The pelvic floor plays an important role in balance, stability, and comfort while horse riding. Yet many riders only hear about it in a very generic way — often through advice that isn’t specific to riding at all.

Kegel exercises are frequently mentioned as a way to strengthen the pelvic floor, but for riders, the relationship between riding and pelvic floor training is more nuanced than it first appears.

This article explains how horse riding affects the pelvic floor, when Kegel exercises may be helpful for riders, and why they aren’t always the universal solution they’re often presented as.

The pelvic floor and horse riding

Horse riding is a full-body activity. It requires balance, coordination, and continuous muscle engagement — including muscles deep within the pelvis.

While riding, the pelvic floor works together with the core, hips, and lower back to stabilise the rider’s position in the saddle. Over long or frequent rides, this ongoing engagement can lead to:

• Muscle fatigue

• Increased body awareness

• Sensitivity or discomfort

• A feeling of tightness rather than weakness

This is why pelvic floor concerns among riders don’t always fit the same pattern seen in non-riding populations.

What are Kegel exercises?

Kegel exercises are designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles through repeated contraction and relaxation. They are commonly recommended for issues such as bladder control or general pelvic support.

In theory, strengthening these muscles can be beneficial. In practice, however, more tension is not always better, especially for riders whose pelvic floor may already be highly engaged during riding.

Do horse riders always need stronger pelvic floor muscles?

Not necessarily.

Some riders benefit from pelvic floor strengthening, particularly if they experience a lack of control or awareness. Others, however, may already have a pelvic floor that is overactive or tense, rather than weak.

In these cases, focusing only on strengthening exercises can actually increase discomfort instead of improving it.

This is one of the reasons why generic advice around Kegel exercises doesn’t always translate well to horse riding.

When Kegel exercises may help riders

Kegel exercises may be useful for riders who:

• Experience reduced muscle awareness

• Feel a lack of pelvic control during riding

• Are returning to riding after pregnancy or injury

• Have been advised by a professional to strengthen the pelvic floor

When done correctly and in moderation, these exercises can support overall pelvic stability.

When riders should approach Kegels with caution

Some riders notice that discomfort increases when they focus heavily on pelvic floor tightening. This can happen when muscles are already fatigued or held in tension during riding.

Signs that strengthening may not be the right focus include:

• A constant feeling of tightness

• Difficulty fully relaxing in the saddle

• Increased sensitivity after riding

• Discomfort that worsens with added exercises

In these cases, relaxation, breathing, and body awareness may be just as important as strength.

Pelvic floor awareness matters more than strength alone

For horse riders, awareness and coordination often matter more than isolated muscle strength.

Riders who develop a better understanding of how their body responds in the saddle tend to benefit from:

• Improved posture

• Reduced unnecessary tension

• Better comfort during longer rides

• Greater confidence in their seat

Pelvic floor health for riders is rarely about doing one specific exercise — it’s about how all parts of the body work together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Kegel exercises good for horse riders?

They can be helpful for some riders, but they are not universally beneficial. Individual needs vary depending on muscle tone, riding habits, and body awareness.

Can horse riding strengthen the pelvic floor naturally?

Horse riding engages the pelvic floor continuously. For some riders, this provides sufficient stimulation without additional exercises.

Can too many Kegels cause discomfort?

Yes. Over-tightening muscles that are already active can contribute to increased tension and discomfort in some riders.

Should riders do pelvic floor exercises off the horse?

Some riders benefit from off-horse exercises, especially when guided by professional advice. Others find that posture, breathing, and relaxation have a greater impact.

When should a rider seek professional advice?

If pelvic discomfort, leakage, or pain persists, consulting a qualified health professional can help identify individual factors and appropriate support.

Pelvic floor health is an important part of riding comfort, but it isn’t one-size-fits-all. For riders, understanding how the body responds in the saddle is often more valuable than following generic advice.

Listening to your body — rather than forcing it to conform to a single solution — is what ultimately supports long-term comfort and confidence while riding.

Read more about The Pelvic Floor and how to protect it while practicing horseback riding.

You might also find interesting...No Taboo: 7 common equestrian intimate health issues

Last updated: 2026