Comments on: How to Ride Bareback

on 11/22/2005 If your horse is rather tall (usually 14 hands and up), and you have a hard time getting on without a mounting post, use this tip. Tie your horse up with the reins or a lead rope. Have someone calm your horse (do not try this with a horse that is easily spooked). Walk away from the left side of the horse about 5 feet, then run up to the horse and vault yourself up onto its back. Once your stomach is over its back, swing your right leg over, and sit up. This is very easy, and if you need extra assistance, have someone push your right leg up as soon as you jump up. I have tried this many times, and it works.

on 11/22/2005 It helps if you are comfortable/confident at a sitting trot before attempting the trot bareback (you can post but only if you've been doing it properly - without relying on your stirrups). Also, I find the most unsteady part of riding bareback is canter/trot downward transitions. Those first few trot strides can be pretty springy so grab the mane!

on 11/22/2005 Always pick a good horse to start riding bareback on (perferably a shorter one). Get your confidence at a halt, then work up through all of the other gaits. Pick a horse that is not easily spooked, and has solid, fluid movements (so you don't get unseated). A bareback pad will keep you off sweaty fur.

on 11/22/2005 Wear chaps when riding bareback(or even with a saddle), it helps you grip much better

on 11/22/2005 When you first learn to ride bareback get used to the feeling over time work yourself up through the walk, trot, and sooner or later the canter.This is what I did and I ride bareback EVERYWHERE!!

on 11/22/2005 If you learn to ride bareback, you will be an infinitely better rider. Hold on to the mane if you feel unstable and always get right back on if you fall off. Without a saddle horses can feel all of your leg movement so be careful not to confuse the horse.

on 11/22/2005 A good seat is acheived with a lax posture. A western slouch is often more effective than an English seat due to the fact that there are no stirrups to stabilize the side-to-side motion. Keep a relaxed back and your weight in your tailbone/lower legs.

on 11/22/2005 Galloping bareback is fantastic, but should only be done by an experienced rider on a quiet horse. I always ride the horse with a halter and lead rope, and I leave the horse's cover on, which makes staying on easier! Happy riding!!

on 11/22/2005 When riding, don't let your legs scootch up under you (as if you're sitting on a chair). Keep legs long. If you sit with your legs up, you'll have no balance! DON'T GRIP with the knees! Keep your weight in your lower leg, not gripped on the horse's sides.

on 11/22/2005 If your horse starts bucking while you are riding, sit back, hold on, and pull gently on the reins. If you fall off and are not seriously hurt, get back on to show your horse that he is not the boss!

on 11/22/2005 When riding bareback, don't be afraid of holding on to the mane if you feel a little unbalanced. Better to be safe than sorry and falling off.

on 11/22/2005 When you are trotting along or cantering, if you feel unbalanced, hold on to the mane and grip with your knees.

on 11/22/2005 I ride bareback all winter because it will keep you warmer and in better shape come spring. Winters are cold here, and even with many layers, I still come near freezing in leather or synthetics. Don't forget climate - frostbite isn't fun!

on 11/22/2005 While trotting bareback, I find it easier to stay balanced if the lower parts of my legs aren't on the horse, especially when I'm making turns.

on 11/22/2005 The best way to learn to ride a horse, so that you have great balance, a terrific sense of being at one, and an altogether better understanding of your horse and the way s/he moves, is to learn to ride first off bareback on a calm and sensible horse.