5 Things you can do while you are on your break from riding
I remember the day my doctor said no more horses. I had already been abstaining from riding itself for a few months, but this was still a surprise since I was weeks away from my due date. I spent those weeks bored on the couch, in this purgatory between horses and baby where neither were available.
If you’re like me, your worst nightmare is any time spent away from your horse. Of course, pregnancy is a very short time in the grand scheme, but for many of us equestrians it is the longest stretch we’ll spend on the ground. However, there are still a lot of things you can do around the barn while you are not riding, as long as your doctor clears you for light activity.
Ground work
If you still feel somewhat balanced and able to do some light activity, ground work can be a lot of fun for both you and your horse. Groundwork isn’t limited to lunging. You can spend months practicing liberty work, trick training, obstacles, ground driving, and so much more. Get creative and have some lighthearted fun with your horse.
Spa days
I can spend hours grooming my horse, braiding her mane and tail, and polishing her hooves. You can also give your horse a nice massage, a bubble bath, body clip, or deep clean your tack and tack room.
Sit and read
If you have a nice chair at the barn, you can just sit near your horse and read. This might be your last chance to read for a while! And your horse will enjoy the company, even if you’re out of physical reach.
Long walks
Again, pending your doctor’s approval, you can take your horse on long, slow walks around the ranch to graze (make sure you can recognize poisonous plants!) and see the sights. Walking is good for helping baby get head down and low in the pelvis, and building up your stamina for labor. Plus it’s a great opportunity to get your horsey time in.
Spend time with barn friends
If all else fails, meeting up with barn friends, either at the barn or a restaurant, can be a great way to “scratch the horse itch” even if you’re on restricted mobility. You can talk about horses for hours all while keeping your feet up and drinking your NORA tea.
If you are in the stir crazy, bored out of your mind, angsty phase of your pregnancy, hang in there. I know this is not the best place to be, but trust me when I say you’ll miss the opportunity to sit on the couch and watch an entire movie, or just soak up the smells and sounds of the barn without a time constraint. As hard as this moment feels, this too shall pass, and soon you’ll be all consumed with an entirely new human’s needs and desires. This is your chance to pamper yourself, take yourself to the movies, sit on the beach, or just enjoy the silence. Be well, mama.