Getting Back in the Saddle: Riding After Babies
Ever heard someone say you’d have to give up riding once the baby comes? Ha! It’s time to prove them wrong. So, you’ve just had a baby, and you’re chomping at the bit to get back in the saddle. First things first, make sure your doctor gives you the thumbs up before you dive back into riding. Sure, it’s going to take some creativity and adjustment, but you can absolutely juggle motherhood and riding. It’s a bit like cooking dinner while holding a baby—tricky, but completely manageable!
Confidence: What’s That Again?
After my first son was born, I found my confidence had taken a serious hit. I used to leap onto any horse, but now if there is even the slightest bit of wind, I think, “Hmm, not today.”. If you to experience this newfound sense of self-preservation when you get back into riding, don’t stress; it isn’t just normal; it’s essential. After all, there’s a tiny human relying on you now. Make sure to ease back into riding on a horse you know well and trust.
Safety First, Always
Safety is paramount, especially if you’re riding alone. Make sure someone knows you’re riding and have them check in on you. Use something like an Apple Watch that alerts someone if you fall or something such as this Tocsen Crash Sensor, they are lifesavers. Literally.
Juggling Act: Motherhood and Riding
Here are some ways I managed to sneak in some precious riding time:
- The Pram Strategy: I’d rock my baby to sleep in his pram and then jump straight on and quickly ride whilst he snoozed.
- The Car Nap Hack: Sometimes, I’d let my baby sleep in a running car parked at or on the arena. Every time I rode passed, I’d peek to make sure all was well.
- The Playpen Plan: Once he got old enough, I put him into a playpen outside the arena with some toys, or let him sit in the pram and watch me ride around.
These hacks worked like a charm, and I even managed to get back into competing. But then came baby number two…
When One Baby Becomes Two: Chaos Ensues
With two kids and a business to run, finding time to ride has become even more difficult… Enter the baby monitor. I can pop my youngest son down for a nap and have his monitor sound running through my phone. Then, I take my three-year-old with me to the barn—he’s happy to play diggers in “mummy’s very big sandpit.” whilst I ride. The real game-changer, though? Installing lights in my arena. Now, I can ride once both boys are tucked in for the night!
Adapting to Your Circumstances
Everyone’s situation is different in regards to where they keep their horses and what facilities they have available to them, but with a bit of creativity, these strategies can be adapted to your situation. The goal is to make riding fun and get some much-needed ‘me time.’ It’s amazing for your mental health. Some days, I only manage a 15-minute ride, but those moments are golden.
So here’s to all the amazing mums out there balancing babies and horses. Make the most of every opportunity to ride. Happy riding! Love, Maddy ♥
Pictured: Maddy (3 months pregnant with Ollie), her mare Mia, her Mum Chris & her son Hudson.