4 Tips for Riding a Horse While Pregnant
Lina VerovayaHow to Stay Safe and Confident in the Saddle During Pregnancy
Riding horses while pregnant is a deeply personal decision, one that should always involve your doctor, a solid understanding of your body, and a whole lot of grace for yourself. If you’ve been cleared to ride and feel comfortable doing so, here are four helpful tips to keep you and your baby safe in the saddle.
1. Talk to Your OB-GYN (and Keep Talking)
Before you even think about swinging into the saddle, get the green light from your doctor. Every pregnancy is different, and your medical provider will consider factors like your fitness level, how far along you are, and any risks you might face. Even if you’ve been riding for years, pregnancy changes things , and your care team is your first checkpoint.
Pro tip: Keep checking in. What’s safe at 8 weeks might not feel right at 20.
2. Dial Back the Intensity
Pregnancy isn’t the time to break colts or go galloping cross-country. If you do ride, stick to calm, well-trained horses and gentle work, think walking and light trotting. Skip anything with high impact, jumping, or the potential for falls. Even the best riders can have accidents, and your balance and reflexes will naturally shift as your belly grows.
Safe, not sorry is the name of the game here.
3. Listen to Your Body
You are the expert of your own comfort. If something feels off , whether it’s fatigue, or just a gut feeling, dismount and rest. Pregnancy can bring on round ligament pain, joint instability, and shifting balance. What felt fine last week might not today, and that’s okay.
Stay hydrated, take breaks, and don’t push through discomfort.
4. Adjust Your Gear
A few tweaks can make riding safer and more comfortable:
- Use a mounting block to reduce strain when getting on and off.
- Consider breeches or tights with a stretchy waistband or a maternity panel.
- Switch to a wider saddle if your seat feels off.
- Ride with a buddy or let someone know when you’re heading out.
You might feel a little different in the saddle and that’s normal. Making comfort a priority doesn’t mean you’re not a “real” rider.
Some horsewomen choose to ride throughout pregnancy. Others step away early on. Neither choice makes you more or less strong, brave, or committed to your horse life. Trust your body, your instincts, and your doctor.
If you do keep riding, do it with caution, kindness to yourself, and a whole lot of grace.