Can You Ride A Horse When Pregnant?

I was horse riding with my friend today and we came across a lady who was out riding on her horse too.

It looked like she was pregnant which took me by surprise because I did not think you can ride a horse while pregnant.

When I got home, it prompted me to do some research into it and find out if it is possible.

So can you ride a horse when pregnant?

The answer to this question is yes, you can. However, doctors strongly advise against it. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends avoiding activities that entail a high risk of falling or abdominal trauma. For this reason, horse riding while pregnant should be avoided.

In this article we delve deeper into whether you can ride a horse while pregnant, the key concerns that come with it, if there is any window to ride a horse in early pregnancy – and much much more, so read on!

 

Why is it not a good idea to ride a horse while pregnant?

The main reason pregnant ladies are advised not to participate in horse riding, as mentioned, is because of the risks that come with it.

Falling off a horse could cause significant trauma and could risk the pregnancy.

And as we all know, this can happen to even the most experienced riders.

Your shape and center of gravity changes, and you can’t move in the way that you would normally be used to, and that compromises you as a rider, and your ability to adapt and move with the horse.

 

Can you ride a horse in early pregnancy?

Some doctors say that it is possible to continue horse riding for up to 12 weeks of pregnancy.

However, after 12 weeks, they advise no riding.

That is because by this time, the fetus has moved up above the pelvic girdle, a bony structure protects the baby during the first trimester, and now all that sits between the baby and any external force is skin and muscle.

If you are thrown off the horse at this point or get kicked, there is nothing to protect the baby from trauma.

The bottom line, however, is that it is a personal choice.

 

Do some women horse ride regardless of being pregnant?

Yes they do.

Many future mothers choose to continue riding well into their pregnancies, including some high profile names, like UK royalty Zara Philipps.

However, when pictures emerged of her horse riding while pregnant it caused quite a bit of controversy.

California-based rider and mother, Hope Glynn, of Sonoma Valley Stables, is another high profile name who continued to ride her horse while she was pregnant.

She has openly talked about riding her horse five months in and she said her doctor was fine with it.

However, she said she realised she was risking the health of two people and stopped doing it.

 

Can you be around horses while pregnant?

For the most part, horses are safe and rarely spread infections to humans.

However, there is always a risk of getting hurt when working with horses.

This is more of a choice for you if you feel comfortable continuing to handle and be around horses while pregnant.

It also depends on how calm and reliable your horse is.

 

Are there any benefits to riding while pregnant?

Staying healthy and active during pregnancy is also important for health benefits so many say, for that reason, horse riding may benefit pregnant women both physically and psychologically, which can in return reduce fatigue, varicose veins and fluid retention.

Women who exercise also experience less sleep disturbance, stress, anxiety and depression.

Therefore as part of a healthy lifestyle, horse riding is seen as beneficial.

However, women are advised to choose minimal risk activities, so it is about striking a balance.

 

What should I do if I fall while pregnant?

After a fall, even if there is no obvious injury, you should report the fall to your doctor or obstetrician as soon as possible to be examined.

You should also not horse ride alone while pregnant anyway, in case something happens and nobody is there to help you.

 

What warning signs should I look out for that indicate I should stop horse riding while pregnant?

The occurrence of any of these signs should be reported to your doctor or obstetrician as soon as possible including

Excessive shortness of breath

Chest pain or palpitations

Any fainting or dizziness

Painful uterine contractions or preterm labor

Leak of amniotic fluid

Vaginal bleeding

Excessive fatigue

Abdominal pain

Pelvic girdle pain

Reduced fetal movement

Breathlessness before exercise

Headaches

Muscle weakness or any calf pain or swelling.

That’s all according to the FEI, which is the horse riding governing body.

So it is certainly advised to keep in mind if thinking of horse riding during pregnancy.

 

The conclusion is that it is a personal choice whether to continue to horse ride during pregnancy but many doctors advise against it because of the risks involved if you were to fall off your horse.

The decision, therefore, comes down to the rider but preferably after a discussion with a doctor or obstetrician who can assess you and offer the best advice on the matter.

A specialist opinion must also be sought if there are any other medical problems or a history of previous miscarriage.

There are, however, many women who have continued to horse ride while pregnant and have managed to do so safely, instead opting to take the advice that exercise is good for their health and felt that they could keep it going.

Although, as we have discovered, it does come with risks if you choose to keep horse riding so ultimately it is a personal choice – and the answer to the question is no, it is not advised, but yes, it is possible.

Disclaimer: Please note that the information in this document is of general nature. It is not intended to, and cannot substitute for a medical consultation.