Riding horses during pregnancy
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It it safe for a mom-to-be to continue horseback riding? Lisa Stone, an ACE-certified Pre-and Post-Natal Fitness Instructor, has some things to consider along with your caregiver's advice.
Your question
I would like to know if I can continue to ride horses during my pregnancy, and, if so, for how long? Thanks a lot! - Adrienne
The expert answers
Adrienne,
Horseback riding is a great sport, but not always such a great one to perform during pregnancy. Before I can answer your question, I really need to know what type of riding you're doing. If you're riding slowly on flat terrain with little risk of falling (either you or the horse!), then I'd say it's probably fine for you to continue until the middle of your second trimester. If you're riding at a fast pace on hilly and/or rocky terrain, which increases your and your horse's risk of falling, I'd say that riding, particularly after the first trimester, is probably not a great idea. Of course, it goes without saying that jumping is not a recommended activity at any point in your pregnancy.
All that said, you need to be aware of how much jarring or bumping you feel
while you ride. If you are at any risk for preterm labor, then a lot of
jarring once you're into your second trimester could cause enough pressure on
your cervix to induce labor. I'd also caution you to be aware of your
changing center of gravity as your pregnancy progresses. You may have to
alter your position on the horse in order to keep your balance. Another
issue to be aware of is your increasing weight - keep an eye on your horse
as you get further into your pregnancy to make sure he/she can handle that
extra 25-35 pounds.
Please do check with your healthcare provider, but my thoughts are that you should enjoy the riding for now, keep spending time with your horse throughout your pregnancy, and introduce him/her to the next generation of your family in a few months!
Lisa :)
