Riding bareback. . .

BornToRide · 12-17-2006, 10:21 PM

Well. . .you all know how much I've been going on about wishing I could ride bareback. . .

I was with my friend Catherine and we were talking about loping bareback. I said I wasn't sure if I could, then she said I wouldn't know till I tried. So she took off loping, Baylor wanted to, but I was holding him back. Then I was like, "Well, I might as well, it's gotta be smoother than this gross rough trot!" So I let him go.

The first thing I did was let a smile through that was as bright and clear as the sky behind me.

I had never felt so one with Baylor until that moment. Now, I'm not saying that I didn't lose balance during the day, trust me, I did plenty of times. But I still. . .I could've cried. I was so amazed. This is sappy and all, but I want to describe the feeling that I felt. . .

I felt free. Just like nothing could stop me now, it's just me and Baylor, taking on the world kinda thing. The wind was blowing through my hair, the sun was streaming behing me, painting the world, it seemed. Everything was rushing by. I was at peace. And when it stopped, I leaned down and buried my head into his mane, trying not to cry.

Sorry, but I am a woman and we do have a wussy moments.

Now, for those of you who do this often, it's probably not a big deal, but I've never had such a good experience, especially on Baylor. Thanks for listening!

wollenberg6 · 12-17-2006, 10:26 PM

You have inspired me to try going without a saddle more often.

BornToRide · 12-17-2006, 10:34 PM

Wow, it's nice to know that I was an inspiration to someone. . .thanks! And good luck.

Calf_roper_John · 12-18-2006, 12:40 AM

Bareback is awsome (to a point being a guy and horses having whiters and such

).

Bareback is great for building balance and muscles and most of the time this is how I train/break my horses.

Remember, if you ever need a handle, just grab a handful of main...

Glad to see you found something that makes you extremely happy!

Bareback also beats having to fool with tack and whatnot now doesn't it!!

classy*lady · 12-18-2006, 12:59 AM

glad you had such an amazing ride

BornToRide · 12-18-2006, 07:44 AM

Thanks everyone!!!!! I'll be doing it again this afternoon. . .

**TDH** · 12-18-2006, 08:16 AM

Riding bareback is the best, cheapest therapy that can be prescribed to a person. It's my favorite way to ride, and keeps the psychiatrist visits from being a necessity!

Glad you're getting the hang of it, once you go bareback, you'll never want to ride another way!

BornToRide · 12-18-2006, 10:01 PM

Thanks for the replies, everyone!!!!

I did it again today. It's hard to stay on while trying to get him to go. I usually have to wear spurs on him in a saddle, and I took them off to ride bareback b/c I was scared of unintentionally spurring him because I have the bad habit of gripping with my calves instead of my thighs. So he's thinking, "The faster I trot, she'll think i'm loping!" So before you know it I'm in this God awful trot and have to stop him before I come off, lol.

princesskristin · 12-18-2006, 10:11 PM

Bareback is so fun. I can't wait till I teach my baby to canter so I can canter him bareback.

BrandNewCowgirl · 12-23-2006, 09:04 AM

Oh BTR - anyone with horses knows this feeling... It's inexplicable, though you did a great job. The freedom is just thrilling!!

I think it was someone's signature on here, but now I quote it all the time...

"God made horses so girls could fly!"

Quarters N Paints · 12-23-2006, 09:21 AM

Bareback riding is a great thrill and so relaxing all at the same time.

Princess you can teach your youngster to canter while bareback, we do that all the time. But our youngsters usually have more bareback time on them than saddled from the time we start them till we start hauling them.

Born to Ride try teaching your horse a certain que for stepping into a lope while saddled and if should make it easier for when bareback.
Just a thought, have fun........................

Have a Merry Christmas everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BornToRide · 12-23-2006, 10:19 PM

Thanks everyone!!! We've done it once more a couple days ago. He was fine. I was okay, but I keep gripping with my calves. . .

I have to say that I think it's easier than a trot, though.

cowgirlmommy · 12-24-2006, 08:36 PM

I am so happy for you and glad that you are able to connect on that level now with Baylor! Great job! You are right, for someone who does it all the time, no problelm, but let someone who has never done it try and see how they feel and how they make out and IF they stay on!!! You DID!!! Good for you!! When I was pregnant each time I kept riding til the end because the doc said I could but I rode only with my saddle at the third trimester! Well, I always ride bareback(now I use a saddle more!) and have since I was little and when I did not do it for those few end months of pregnancy when I would only ride witha saddle, each time I had a baby for those few months, my legs felt it! And it was like starting bareback riding all over! So I know(sorta!) how you are feeling, butin a different sense!! No matter what, I am proud of you and Baylor!!! Great job and awesome team work!!!

scbarrelqueen · 12-24-2006, 09:03 PM

I love riding bareback...Even as often as I do ride bareback, loping bareback is still a magical moment to me...and as I often tell my lesson kids when they think they might lose their balance...There ain't no shame in grabbin' mane!!!

ThorArb · 12-24-2006, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calf_roper_John

Bareback also beats having to fool with tack and whatnot now doesn't it!!

You said it! I hardly ever ride in a saddle. Even when going on long trail rides, we just throw on a bridle and GO. No one wants to wait around on you if you have to saddle up. You get left. Its either ride bareback or see ya later!

Im glad you had such a good time!

Brittany

Melissa_PQHorse · 12-24-2006, 11:18 PM

It is addictive but yes, those bone jarring trots can make you ache.

BornToRide · 12-26-2006, 06:05 PM

THanks for the replies, everyone!!!!

Well, I got on bareback in the barn today (no outside riding today, it was a mud fest). Baylor was fine at a walk and trot and I could not get him to lope. But my barn manager got all of us boarders out there bareback and made us stick a dollar bill between our thigh and the horse and whoever is the last one to still have theirs without dropping it wins!!!! I didn't win but I was one of the last. I dropped it over a jump. I'm getting better, though!!!!!!

princesskristin · 12-26-2006, 06:09 PM

Yea, I understand what you mean by mud fest. It has been raining so much here in MD. I finally got to ride today, but omg it was so muddy. Anyway, sounds like you had a good time. Bareback is so much fun isnt it.

BornToRide · 12-26-2006, 06:17 PM

It is. My instructor had us jumping small cross rails. Which we have one boarder who is English all the way and was laughing at those who were jumping in western saddles. . .haha. I usually do jump in western. . .but now that I have my huntseat. . .

12-17-2006, 10:21 PM
BornToRide Coming two Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,639	Riding bareback. . . Well. . .you all know how much I've been going on about wishing I could ride bareback. . . I was with my friend Catherine and we were talking about loping bareback. I said I wasn't sure if I could, then she said I wouldn't know till I tried. So she took off loping, Baylor wanted to, but I was holding him back. Then I was like, "Well, I might as well, it's gotta be smoother than this gross rough trot!" So I let him go. The first thing I did was let a smile through that was as bright and clear as the sky behind me. I had never felt so one with Baylor until that moment. Now, I'm not saying that I didn't lose balance during the day, trust me, I did plenty of times. But I still. . .I could've cried. I was so amazed. This is sappy and all, but I want to describe the feeling that I felt. . . I felt free. Just like nothing could stop me now, it's just me and Baylor, taking on the world kinda thing. The wind was blowing through my hair, the sun was streaming behing me, painting the world, it seemed. Everything was rushing by. I was at peace. And when it stopped, I leaned down and buried my head into his mane, trying not to cry. Sorry, but I am a woman and we do have a wussy moments. Now, for those of you who do this often, it's probably not a big deal, but I've never had such a good experience, especially on Baylor. Thanks for listening! __________________ There's something about the outside of a horse that's good for the inside of a man.-Winston Churchill

12-17-2006, 10:26 PM
wollenberg6 Weanling Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Alma, Ks Posts: 497	You have inspired me to try going without a saddle more often. __________________

12-17-2006, 10:34 PM
BornToRide Coming two Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,639	Wow, it's nice to know that I was an inspiration to someone. . .thanks! And good luck. __________________ There's something about the outside of a horse that's good for the inside of a man.-Winston Churchill

12-18-2006, 12:40 AM
Calf_roper_John Weanling Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Chetopa, KS Posts: 324	Bareback is awsome (to a point being a guy and horses having whiters and such ). Bareback is great for building balance and muscles and most of the time this is how I train/break my horses. Remember, if you ever need a handle, just grab a handful of main... Glad to see you found something that makes you extremely happy! Bareback also beats having to fool with tack and whatnot now doesn't it!! __________________ I like to rope calves!!

12-18-2006, 12:59 AM
classy*lady Halter broke Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Ontario Posts: 148	glad you had such an amazing ride __________________ Kate & Classy Lady

12-18-2006, 07:44 AM
BornToRide Coming two Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,639	Thanks everyone!!!!! I'll be doing it again this afternoon. . . __________________ There's something about the outside of a horse that's good for the inside of a man.-Winston Churchill

12-18-2006, 08:16 AM
TDH Welcome and Introductions Moderator Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Iowa Posts: 4,232	Riding bareback is the best, cheapest therapy that can be prescribed to a person. It's my favorite way to ride, and keeps the psychiatrist visits from being a necessity! Glad you're getting the hang of it, once you go bareback, you'll never want to ride another way! __________________ "If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under." - Ronald Reagan

12-18-2006, 10:01 PM
BornToRide Coming two Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,639	Thanks for the replies, everyone!!!! I did it again today. It's hard to stay on while trying to get him to go. I usually have to wear spurs on him in a saddle, and I took them off to ride bareback b/c I was scared of unintentionally spurring him because I have the bad habit of gripping with my calves instead of my thighs. So he's thinking, "The faster I trot, she'll think i'm loping!" So before you know it I'm in this God awful trot and have to stop him before I come off, lol. __________________ There's something about the outside of a horse that's good for the inside of a man.-Winston Churchill

12-18-2006, 10:11 PM
princesskristin Coming two Join Date: May 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,646	Bareback is so fun. I can't wait till I teach my baby to canter so I can canter him bareback. __________________ Sometimes you just got to take a ride of faith.

12-23-2006, 09:04 AM
BrandNewCowgirl Weanling Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Middle TN Posts: 335	Oh BTR - anyone with horses knows this feeling... It's inexplicable, though you did a great job. The freedom is just thrilling!! I think it was someone's signature on here, but now I quote it all the time... "God made horses so girls could fly!" __________________ Even Jesus Rides a Horse - Rev 19:11

12-23-2006, 09:21 AM
Quarters N Paints Yearling Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Monterey Michigan Posts: 844	Bareback riding is a great thrill and so relaxing all at the same time. Princess you can teach your youngster to canter while bareback, we do that all the time. But our youngsters usually have more bareback time on them than saddled from the time we start them till we start hauling them. Born to Ride try teaching your horse a certain que for stepping into a lope while saddled and if should make it easier for when bareback. Just a thought, have fun........................ Have a Merry Christmas everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! __________________ http://quarterpaintranch.homestead.c...AINTRANCH.html RIDE LIKE A PILOT NOT A PASSENGER

12-23-2006, 10:19 PM
BornToRide Coming two Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,639	Thanks everyone!!! We've done it once more a couple days ago. He was fine. I was okay, but I keep gripping with my calves. . . I have to say that I think it's easier than a trot, though. __________________ There's something about the outside of a horse that's good for the inside of a man.-Winston Churchill

12-24-2006, 08:36 PM
cowgirlmommy Long Yearling Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: The Rocky Mountains of British Columbia! Posts: 1,469	I am so happy for you and glad that you are able to connect on that level now with Baylor! Great job! You are right, for someone who does it all the time, no problelm, but let someone who has never done it try and see how they feel and how they make out and IF they stay on!!! You DID!!! Good for you!! When I was pregnant each time I kept riding til the end because the doc said I could but I rode only with my saddle at the third trimester! Well, I always ride bareback(now I use a saddle more!) and have since I was little and when I did not do it for those few end months of pregnancy when I would only ride witha saddle, each time I had a baby for those few months, my legs felt it! And it was like starting bareback riding all over! So I know(sorta!) how you are feeling, butin a different sense!! No matter what, I am proud of you and Baylor!!! Great job and awesome team work!!! __________________ "There is no seceret closer than the one shared between rider and horse." www.rockymountainridingservices.webs.com

12-24-2006, 09:03 PM
scbarrelqueen Halter broke Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Middle of nowhere, South Carolina Posts: 107	I love riding bareback...Even as often as I do ride bareback, loping bareback is still a magical moment to me...and as I often tell my lesson kids when they think they might lose their balance...There ain't no shame in grabbin' mane!!! __________________ In the middle of no where, we even ride our horses to McDonalds

12-24-2006, 11:18 PM
Melissa_PQHorse Long Yearling Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,198	It is addictive but yes, those bone jarring trots can make you ache.

12-26-2006, 06:05 PM
BornToRide Coming two Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,639	THanks for the replies, everyone!!!! Well, I got on bareback in the barn today (no outside riding today, it was a mud fest). Baylor was fine at a walk and trot and I could not get him to lope. But my barn manager got all of us boarders out there bareback and made us stick a dollar bill between our thigh and the horse and whoever is the last one to still have theirs without dropping it wins!!!! I didn't win but I was one of the last. I dropped it over a jump. I'm getting better, though!!!!!! __________________ There's something about the outside of a horse that's good for the inside of a man.-Winston Churchill

12-26-2006, 06:09 PM
princesskristin Coming two Join Date: May 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,646	Yea, I understand what you mean by mud fest. It has been raining so much here in MD. I finally got to ride today, but omg it was so muddy. Anyway, sounds like you had a good time. Bareback is so much fun isnt it. __________________ Sometimes you just got to take a ride of faith.

12-26-2006, 06:17 PM
BornToRide Coming two Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,639	It is. My instructor had us jumping small cross rails. Which we have one boarder who is English all the way and was laughing at those who were jumping in western saddles. . .haha. I usually do jump in western. . .but now that I have my huntseat. . . __________________ There's something about the outside of a horse that's good for the inside of a man.-Winston Churchill