Welcome back, riders!
I’m Danielle Pooles from Dressage Plus, and in today’s Unstoppable Equestrian video blog, number 93, I’m sharing something a little different: 8 practical tips for horse riding while pregnant. As a rider and now a mum-to-be, I know how many questions and doubts can come up about whether or not to keep riding during pregnancy. My hope is that these horse riding while pregnant tips give you guidance, reassurance, and confidence to make the decision that’s right for you.
1. Remember, It’s Your Choice
One of the most important things I learned is that riding during pregnancy is a very personal choice. Some people will tell you it’s unsafe, while others will say it’s fine. Ultimately, it comes down to your horse, your situation, your health, and your comfort levels. For me, I felt safe riding my long-term dressage partner Rondo, but if I had a younger or unpredictable horse, my decision would have been different. Trust your instincts, listen to your partner, and make the choice that feels right for you.
2. Invest in Comfortable Riding Gear
Comfort matters now more than ever—especially if you’re dealing with morning sickness! In my first pregnancy, I found stretchy tights, like the Dublin riding tights, to be a lifesaver compared to tight jodhpurs that put pressure on my tummy. Buying one or two pairs a size bigger can make riding much more enjoyable without needing to invest in a whole new wardrobe.
In my second pregnancy, I loved the Podium Equestrian High Performance Riding Tights. They stretched with me as I grew and avoided any tightness around my tummy. Go for fabrics that flex and breathe, and sizes that allow extra room without cutting in.
3. Go to the Toilet Before You Ride
This might sound simple, but it makes a huge difference. From around the fourth month onwards, I noticed that trotting gave me an uncomfortable heavy feeling low in my tummy — even if I didn’t actually need the toilet. Going before mounting saved me that distraction and made riding far more comfortable.
4. Keep Snacks and Water Handy
Pregnancy can bring on nausea or light-headedness, especially if you’re hungry or dehydrated. I kept muesli bars, crackers, or nuts with me in the tack room and always had a drink bottle nearby. Having a quick snack straight after riding helped me avoid nausea and kept my energy steady.
5. Manage Your Mindset
Your mindset is key when horse riding while pregnant. If you notice yourself thinking “What if something happens?” or doubting whether you should get on, take that as a signal to pause and reflect. Nervous energy transfers directly to your horse, which can make riding riskier. Be honest with yourself — if fear is creeping in, it may be time to step back.
6. Have a Loose Riding Plan
It helps to set a general plan for how long you’d like to keep riding — but keep it flexible. For example, my plan was to ride up to seven months, then let Rondo have some time off before bringing her back into work post-baby. But every pregnancy is unique. Be prepared to adjust your plan depending on how your body feels, your health, and your circumstances.
7. Use a Monkey Strap if Needed
There’s no shame in using a monkey strap for extra stability. Whether you grab it occasionally or ride with one hand holding it in later pregnancy, it can help you feel secure and confident in the saddle.
8. Dismount Safely
When it’s time to hop off, choose soft ground like grass rather than gravel or concrete, and if possible, position yourself near a fence or gate for extra balance. Dismounting carefully reduces the risk of jarring your body or losing balance.
Final Thoughts
Horse riding while pregnant is a personal journey, and there’s no one right answer. These tips are here to help you stay comfortable, safe, and confident if you choose to keep riding. Remember — your horse will be fine with some extra time off if you decide to stop earlier than planned. Think of the big picture: riding is lifelong, but pregnancy is a short and very special season.
Want More Tips Like This?
If you enjoyed these horse riding while pregnant tips, you’ll love the mindset and performance strategies I share for all riders. For more free tools and resources, sign up here: click here to access the free rider’s guide.
A photo from 2022, with 2-year-old Chloe having a sit on Rondo!