Bareback?

[caitlineloise]

Hi all

Just a quick Q on riding bareback, I've sat on my boy bareback a few times but he doesn't seem to understand he needs to move without the saddle. Few strides, stop, etc. Then just standing there like a numpty.

I've asked somebody if I'm sitting in the right place, and he's had his back, teeth, saddle etc. checked recently so it's not pain related.

Any tips on how to make him go forward bareback? I'm under the impression he just doesn't understand, haha

Thanks for any replies!

 

[HBBambee]

Some horses just don't like being ridden bareback.
I tried riding my old eventer to the field bareback and she humped her back and panicked so didnt try it again!didn't fancy being bucked off.
On the other hand I schooled and hacked out my pony for 3 weeks bareback while we waited for our dressage saddle to be made.
Im guessing he is fine under saddle? if so I wouldnt press the issue of riding bareback, he is obviously not happy without a saddle and thats his way of telling you

 

[Tickles]

Most people naturally ride with their legs further forward bareback so bear in mind that the aids you are giving probably feel quite different to your horse.

If he doesn't like it (they get a lot more feel of an wriggles/lack of balance) agree about not pushing it. Maybe practice on a horse that does like it first to get you more confident/stiller bareback.

Another way of making things clearer to your horse is to use voice commands. Try more lunging or even just saying 'walk on' and so forth when asking for transitions riding with saddle. That way horse will know what your funny new bareback aids mean because they are tied to the vocal commands he/she already knows.

ETS: obviously some people disapprove of voice aids when riding so please don't blame me if it gets you in 'bad' habits!