Bareback riding

teddy · 08-07-2006, 08:54 PM

I have started riding bareback on occasion and wondered if it is hard on the horses back? Seems like I heard someone say that it is, but I know there are a lot of horse related myths.

I weigh about 190 lbs. and I bounce around a lot at the trot. Fudge doesn't seem to mind, and he actually seems to be more responsive bareback than when he is under a saddle. That may be that I am paying a lot closer attention to things as well.

Logan-24- · 08-07-2006, 09:47 PM

I've heard it can be rough, and I try to avoid trotting when I ride bareback. I've been brought up with it being rough on them, but they don't seem to be too uncomfortable. So, it could be partically true, makes sense if it does, but it may not do as much as we tend to think.

Maybe try a bareback pad? As embarrassing as those can be, sometimes, you can always insure the response you get will be the same as if you didn't have one on, and you and your horse will be comfortable...

Orchid · 08-07-2006, 10:24 PM

Your weight is not distributed as well when riding bareback as it is when using a saddle - the tree of the saddle is designed to distribute the weight evenly over a greater area of the horse's back.

That being said, if your horse does not seem uncomfortable or have sore spots on his back, I wouldn't worry about it.

Merikle Waters · 08-08-2006, 01:53 AM

I have been riding bareback for years, on all ages of horses. Although yes true, without the tree of the saddle your weight is not distributed half as well, but you also weight less.

Like Orchid said, if he doesn't seem uncomfortable, he will be fine. Horses seem more responsive because you are paying better attention to what you are doing. Also you can feel every movement, as well as they can feel yours.

Oh and I do everthing bareback, walk,trot, canter, gallop, jump, barrel race, rein (which is very hard!) etc. Its all in the legs! Keep in mind your balance gets a lot better when you ride bareback......as it takes balance and strength to stay on!

08-07-2006, 08:54 PM
teddy Halter broke Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Missouri Posts: 131	Bareback riding I have started riding bareback on occasion and wondered if it is hard on the horses back? Seems like I heard someone say that it is, but I know there are a lot of horse related myths. I weigh about 190 lbs. and I bounce around a lot at the trot. Fudge doesn't seem to mind, and he actually seems to be more responsive bareback than when he is under a saddle. That may be that I am paying a lot closer attention to things as well.

08-07-2006, 09:47 PM
Logan-24- Yearling Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia Posts: 575	I've heard it can be rough, and I try to avoid trotting when I ride bareback. I've been brought up with it being rough on them, but they don't seem to be too uncomfortable. So, it could be partically true, makes sense if it does, but it may not do as much as we tend to think. Maybe try a bareback pad? As embarrassing as those can be, sometimes, you can always insure the response you get will be the same as if you didn't have one on, and you and your horse will be comfortable...

08-07-2006, 10:24 PM
Orchid Bombproof Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 11,039	Your weight is not distributed as well when riding bareback as it is when using a saddle - the tree of the saddle is designed to distribute the weight evenly over a greater area of the horse's back. That being said, if your horse does not seem uncomfortable or have sore spots on his back, I wouldn't worry about it. __________________ Careful what you wish; Careful what you say; Careful what you wish; You may regret it; Careful what you wish; You just might get it. ~ Metallica, King Nothing

08-08-2006, 01:53 AM
Merikle Waters Yearling Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: The Boonies, Alberta Posts: 618	I have been riding bareback for years, on all ages of horses. Although yes true, without the tree of the saddle your weight is not distributed half as well, but you also weight less. Like Orchid said, if he doesn't seem uncomfortable, he will be fine. Horses seem more responsive because you are paying better attention to what you are doing. Also you can feel every movement, as well as they can feel yours. Oh and I do everthing bareback, walk,trot, canter, gallop, jump, barrel race, rein (which is very hard!) etc. Its all in the legs! Keep in mind your balance gets a lot better when you ride bareback......as it takes balance and strength to stay on!