How to Manage Horseback Riding with Crohn’s Disease

Horseback riding has been a hobby of mine since childhood. Growing up, my grandfather owned horses and I have photos of myself as a youngster on horseback. I always loved animals, and horses have always been a favorite of mine.  Majestic, elegant, powerful, athletic — the list is endless when thinking about the grandeur of horses.

I remember watching the movie Black Beauty as a kid and always wanting a shiny black horse with a long mane to gallop across crisp green rolling hills. What a sight. And still at 34, I secretly want that dream to come true.

However, since being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, I found that horseback riding turned into more of a hassle than it was pre-diagnosis. Suddenly, the relaxing sport I always enjoyed became a bit nerve-racking.

What do you do if you are horseback riding and need to use the restroom?

Long rides without bathroom access

I once was out riding in Arizona, with my uncle. We were in mountainous terrain and nowhere near a restroom. Urgency hit me, and I panicked. I had to use the restroom immediately. I told my uncle, hopped off my horse, gave him the reins and ran behind a tree.

Thankfully, I was prepared and in my fanny pack I had baby wipes. In that scenario I was okay. But ever since that happened, I was a bit hesitant to do long rides with other people whom I wasn’t close with. My uncle knows my story, but I wouldn’t want to deal with that while riding with others.

I learned that in life, there is a solution to everything. Is it fun to have to jump off your horse and do your business behind a tree in the middle of nowhere? Obviously not. But is it the end of the world? Definitely not.

Always adapting with Crohn's

With Crohn’s, you have to learn to be flexible. Adapt to your new normal. Make things work. You don’t have to give up the things you love just because you can’t do them exactly how you did before. Just adjust to a new way and continue on.

And so, here are my tips for horseback riding when you have Crohn’s:

1. Always bring a fanny pack with you with your supplies. Baby wipes, fresh underwear, feminine pad, hand sanitizer.
2. Stay hydrated always. Bring a thermos with coconut water. Being hydrated helps keep your symptoms at bay.
3. If urgency hits, make sure you have someone in your group that knows the drill. In other words, have someone that knows your diagnosis and will immediately hold your horse’s reins for you. Designate this person ahead of time.
4. Stay calm. Don’t overthink it. Your horse definitely doesn’t care, and honestly neither do the others with you.  Do your business and move on.

How do you manage?

How about you?  Do you also go horseback riding, or another activity that restricts access to bathrooms? If so, how do you manage when you get hit with symptoms? Share below, we love to hear from you.