Untacked

COVER STORY "I know it was controversial, and I knew I'd get criticism for showing at the Hampton Classic," said Georgina Bloomberg of competing in her second trimester of pregnancy. "But that wasn't going to stop me from showing. I was going to listen to my body and be careful and smart about it and continue with as much as I felt comfortable doing." So, was this pregnancy a surprise? I've always wanted to be a mother. [Ramiro and I have] been together on and off for a while and good friends forever. [They met when she was 15.] This is 34 W INTER 2013 U N TAC K E D something we had both talked about and wanted. It wasn't something we absolutely planned, but it is something we wanted and were prepared for. Do you and Ramiro have plans to marry? For some reason, it's something that I've never wanted. I respect other peoples' decision to marry; for some people it is the right decision. But I know it's never been for me. It's a little bit old-fashioned and traditional for me—I never dreamed of walking down the aisle in a white dress. I'm not saying we never will get married, but it won't be the traditional wedding and marriage. And it's not something I feel the need to do right now. Down the road, if it is something that's very important to Ramiro, I would consider it. But it's not something I need to feel our relationship is validated or strong enough. Did you consider the impact of having a child on your career? With our sport being a year-round sport, taking the time is hard. I also understand that there are a lot of people who aren't in my [financial] position, who have to make a living to keep going. They aren't their own bosses and can't take time off. They might lose a job if they're not able to ride. I understand it's different for everyone. I've always said that I am very willing to make a lot of sacrifices for my sport and to give it my all, but having kids was always going to be a priority for me. For me, it's 100 percent worth it. I'm excited to have a child to watch grow and teach SHAWN MCMILLEN PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOS baby boy who's due around Christmas. But Georgina always says that she "likes to be different," and she lives that credo. Five rescue dogs scamper around her kitchen. With a pig. She volunteers her time and money generously. And she's planning a non-traditional family with her boyfriend, fellow grand prix rider Ramiro Quintana. Untacked caught up with Georgina in her final month of pregnancy to talk about parenting, pigs and other people's expectations.

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