Most sports are safe during the first 2 trimesters as long as there is no risk of impact or trauma. Horse riding however, poses risks both from falls and from kicks, and there are also theoretical risks from recurrent impact during riding in women prone to pre-term labour. It is apparent both from personal experience, and from the experience of others, that in a healthy uncomplicated pregnancy, horse riding per se does not cause any obstetric problems unless an accident occurs. Some horses are safer than others but no horse should be considered safe: all horses are potentially lethal animals. Prevention of accidents and injuries is dependent upon using knowledge obtained from studying activities involving horses.  Provided the pregnant woman is aware of the risks involved, the decision to continue riding or handling horses remains hers alone. However, from the equestrian establishment’s point of view, pregnant women should be discouraged from show jumping or cross country events.