Horseback Riding During Pregnancy: Safety & Considerations

Question
I just yesterday took an ept. and found out I was pregnant.  In 1 week I go to Montana for an elk hunt in which we will be traveling on horseback up the mountain 3 hours.  I have grown up riding and I was just wondering if this would be ok?

Answer
Since you are an experienced rider, and have very little risk of injury or not being able to control your horse, riding should be OK. However, I would avoid trotting or cantering for long periods. A recent study out of Europe found an increase in miscarriage among women who engaged in a lot of impact exercise during the first trimester. Most of these were runners, which is weight bearing too. So just to be on the safe side, I'd avoid excessive jostling on your horse trip too. Have fun.