Riding Bareback
Riding bareback is, for me, a fabulously fun way to improve your riding while having fun with your horse. First, riding bareback really improves your seat, balance and overall riding strength. You have to be much more in tune with your horse and his rhythm to stay on, and without the saddle in the way you can feel what’s going on so much better. Also, if you can ride bareback, it opens up all sorts of fun activities, like swimming with your horse, playing pony tag or even pony capture the flag. And I think there’s nothing better than having fun with a horse ;)
Of course, you have to practice to get good at riding bareback, just like you have to for everything involving horses. I suggest starting out just at the walk, maybe even on a lunge line or with someone leading you. Trust me, it will feel TOTALLY different the first time you hop on a horse without a saddle. You’ll probably feel like you’re just going to slip right off, especially because horses’ skin is so wiggly. That’s why it’s nice to have someone lead you the first time you try, so you can just grab mane to help you feel secure. Try not to grip with your legs too much, or you’ll just tell your horse to zip right off with you.
So, check out the video below for a few more tips and an example of me riding bareback. Then go for it yourself! Once you try it, though, you may never want to ride in a saddle again ;)
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Comments on Riding Bareback
How do you mount a horse bareback without a mounting block? Is it even possible? I mean, without hurting your horse or anything!
@Pinto: Haha good point ;) I use a mounting block/bucket/hay bale/whatever I can stand on to get an extra foot off the ground. My friend, however, can mount from the ground. The idea is to stand at your horse’s withers, facing toward his rear. Then, with your hands over his withers, you swing your outside leg up and over his back while jumping off the other leg. You either have to have a short horse or be really athletic!
-Ali
that was a really good video. i was wondering, can you jump bareback or is that just too unsafeto do? when riding bareback, is it likely to fall off or is it the same as having a saddle supporting you? thank you so much, bye
You can certainly jump bareback–I’ve done it before. It is a little more risky than jumping with a saddle, obviously, because it’s much easier to fall off. Definitely work up to jumping bareback, starting with lots of bareback riding on the flat, and then over cavaletti, then little crossrails, and so on, until you are comfortable and secure.
-Ali
to Ali,
I loved your video, but I tried doing it but my legs aren’t strong enough to squeeze and hold on, so I keep falling off! its really hard to do and I’m on my favourite horse that I feel safe on but it just isent working! My balance is good but i keep slipping off!
Please help,
Kate.
So remember what I said in the video, you shouldn’t be squeezing to hold yourself on ;) If you are truly balanced, you could stick your legs out to the side and stay on! You really have to stay right in the center of the horse’s body. If you can, try riding with a circingle or some strap around the horse’s girth that you can hold onto. This will help you practice staying in the middle of the horse’s back and give you something to grab if you start to slide off to one side.
-Ali
Hey Ali,
I find it really hard to mount my horse because he is so large, my instructor told me to practise without a mounting block but each attempt has failed.
Also, when im on my horse, i feel like im going to slip off yet all my life i have been with him and that doesnt help a thing
Please help,
Horsecrazygirlz
There’s no reason you need to mount without a mounting block if that’s what you are comfortable with. Ask your trainer why he/she feels you need to practice without one. I’m not sure about the feeling of sliding off–it may be a confidence issue, it may be that your saddle dosen’t fit you or the horse, or it could be a balance issue.
-Ali
Ali,
When riding bareback would it be a good idea to put a blanket or your saddle pad over your horse before you get on, just for more comfort?
The difficulty with that is that the blanket will slide and make it REALLY easy for you to come off. I’d suggest a bareback pad instead.
-Ali
Hi Ali, I am starting to ride a pony bareback since my legs are a bit long for a saddle and was wondering if you have any tips or suggestions. Love your videos!! Thanks.
Well, follow the tips in the video :) Start on a lunge line or even with someone leading you if you’re at all uncomfortable. And have fun :D
-Ali