How to Ride Bareback

Warning! Riding bareback can be extremely dangerous. But it can also be a great way to create excellent balance while riding a horse.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 8-foot Lead Rope
• Bareback Pads
• Halter

1. Ride a horse that is extremely tame.

2. Use reins and a headstall as you normally would.

3. Use a bareback riding pad if you wish. This is usually a lambswool pad that attaches to the horse with a cinch.

4. Use a mounting block or railing to get on the horse.

5. Start on the near (left) side of the horse, place your hands - holding the reins - on the horse's neck and throw your right leg over the horse's back.

6. Keep your horse standing until you have your balance.

7. Use pressure from both legs to make your horse walk.

8. Hold on.

9. Throw your right leg over the back of the horse and slide off when you're finished riding.

10. Congratulate yourself!

Tips & Warnings

• Attach a halter with lead rope over the bit and headstall if it is your first time riding bareback, and have someone lead you around a round pen until you feel confident to go it alone.
• When riding bareback it's important to sit closer to the withers than to the middle of the horse's back - this is for the horse's health and safety and allows for more control by the rider.
• Never ride a horse bareback that is not completely tame.

[saddlebredgurl]

on 12/4/2008 Step #8-funny. "Hold on" When I was a kid, my aunt handed me this crazy horse bareback with a tom thunb bit in, when I really needed either a good correction bit or a hefty curb. Hadn't been ridden in years. I had to learn to either control the horse, or get dragged under a tree, rolled over on, or fall off when it jumped the four foot fence. Broke my wrists twice that summer.. Many memories riding bareback!

[CowgirlCal]

on 8/26/2008 Thanks for the advice! I ride with a bareback pad. It's much easier putting on a bareback pad than a saddle.

[Jinxedlace]

on 5/4/2007 If it is cold & rainy & your horse is shaking, don't ride him bareback! Chances are, your going to get bucked off. this isn't always the case, but if your not sure, dont risk it!

[Jinxedlace]

on 5/4/2007 One way that me & more horse have really formed a stronger bond is by riding bareback. He was an abused, skinny horse that wouldn't trust anyone. Now, whenever I go down to the pasture to get him, I ride him bareback up to the barn. It has really helped me understand him better.

[geezerlove]

on 12/12/2006 HEELS DOWN.......pointing your heels down will focus your weight on the lower leg, while helping to keep you relaxed from the knee up. Concentrating your weight on the lower leg and heel will also help center you and gain balance as you ride.