Pregnancy and Horseback Riding: A Yes or No Question

In the equestrian world, pregnancy doesn't necessarily mean giving up on your love for horses. However, it's crucial to understand that riding during pregnancy can present unique challenges.

Veteran West Coast trainer Lynne Dennis, who ran Silver Winds Farms, a hunter/jumper training barn in Banks, OR, is a testament to this. Despite the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists generally recommending against horseback riding during pregnancy, Lynne rode through the seventh month of her pregnancy with her daughter Chelsea, now 33.

However, it's essential to consult a physician before deciding to ride while pregnant. Hormonal changes and increased body fluid volumes might lead to feeling more tired and breathless during early pregnancy. Kate O'Hara, an amateur rider, felt comfortable riding through the first trimester but stopped due to feeling tired, nauseous, and having a constant hangover-like feeling.

Lynne also had her share of experiences. She fell off once while jumping when she was six months pregnant. "My belly was touching the pommel when I was posting!" she laughs, emphasising the physical changes that pregnancy brings.

The third trimester carries a heightened risk of trauma to the expectant woman or the fetus in a fall. It's important for pregnant riders to stick with what they know best and avoid starting new activities during pregnancy.

Riding vests can be adjusted to fit a pregnant rider comfortably and provide necessary protection. Maternity support belts can offer extra support for the back and abdomen during riding. It's also recommended to wear a protective helmet while riding, pregnancy or not.

Grooming is another way to safely spend time at the barn with a horse while pregnant. This allows pregnant riders to maintain their connection with their horses and barn mates.

Riding a horse during pregnancy can offer benefits such as bonding, maintaining fitness, preserving routine, and connecting with barn mates. However, it's crucial to be aware of the warning signs to stop riding at any stage of pregnancy. These include excessive shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, uterine contractions, amniotic fluid leak, bleeding, excessive fatigue, abdominal pain, pelvic girdle pain, reduced fetal movement, breathlessness before exercise, headache, muscle weakness, calf pain or swelling.

In conclusion, pregnancy doesn't have to come between a person and their love of horses. With careful consideration, appropriate precautions, and regular medical check-ups, it's possible to continue enjoying horseback riding during pregnancy. As always, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before making any decisions.

This article is written by NF guest blogger Helen Townes, the author of the blog post "Was erwartet man, wenn man schwanger ist?" ("What to expect when pregnant").