|
Post by carrie17491 on Feb 11, 2015 16:43:05 GMT
I've recently discovered myself and boyfriend at expecting a little bundle of joy. However I have two ponies and have gone into panic mode!
My jumping pony is going on loan, inevitably. I don't want her going to waste in a field whilst I'm not able to ride. However I have a section A I'm in two minds what to do. How do you all cope with pregnancy/babies/young children and horses? You must all be super Hero's because the thought of it makes me want to nap. They're hard work at the best of times but juggling a full time job, pregnancy and soon to be a baby I'm just not sure how I'm going to do it. OH has said he will help but he's totally none horsey so I'm not sure whether to sell up and wait until baby is old enough to ride and start again, leave him living out (he's a 4 year old welsh A) or send him to a producer as he's pretty much had nothing done with him for 6 months.
I also have to think of the financial side to it, how does it work out for you all? It's literally been on my mind since I found out and I just cannot make a decision.
|
|
|
Post by Louise Dixon on Feb 11, 2015 16:54:51 GMT
Congratulations! I have found that it is amazing the things you thought your pony 'needed' which turn out to be completely non essential. If you can afford the keep,I would just leave your section A living out if you think he will be happy, then at least you can see/pat etc.him.
|
|
|
Post by carrie17491 on Feb 11, 2015 17:30:18 GMT
I can afford to keep him stabled or out but I feel if he's just in a field surely he'd be better off going somewhere that he will have something done with him?
It's a hard one because I'm trying to think what is best for him. Ideally I'd like him to go somewhere maybe on full livery but again aren't I better off selling him?
Plus I'm worried about time when the baby arrives, I'd love to know how people do it!
And thank you!!! X
|
|
|
Post by Louise Dixon on Feb 11, 2015 17:57:02 GMT
Mine are just out (I have two sons, 4 and 2, and am 31 weeks pregnant) and they are more than happy doing nothing. I did loan out, and subsequently sell one who was clearly bored, but in general I think our concepts of what it best and theirs are quite different. Living out, they don't really take up any time I can't manage, but you do have to plan more carefully for things like farrier visits and so on.
|
|
|
Post by carrie17491 on Feb 11, 2015 18:00:15 GMT
Okay that's put my mind at ease a little, so you show yours at all? I was thinking of sending him to a producer to get him out doing something but it's very pricey! However the best for him is all I want.
He's on ad lib haylage in the field I'm sure he isn't one bit bothered about living out at all.
|
|
|
Post by inkjet on Feb 11, 2015 18:20:27 GMT
I'm almost 38 weeks pregnant with my first. I'd made all these plans. Initially I put her on part loan but was being let down persistently and didn't need the stress of it. I continued to ride until October however I have had lots of issues with my back, pelvis and pubic bone so stopped riding for that reason.
I stopped showing in July due to morning sickness greatly affecting me. Not good wanting to puke in the ring. Though I did compete in dressage until October. I have continued to do her myself keeping her exercised by lunging and the odd session with a borrowed jockey.
Again I made plans and she was due to go away at the end of January to be produced however at the beginning of January she had to have surgery for colic so she is still with us. So all plans of having lots of time with the baby and only having to go to ride and meet at shows have gone out of the windows. We are 4 weeks into 6 weeks grazing in hand. Then she will have 8 weeks limited grazing so turning her away isn't an option either.
My new plan is to cracking on. I had aimed to be back on board and showing by may and then be ready for royal international. Her recovery still fits in with this except rather than just me needing to be fit so will she.
I am lucky that we have assisted livery so she is fed for me later in the evening and first thing and I tend to do a lunch time and early evening feed with a muck out and a skip out. Up until this week I have been working too some days going before work and some days in my lunch. I can do pretty much everything myself but I am getting slower.
When the baby comes - ill cross that bridge when I get to it!
|
|
|
Post by Philippa on Feb 11, 2015 19:51:00 GMT
I let my ridden boy go out on loan but the section A pony stayed. I have had her on DIY from the start and to be honest it all just fitted in. We are female - we cope!!!!!
I wouldn't want to do it again though lol
|
|
|
Post by carrie17491 on Feb 11, 2015 20:05:50 GMT
You ladies are amazing honestly! I've had mine wintered out as I've just had the get up and go since falling pregnant. I know people manage I just wondered how, I'm more torn because I wonder should I just sell him if I don't have the time or should I get a producer to have him for the period of my pregnancy (show season pretty much) and then see what the situation is when the baby gets here. I'm also hoping we have a little girl so I have a lead rein jockey
|
|
|
Post by Philippa on Feb 11, 2015 20:17:48 GMT
I found out what I was having as soon as I could. Omg I'd have been devastated if id had a boy. I couldn't wait for her to turn 3 last March so we could start LR. She's in my profile pic. Out & out mini me lol. Shes a natural on the ponies. Sits beautifully. I'm so lucky, she loves them to pieces.
|
|
|
Post by Louise Dixon on Feb 11, 2015 20:48:12 GMT
Both my boys ride and love it, although I am not sure if showing will be for them.
|
|
|
Post by Philippa on Feb 11, 2015 21:45:20 GMT
Both my boys ride and love it, although I am not sure if showing will be for them. I'd planned the beautiful ponies, plaits & ribbons as soon as I found out I was expecting. Couldn't really do that with a boy lol. You're lucky your boys love riding. So many aren't interested.
|
|
|
Post by carrie17491 on Feb 12, 2015 10:07:36 GMT
I don't find out for another 6 weeks it's killing me!
I'm thinking about leaving him out for a few more months it's not going to do him any harm with him only being 4 then when I'm on maternity he can come in x
|
|
|
Post by kateanne0 on Feb 12, 2015 11:09:46 GMT
I don't find out for another 6 weeks it's killing me! I'm thinking about leaving him out for a few more months it's not going to do him any harm with him only being 4 then when I'm on maternity he can come in x Do try to stop worrying not good for you, baby or pony! Your pony will be perfectly ok living out with the right care and attention. I'm a Grannie of 6 and had 4 children of my own and a full time job and had ponies! You will cope, believe me, it all falls into place you just get into a routine and work everything out as it happens. Have you got friends on your livery yard? Everyone tends to muck in when babies arrive. I'd much rather start the pony off myself than send it away unless you trust the person you are sending it to 110%. Let your other half help, its amazing what they can do when they have too! Good luck, enjoy the pregnancy and don't worry if it's a boy or a girl, as long as baby is healthy that's all that matters. Not all girls want to be 'horsey' and I had 2 that didn't ! All bar one of my 4 grandsons rode as youngsters, one is still riding at 17 and enjoys every minute of it and is looking forward to the start of the show season. He's at college, has plenty of time out to do all the things teenagers do, girl friends, parties, etc.,and still gets up to set off showing at ungodly hours in the summer! Best of luck
|
|
|
Post by MoodyMare on Feb 12, 2015 12:15:33 GMT
you will be absolutley fine carrie! my dad did my two for the last 3 wks of my pregnancy due to spd causing me to really struggle to do anything, i then started back doing the horses when william was around 2 wks old back on board by 3 wks. at first it was really easy as he just really ate and slept and even now at one years old i try to fit it in with his nap times. or he will sit in car with his toys or get out in his walker up at down the block or he will sit happily in his pram. i understand not everyones children and as well behaved and i am just lucky but i really havnt struggled... i even have 1 full livey now and am having more stables built to be able to take on more full liverys. as he gets older he will be able to go and play in the woods with the rest of kids and he will be able to help me... you will be just fine. its amazing how they just slot in like they have always been there!
|
|
|
Post by carrie17491 on Feb 12, 2015 17:09:20 GMT
Thanks girls, I'm a natural worrier haha
I'm not on a livery as mine are living out, ones going on loan so was just wondering what to do with the little dude. I'm just going to see how things go!
|
|
Pheobe
Junior Member
Posts: 104
|
Post by Pheobe on Feb 13, 2015 12:50:51 GMT
Congratulations I have a little boy who is now 2. i rode up till about a month before I had him and was back on board 2 weeks later. I have to say when i was pregnant I thought i would leave baby with anybody and still be off riding and competing all the time but when my little boy came i felt completely different and wanted to spend as much time with him as i could and still do 2 years on, so any plans you might make now you might feel differently about when your baby is here. i am lucky that my horses are at my parents place so they help out but i have always gone to the farm each day little boy used to be in a pram but now is walking around 'helping!!' i have had to change one of my horses as i totally lost my nerve and realized i had other priority's and needed a sensible horse. I would leave him out and then decided more once you baby is here and don't worry everything will be fine x
|
|
|
Post by Pepper on Feb 13, 2015 13:07:38 GMT
Lovely news - congratulations
First thing I would say is don't rush and think about all your options - you don't want to make a decision you could regret, you have LOADS of options. You have time on your side and believe me if you manage to swerve morning sickness, you'll be fine to keep doing bits and pieces (riding, lunging and long reining, grooming etc) for a long time. Plus spring is on its way so looking after the pony will should get easier as your pregnancy comes along. Maybe try and find a sharer? - again you've time and can spend it interviewing and potentially find a fab flexible part timer to help you?
I had twins (four this May) and I rode up till 6mths (I'm tall and carried well, I felt comfortable but you have to do what you have happy and comfortable with). I kept my two going and then when I couldn't ride paid my instructor the school the dressage horse twice /week and I lunged and long reined in between - with turn out he was kept ticking over. The pony was roughed off. Its amazing what we mums cope with - and having the pony will give you a chance to have some real 'me time'.
Baby brain kicked in at 8 weeks after having the twins though and I bought my perfect show horse - a 5yo heavyweight show hunter! - I worked with him over the winter and started showing early the following season. The twins just fitted in - in fact I think they slept as much outside as they did indoors! - and I think you settle in to a routine that suits you all.
Babies are really resilient - and imho, they less you fuss them I do think the easier they are. Wrap them up in a cosy pram and park them out of the wind while you muck out/groom/lunge and the fresh air does them wonders and really improves their sleep. I think I read on here about a lady who fixed a broom handle to her pram so she could ride and park the pram outside the arena and just lean over and rock it if needed!
Honestly don't worry, it all falls into place and if you struggle you always have options and I am sure, people to help
Where abouts are you??
|
|
|
Post by carrie17491 on Feb 13, 2015 19:31:44 GMT
Lovely news - congratulations
First thing I would say is don't rush and think about all your options - you don't want to make a decision you could regret, you have LOADS of options. You have time on your side and believe me if you manage to swerve morning sickness, you'll be fine to keep doing bits and pieces (riding, lunging and long reining, grooming etc) for a long time. Plus spring is on its way so looking after the pony will should get easier as your pregnancy comes along. Maybe try and find a sharer? - again you've time and can spend it interviewing and potentially find a fab flexible part timer to help you?
I had twins (four this May) and I rode up till 6mths (I'm tall and carried well, I felt comfortable but you have to do what you have happy and comfortable with). I kept my two going and then when I couldn't ride paid my instructor the school the dressage horse twice /week and I lunged and long reined in between - with turn out he was kept ticking over. The pony was roughed off. Its amazing what we mums cope with - and having the pony will give you a chance to have some real 'me time'.
Baby brain kicked in at 8 weeks after having the twins though and I bought my perfect show horse - a 5yo heavyweight show hunter! - I worked with him over the winter and started showing early the following season. The twins just fitted in - in fact I think they slept as much outside as they did indoors! - and I think you settle in to a routine that suits you all.
Babies are really resilient - and imho, they less you fuss them I do think the easier they are. Wrap them up in a cosy pram and park them out of the wind while you muck out/groom/lunge and the fresh air does them wonders and really improves their sleep. I think I read on here about a lady who fixed a broom handle to her pram so she could ride and park the pram outside the arena and just lean over and rock it if needed!
Honestly don't worry, it all falls into place and if you struggle you always have options and I am sure, people to help
Where abouts are you??
Wow that's really opened my eyes. My riding mare is going out on loan to do some competing as I've found a friend she is able to stay with for a while. My section A is living out currently but I'm thinking of when baby is here I will have an excuse to get out of the house and socialise I'm in the north (Manchester - well Leigh) and there are a few yards where I have in mind to put him when I've had the baby. It's a very scary thought!! But I am glad you mentioned about it being better for the baby, a lot of my friends manage with babies and ponies I just wondered how! I'm thinking do I need to get myself established on a yard now to be able to build up relationships with people for them to help me when baby arrives? I don't know why I'm thinking into it so much!! I don't have any to look after at the minute as they are out up at a friends field where they get regular checks and fed & honestly I'm missing it. He would be on full livery during the week due to my working hours but with summer coming up life gets easier pony wise!!
|
|
|
Post by gillwales on Feb 13, 2015 20:14:13 GMT
Playpens with a floor... for the baby not the pony.
The best bit of kit you can get with a baby, I know they are not fashionable but I found mine invauable, it was a clean safe area for baby to spend time in, safe from dogs and all other things that needed to be "baby-proofed" . Wehn mucking out I could put baby in playpen and get on with it, All I made sure of was I could see the playpen therefore little one was safe.
|
|
|
Post by carrie17491 on Feb 13, 2015 20:25:33 GMT
Playpens with a floor... for the baby not the pony. The best bit of kit you can get with a baby, I know they are not fashionable but I found mine invauable, it was a clean safe area for baby to spend time in, safe from dogs and all other things that needed to be "baby-proofed" . Wehn mucking out I could put baby in playpen and get on with it, All I made sure of was I could see the playpen therefore little one was safe. Omg yes of course!! Why didn't I think of that, I think to be honest if I'm practical I'll be able to manage. It's a real eye opener talking to mums who have coped!
|
|
|
Post by gillwales on Feb 13, 2015 20:54:04 GMT
you have to get one with a floor or a toddler will pick it up and walk around with it, also you need to put baby in it early on or they will not be happy in what they consider a prison!
|
|
|
Post by Pepper on Feb 13, 2015 21:08:10 GMT
My best friend swore by her playpen for both of hers.
|
|
|
Post by Bombay on Feb 13, 2015 21:15:55 GMT
Don't worry you will be fine.
My little one is now 9 months old and she has been on the yard with me since she was born. It does the babies good to get fresh air!! I rode until I was 8 months (competitively until 7)
The babies adapt and are happy to sit and watch and just take in their surrounding. Now mine is crawling about its harder as I can only keep her in the pram for so long but she now wanders around in her walker following the dogs about!!! They love the outdoors. You will find your own way. It will all fall into place.
Enjoy the whole experience. It's brilliant. Xx
|
|
|
Post by Louise Dixon on Feb 14, 2015 3:52:57 GMT
Agree re playpens, either of my boys were happy in a pram unless it was moving, and as soon as they could walk (at 8 b****y months) wouldn't go in it at all, but were happy in a playpen for a reasonable time with their toys.
And assomeone said above, once the baby arrives, you may find you feel differently about things. I used to be one of those people whose straw banks in their stable would have passed any spirit level test, as would the sides and top of my muck heap, now anything that is in is deeplittered and I get a lot of pleasure out of seeing my boys skip out extremely badly (Angus asked Santa for his own poo gloves for Christmas, at 2.30 on Christmas Eve, cue emergency trip to garden centre)and there are bits of straw everywhere and I really don't care that much.
Re the riding, you must do what is right for you and your partner. The first time, I rode until 41 weeks (William was 2 weeks late), it was the only time I did not feel ill. The second time, I stopped at 12 weeks, it just really did not feel like the right thing to be doing at all. This time I stopped at 11, but for different reasons, I was riding a fairly sharp just backed pony, so didn't seem sensible, although I have had wee rides on quiet ponies and am missing it this time whereas I didn't last time.
|
|
|
Post by clueless on Feb 15, 2015 11:19:04 GMT
I have just had my second... Rode until 7months mucked out the morning I was induced and was arena eventing 14 days later.... Babies are mobile and the fresh air does them good mine is now 3 months old and sleeping through the night. You can ride around prams ect...... I was lucky a friend kept my horse competing and ticking over however its all as easy as you make it!
|
|
|
Post by Louise Dixon on Feb 15, 2015 11:42:26 GMT
But, all babies are different, and whilst our horses and ponies are precious to us, a baby is a million times more so, so if you baby doesn't turn out to be content to sit in a pram and watch, or whatever, please, please don't feel there is anything wrong with either you or your baby. Yes, there are things you can do to make it easier, but babies are tiny humans with their own individual personalities, just like horses do.
|
|
|
Post by hedgehopper on Feb 15, 2015 22:12:39 GMT
My mum rode in point to points until she was 7 months, bottle fed me so I didn't interfere with her hunting and I grew up fairly normal, honest!! Congratulations, do what feels right for you x
|
|
|
Post by carrie17491 on Feb 15, 2015 23:53:10 GMT
I've already stopped riding simply because she's gone on full loan for 3 years. I've decided to being my little lad off the field, he's going on full livery during the week and then be mine at weekends. It'll do me good to get me out of the house and the exercise will do me good too.
As for when bambino arrives, I'll cross that bridge when I come to it haha xx
|
|