look after your horses, although if you have someone else to help with the horses then thats fine. Please just dont spend more time on the horses than on the baby as that is very unfair!

Why would you get rid of them? You're only pregnant for a short time and any exercise that you did before pregnancy is usually acceptable during. I ran two miles daily throughout my pregnancy and delivered a healthy 8 1/2 lb child. In fact, things went so well because I stayed in shape that I wore my regular jeans home from the hospital. If you get to a point where you can't work with them it will only be for a brief time and your supportive family can help you out. Afterwards, you'll need to do something for yourself and that would be working with your other babies. Enjoy!

The 2 Shetlands will be fine living out. Your Arab will need rugging in bad weather, and constant checking. In the winter she may need feeding separately from the others so she gets enough. You should have adequate shelter and wind protection in the field. Her legs should be inspected daily to see that she is not getting cracked heels or mud rash. She will be quite happy not being ridden for a while.

There should be no reason for parting with your horses - but you will need to do some planning.

I would never dream of selling my horses just because I wanted to have a child. What a wonderful adventure for u both as the child gets older. Such a family activity to be able to share ur horses with the child. Is your partner not willing to help?