A new study from Hartpury University has explored the experiences of female riders throughout pregnancy and during their return to equestrian sport after childbirth.The research is timely given Ros Canters impressive performance at the Mars Badminton Horse Trials last week which saw her win the title with Lordships Graffalo just 15 weeks after giving birth to her second child.Staying in the Saddle: Pregnancy, Postpartum Recovery, and Return to Equestrian Sport, which was jointly conducted byHartpury Universitys Female Rider Health, Wellbeing and Performance Community of Practice and the University of Kentucky, USA,surveyed 727 riders whodescribed themselves as novice riders or non-competitive before pregnancy.Findings revealed that many women continued to ride throughout their pregnancy, although decisions around participation varied depending on experience, confidence, and pregnancy health.The most represented discipline among participants was dressage, followed by leisure riding, showjumping and eventing. The study found that riders competing at higher levels were more likely to continue riding later into pregnancy and were also more likely to return sooner and regain their previous level of competition postpartum.Barriers to returning to ridingThe main challenges to riders returning to the saddle after childbirth included lack of time, reduced confidence, balance issues, urinary incontinence, fatigue, and pain or discomfort.The survey revealed most riders were back riding within a year of giving birth but more than a quarter reported that they did not return to their pre-pregnancy competition level.The research highlighted a lack of formal guidance within equestrian sport around pregnancy and postpartum return-to-riding protocols, despite comparable guidance being available in several other sports.The study found that external pressure to stop riding during pregnancy or return quickly after childbirth was generally low, with most women describing their decisions as self-directed. However, some participants reported pressure from social media, family members, and public perception.Individual experiencesThis research highlights just how individual womens experiences are during pregnancy and postpartum recovery in equestrian sport, said Dr Victoria Lewis, Senior Lecturer in Equine Performance at Hartpury University and member of the Female Rider Health, Wellbeing and Performance Community of Practice.Many riders continue participating successfully, but there are also significant physical and practical challenges that can affect confidence, performance, and return to competition.There is currently very limited evidence-based guidance available for riders during pregnancy or after childbirth. We hope this work helps open important conversations around female rider support, health, and welfare within the equestrian industry.The study has been submitted for publication, with researchers hoping the findings will contribute to future discussions around rider welfare, maternity support, and evidence-based guidance within equestrian sport.Main image Hartpury University.More contentFrom newborn nights to Badminton heights: Ros Canter gives all the credit to Walter for their cross-country clearIt works, so I stick with it: Laura Collett on showjumping her mare in bitless bridleChange of bit to prevent horse over-bending gives Emily King the best feeling so farNo teeth? No problem! Tim Prices Badminton ride is even more like a grandpa but as happy as everThe post New research explores riders experiences of pregnancy and returning to equestrian sport appeared first on Your Horse.