When it comes to riding, we already know the drill: find your horse, tack-up and off you go. But what if you forget the saddle? Riding bareback is something that comes naturally when you are a child, yet as an adult, hardly any of us ride – let alone train – without it. This is a shame seeing as the benefits of riding this way are undeniable and just waiting to be unlocked.
Improved Posture
Whether you are a professional or just starting, there’s nothing more important when riding a horse than your seat. You might have all the knowledge in the world, but if you can’t stay on then it’s all to waste. Riding bareback is something that can improve everyone’s posture as it helps develop the muscles and you are forced to sit up straight and grip with your legs. With no saddle, there is nothing to hold onto and it forces you to move with the horse. It targets your legs and your core, ensuring you have the strength to ride with your horse and not just be a passenger on-board.
Greater Understanding of Communication
With no saddle to block you from your horse, it is an insight into how sensitive they are. Is it really necessary to kick so hard? You might be surprised by how reactive horses can be, especially to the smallest of touches. This is a good opportunity to get to know what works and what doesn’t. Practice removing your feet completely and just shifting your weight to control your horse in the ring. The less movement you can do, the cleaner of a rider you will be, especially if you are planning and entering a showing competition.
Bond with your Horse
There is nothing like the bond between a horse and a rider. Two beings working in perfect harmony towards the same goal. Too often riding can become about practicing and mastering new skills. An exercise like this is a great way for both of you to have some fun and work together. While your horse might be surprised at first, they are sure to enjoy the experience.
Gain Confidence
The expression ‘get back on the horse’ exists for a reason and riding can be a dangerous sport. Maybe you’ve had a nasty fall or been shaken by a recent experience – it can be hard to get on and ride with the confidence you had before. This is where bareback comes in. You can combine your improved posture, newfound strength and understanding of your horse to become the best possible rider. Once you survive a spook with nothing to hold onto, the fear of a buck seems small in comparison. This is a simple way to improve your riding experience and confidence.
You’re sold! So how do you start?
The best advice with bareback riding is to take it slow. If you try and rush the experience than it is possible you could suffer a fall and possibly even an injury. This will undo all the hard work you have been doing and might even cause a loss of confidence. Be sure to stay in a ring, or an area with a soft surface, so if the worst happens, you won’t be hurt.
Lunge Rope
The best way to get started is with the help of someone else. If you learn to bareback ride on a lunge rope, then it takes the fear of losing control away. Even if you do slip and accidentally kick your horse, there is no chance of them bolting away. Instead, it is a controlled and secure environment, with the chance of significantly improving. Once you are confident on the rope, it’s time to try riding alone. It is a good idea to still have someone observe you until you are 100% confident.
Faster Pace
Initially, you will just be walking, which is fine. Once you’ve mastered how to hold your legs, how to grip and all the little things, it’s time to take it to the next level. Trotting is arguable the hardest gait to master bareback. There is so much jolting that if you are going to lose your balance then it’s almost certain to be while trotting. Once you have got the hang of it then it’s all plain sailing. Cantering is smooth and rhythmical so is much easier to move with and it is unlikely you will gallop bareback. However, if you’re brave enough – hold on tight and enjoy the ride!
Obstacles
A good way to hone your new found skill is the introduction of obstacles. Try trotting over some flat poles to get used to how your horse moves when there is something in the way. When you’ve mastered that, it’s time to move on to the real fun – jumping. They don’t have to be massive – just learning to balance yourself will improve your seat massively and will be a huge help when riding with a saddle.
What if it Hurts?
There’s no denying that with bareback riding, the placement of the horse is in a sensitive area. Not to mention if you get misplaced and find yourself smashing down on a horse’s withers – it’s enough to make your eyes water. So what if you want all the benefits of riding, but can’t handle the pain? Luckily a little invention known as bareback pads is the answer for you. It does as it sounds and creates a layer of padding for both you and your horse. While it has been proven that occasional bareback riding doesn’t do any damage to their back – long and sustained rides can cause damage to the horse’s back tissue. So to avoid any pain for either party, why not invest in one?
Tempted? Hopefully, you have the urge to try bareback riding and benefit from all the craft has to offer. If you try it and find it’s not for you, then at least you and your horse will have enjoyed an exercise together. Everyone ends up a winner.