In hand show gear when (visibly, fairly heavily) pregnant?

[Esther.D]

We would like to show both Alfie and Pablo inhand this year if we can. However by the time the shows start I will be 7/8 months pregnant.....and at 5 months pregnant I already have a fairly substantial bump :o

My o/h will be showing Pablo and swopping to trot Alfie up for me while I hold Pablo. Both are very well behaved on the ground so no worries that way...but what on earth do I wear? :confused:

I have a show jacket which is a bit big but bump will be too big by that time to fasten it.

Basically whatever I wear I am going to look faintly ridiculous so does anyone have any suggestions of what would be the less ridiculous option? It is only very small local showing so doesn't have to be absolutely correct so long as smart. Alfie is a black cob with white blaze, splash and two white socks.

[**jet**]

when i was showing in hand and pregnant i just wore big man sized white shirt and maternity trousers although i did only do local showing then:)

[coyote]

can i just say BE CAREFULL!!!!!
I did as you are planning and at 33weeks got kicked whilst holding the childrens show pony in the middle of the show ring :eek:
it damaged the placenta,i went into premature labour and spent 3 weeks in hospital before finally giving birth ,to my youngest ,3 weeks early and she was very little compared to my other 3 children.:o
Im not trying to frighten you just please be carefull.:o

[Mehitabel]

i'd just do shirt and tie, if you can find a shirt to fit.

[Esther.D]

Thanks :)

Will be careful coyote, they are small classes here and I know all the horses personally..no guarantee I know but I will be careful!

[coyote]

oh good i was just saying,dont want to frighten you.:o
He was my pony i had had him for years for the children and one of my children was sat on top of him when he did it out of the blue.:eek:
To say i was shocked was an understatement,it wasnt suppose to end up like it did.:o
ANYWAY ;)
I had one of hubbys white shirts on a bright red tie and dark trousers,with my show jacket on but unbuttoned (i couldnt do it up anyway.:o)

[Daffy Dilly]

How about a cutaway? :D

I'd just go down the shirt/tie route, and perhaps a smart gilet if it's not that warm. :)

[Esther.D]

To be honest if one of our guys was to kick me I'd be in real bother pregnant or not, Alfie is a 15hh Shire X and Pablo is a 16.1hh Clydesdale X :eek: I will be being extra cautious though, thats why although I am still driving my ponies at home I am not doing driven showing this summer...just in case.

[Serendipity]

Any judge with a brain would realise why your jacket is un done, however if you took the jacket to a dress maker (unless you are clever with a sewing machine) could open the side seems and stitch in a pleat?

[Esther.D]

If I am anything like the size I got to with Beth they won't even need 1/2 a brain to work it out :D I am only just 5ft and petite and a 9lb 9 baby had to go somewhere :D

Thanks everyone! And coyote, I'm glad your daughter was fine after such a scary start to life!