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| Picture credit to http://www.freeonlineblogspot.com |
Choose your horse carefully:
Some horses aren't really suitable for bareback, especially when you're just beginning. It is preferable for your horse to fit the following requirements:
- A reliable horse: When you ride bareback, you should start off riding horses you know you can trust. Also try using a horse you know has been ridden bareback before, as some horses don't like being ridden bareback and may act up, which is the last thing you want!
- A horse that isn't overly sensitive: It is best to start with a horse that isn't overly sensitive as you are much closer to the horse while riding bareback without the saddle to separate you. This way, even the slightest squeeze may be enough to get a sensitive horse going, even if you didn't mean to do it, and being caught offguard when a horse suddenly speeds up is a good way to fall off.
- Preferably a horse that isn't too bony: While this isn't a necessity, bony horses are very uncomfortable to ride bareback on. Most people prefer riding horses that are a bit chubby. It also helps if the horse doesn't have a bouncy trot, as when you ride bareback you have to sit trot.
Your position when riding bareback is really important, as it could be the difference between staying on and falling off!
When you ride without a saddle, it is very easy to be left behind by the horse's movements. For this reason, it's important that you sit more forward than you normally would, right behind the horse's withers.
Starting off, it also helps to grab a bit of mane to keep you forward and balanced, and to make sure you don't pull on your horse's mouth. Getting lunged your first time is also a good idea, so you can focus less on steering your horse and more on your seat.
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| picture credit to http://www.ponytalesblog.com |
Some things to be careful of:
Even though some of you might want to start riding bareback right away, there are a few things you need to be aware of:
- Like I said at the beginning, riding bareback is more dangerous than riding with tack because it is so much easier to fall off.
- You are not going to be able to start cantering right away. First you need to make sure you are comfortable and balanced riding at both the walk and trot, and this takes longer than you'd think.
- While riding bareback is a great way to develop your seat, it is also essential that you have a good seat to begin with. You need to be able to sit the walk, trot, and canter with confidence without balancing on your horse's mouth. Otherwise, when you ride bareback you'll just bounce around and pull on your horse.
- Because you are so close to your horse when riding bareback, it is also easier for your horse to get sore and uncomfortable. This is another reason you should have a decent seat before you start riding bareback.
While what I just said was a bit grim, there are plenty of reasons why you should ride bareback when you're ready.
- Improve and develop your seat: Riding bareback helps you grow independent from the saddle, meaning that you stop relying so much on the saddle to stay on. You also develop a deeper seat, and you'll find yourself bouncing less and sitting more, if that makes sense.
- It's quick: If you're lacking time, not putting on the saddle can save you some time and help you squeeze in some extra minutes of riding.
- It builds trust: Riding bareback is a great way to build trust between you and your horse, and make you feel closer than ever. A big reason people love riding bareback is because it makes them feel one with their horse, without anything between them.
- It's fun!: Riding bareback is an extra challenge, and, when you get used to it, is a really fun way to ride!
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| Picture credit to http://traceyspicsandpastels.com |
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