Can You Horseback Ride While Pregnant? Staying Safe in the Saddle

Many expecting moms are eager to stay active and continue with their normal routines for as long as possible during their pregnancies. Can you horseback ride while pregnant, or is that off the table? Learn what experts have to say on the matter!

Sean

July 18, 2023

Why It Can Be Risky to Ride During Pregnancy

Contents hide

1 Why It Can Be Risky to Ride During Pregnancy

2 Precautions You Can Take to Minimize the Risks

3 The Verdict: Can You Horseback Ride While Pregnant?

There are a few reasons why horseback riding can be riskier during pregnancy. First, if you fall off the horse, there is a chance you could harm your abdomen and endanger your baby. Additionally, being jostled around while pregnant can cause discomfort and increase the chances of premature labor. Finally, if the horse kicks or steps on you, it could cause serious injury.

Can you horseback ride while pregnant if you’re in a familiar environment? Even if you know the horse and have years of experience riding, accidents happen. If you’re not used to the way your body feels with a pregnant belly, you may not be as balanced in the saddle as you normally would be. Your center of gravity has shifted, and you may not have the same level of coordination.

So, can you horseback ride while pregnant? These risks are enough to discourage some women from riding during pregnancy. However, there are a few things you can do to minimize them.

Precautions You Can Take to Minimize the Risks

If you’re determined to ride during pregnancy, there are a few precautions you can take.

Make sure you’re riding a calm horse that you know well. Even then, don’t lead it through unknown or potentially dangerous territory.
Wear a riding helmet, even if you normally don’t. This will help protect your head in the event of a fall.
Ride at a slow pace and avoid jumping, cantering and galloping, as the jolting motion can be hard on your body.
Ride with someone else, in case you need help.
Don’t ride for long periods of time. What “long” means depends on how far along you are in your pregnancy – you should aim to decrease the duration and intensity of your rides as you get closer to your due date.
Get clearance from your doctor before riding.
Listen to your body and stop riding if you feel uncomfortable or dizzy.

If you take these precautions, you can minimize the risks and enjoy horseback riding during pregnancy. Some people can ride up to 6-7 months pregnant with no problems, but it’s always best to err on the side of caution.

In conclusion, can you horseback ride while pregnant? Yes, but be sure to get the okay from your doctor first! And if you feel like your doctor isn’t knowledgeable about horseback riding and pregnancy, you can always consult with a certified equestrian instructor or another expert for advice.

The Verdict: Can You Horseback Ride While Pregnant?

So, can you horseback ride while pregnant? The answer is – it depends. If you’re an experienced rider and have the okay from your doctor, you can probably ride during pregnancy. However, it’s important to take precautions and be aware of the risks. New or inexperienced riders, or those with high-risk pregnancies, should avoid riding.

Ultimately, it’s up to you and your doctor to decide whether horseback riding is safe for you during pregnancy. Just be sure to listen to your body, take precautions and ride responsibly!

Do you have experience horseback riding during pregnancy? Share your tips in the comments below!

Sean

Seasoned blogger and parent with over a decade of experience writing about parenting and family life. As a father of two, he brings a unique perspective to his writing and is dedicated to sharing his experiences and insights with other parents.