undercarriage problems, horse riding.

[StaySafe]

After a break for some years I've started horse riding again and I have some problems as a result. I noticed a couple of years ago that if I went riding for a few days in a row I would get cystitis problems, but didn't need antibiotics for it to resolve. I've now got worse symptoms.

Firstly, vigorous trotting or taking off at a fast canter on a hack makes me wet myself. I've tried Tena but if I leak i get terribly sore and after a coupe of hours it is agony.

Secondly the cystitis is continuing. After a riding weekend recently I did try a course of antibiotics but the symptoms remain there, though very mild, and presumably because of this the leaking was worse than ever at my last riding lesson.

I do my pelvic floor exercises religiously, do lots of exercises that are good for core strength. I will have to go and see my GP but have no idea what she will suggest. Without the infection I'm OK for star jumps and routine running, coughing etc. is not a problem. It is only some of the riding, especially at speed and running in an event that causes problems. I've gone through lots of horsey forums but although there are lots of posts on what they call "The Inverness Problem" Any practical solutions?

Try posting in the tack Room . Not experienced your problems but riding with a pad or tampon results in rather painful chafing!

Have you tried generous amounts of vaseline jelly to help prevent chafing and keep the water away from your skin?
I'd combine that with padded cycle pants under your jods not the gel type the more towelling ones that would absorb moisture.
Hopefully reducing friction would reduce likelihood of cystitis.

Thanks for the advice. Off to see GP later in the week to see if I still have some sort of UTI or if it is just bruising. Still hoping to spend my retirement on horseback

A women's health physio might help with the leaking.

Thank you, Pebbles, I've found a local one and the charges are quite reasonable. You can self refer with local hospital using NHS but I have such a long story to tell i will probably need more time than they would have.

Update. G.P discovered I had a lingering and not very symptomatic UTI, so antibiotics have resolved that bit of the problem. She also decided m ancient Mirena coil (20+ years) should come out. I was a bit frightened about that but it was only a little bit painful. I also have been referred to the NHS women's health phisio as there is a very mild anterior prolapse. Hopefully some direction on effective pelvic floor exercises will help resolve the issue.

Another update -good news!
I am cured!!!!! Womens health phisio was lovely and supportive. She recommended diligent pelvic floor exercises and said the results would not be quick. I saw her on 30 December for the first time and was finally signed off last week. I am delighted that 6 months of exercises has completely cured the problem and I can now trot and canter without getting wet. G.P put me on low dose antibiotics for 3 months which has stopped the UTIs completely. It was the NHS phisio at the local hospital that achieved this result for me.