Stay seated when your horse urinates

Contrary to popular belief, there’s no need to stand in the stirrups when your mount relieves himself.
A pony with its ears back with a rider in the saddle.
Remaining seated in the saddle as a horse urinates will not harm is kidneys or bladder.

Despite what you may have heard, it is unnecessary to stand in the stirrups when the horse you are riding urinates. This enduring myth is based on the notion that a horse’s kidneys and/or bladder should bear no weight as he urinates. But those structures are located deep beneath layers of muscle and bone, far beyond where the saddle rests, so a rider’s weight has no effect on them. In theory, it may be easier for a horse to stretch out to urinate if his rider stands, but sitting very still may have the same effect. In the end, the only compelling reason to stand may be to avoid rebukes from fellow riders who mistakenly think you must. 

Don’t miss out! With the free weekly EQUUS newsletter, you’ll get the latest horse health information delivered right to your in basket! If you’re not already receiving the EQUUS newsletter, click here to sign up. It’s *free*!

CATEGORIES

TAGS

SHARE THIS STORY

Related Posts

COVER EQ_EXTRA-VOL88
Do right by your retired horse
COVER EQ_EXTRA-VOL87
Tame your horse’s anxiety
COVER EQ_EXTRA-VOL86 Winter Care_fnl_Page_1
Get ready for winter!
COVER EQUUS Key 14 Equestrian Vacations_fnl_Page_1
Equestrian vacations

NEWSLETTER

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
Country*

Additional Offers

Additional Offers
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.