How long till you were back riding post c-section?

[octanegirl]

I'm booked to have a c section on Tues unless baby decides to come before. Am very overdue!

Wondering how long till I can get back on a horse... And jump etc...

Stories please!

[Booboostoo]

Oooh, how exciting! I bet you can't wait! I had a week to go for my c-section when DD obliged and came early!

I rode 7 weeks post a no complications ELCS. The first time I got on a very reliable horse and pottered about in walk with a bit of trot, then waited 48 hours to see if I had done any damage and took it from there. I did find I was very unfit, I had lost a lot of core strength (but I think that was more from my abdominals spliting in the middle due to the pregnancy and nothing to do with the c-section), and I did feel a bit unstable. It took me 6 months to get to the point where I could do work without stirrups, have a 45 minute lesson, etc. and 20 months later I still don't think I am back to where I was (but I used to ride two a day, 5-6 days a week and now I ride one a day 3 days a week).

[octanegirl]

I am excited - but now a bit worried as I produce horses for a living and have quite a few TBs to get on with ASAP - all can be sharp so me taking months and months to get back to normal will be very expensive..eeeekkkk

[Booboostoo]

Sorry I didn't mean to stress you. Everyone is different and you may find it a lot easier than me! Just listen to your body and take it slow at first and I am sure it will be fine.

Personally I found the first few weeks all I wanted to do was be with the baby so the horses naturally took a back seat and it wasn't stressful. If it's your job though I can see that you would feel more pressure to get on with things.

[horseylady]

Octane - sometimes c section better than being torn/stitched/infected! I was lucky to get back on after three weeks with third degree episiotomy. I only walked. My friend was nearly 6 months with a similar delivery.

Just listen to your body and the worst thing you can do is rush. Sometimes that extra week is better than doing something too fast.

Good luck!!

[Booboostoo]

Oh yes that is a good point. My friend who also makes her living from horses had to have 5.5 months off after a tear and she's a really tough and committed horserider - if she couldn't do it, then no one could have ridden in her condition!

[Hermionewastherealhero]

I was back on after 6 weeks. To be honest I hven't rode as much as I thought I would (baby 17 weeks) due to weather and dark nights, but it has been great to be back in the saddle. I did my first long hack last Saturday and felt a little saddle sore when I got on on Sunday for the first time in my life!
Hope all goes well. Roll on spring for long hacks and shows starting again!

[cowboylover]

Everyone is different, I think I took about 3 months to be comfortable but my instructor rode BE90 on a very reliable horse after 7 weeks. Very sore after but was determined to do it!

[DolomitesDonkey]

6 weeks after 2 sections. Sitting trot sore and banged my scar on the knee rolls dismounting which made my eyes water.

[Grunzlewheek]

Back on after 6 week check after C section ! didn't cause many problems as it is lower abdomen that is cut, 3rd degree tear was much worse !

[octanegirl]

Ok..6 weeks is what I was thinking. My GP neighbour was on after four which is quite hard core!

[sammyd1969]

I produce ponies for a living so had to get back on asap. First time waited six weeks and was fine back to riding quite a few ponies a day. Second time rode at a show five weeks later after just a quick practice the day before. Was in the saddle for a good few hours and ached a fair amount for a few hours after but then was fine after that. First time I was riding until two weeks before birth, second time I stopped riding at six months as baby was breach and it was uncomfortable, so a lot less fit getting back into the saddle second time round. Good luck!