Riding bareback

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SaddleUpSin

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Who rides bareback here? Contemplating having a little pootle around bareback this eve if I find my balls. Pony is fairly round, no wither and quite bouncy in anything other than walk (think I'll stick to walk!) worried about plopping off the side or out the front door if he yanks his head down to eat! Any hints and tips to staying on and not being a wimpypants? Suede seated Jods may help?
 
My saddle was taken away for two months whilst I get a new one because it didn't fit and all i did was ride bareback. I actually much prefer it but thats partly to do with me being too lazy to walk all the way around to get my horses tack.

I find as long as you don't tense up too much, keep yourself (and your horse) nice and relaxed you can get some good work in for your seat. Even better if your horse can walk to canter!
 
I do loads bareback, often because I'm too lazy to get my tack, occasionally because I think it's good for me! It really highlights what your weaknesses are and builds incredible core strength when done frequently.
Definitely build it up slowly. I can now happily go for hours in all paces (and pop the odd log) but it took a while to get there. Chuck a neck strap on to start with as you might find your balance is not what you thought it was without stirrups and a tree to hold you in place. Canter is far more comfortable than trot when you first start but the downward transitions can be a bit hair raising! What I've noticed in trot is that your hips do need to move independently, I had no idea for all the years I've ridden in saddles, each hip needs to follow the horse's action so it's not just up-down-up-down. Almost imagine that your hips are moving like you are walking on a catwalk - don't force them to do it but allow them to and suddenly you will sit deeper on your horse and more in connection with them.
Final word of warning, the highway code states that a saddle should be worn so you are likely to invalidate your insurance if you're on the roads!
 
I ride bareback more than with a saddle, I just got used to it and prefer it now! I remember starting off very tentative but after about 10 mins you are used to it and its fine, great for balance ;) My horse is a tad sharp but have never felt like I was going to come off once even when hacking, just take it slow to start with and maybe put a neck strap on!
 
Hannah97 said:
My saddle was taken away for two months whilst I get a new one because it didn't fit and all i did was ride bareback. I actually much prefer it but thats partly to do with me being too lazy to walk all the way around to get my horses tack.

I find as long as you don't tense up too much, keep yourself (and your horse) nice and relaxed you can get some good work in for your seat. Even better if your horse can walk to canter!
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Canter to walk is also better!!!!
 
Years ago, I had to ride bareback for several months on my mutton withered round bodied Connie, as I was "between" saddles. As others have said - use a neck strap. Sit down on your bum - don't grip, and don't tip forward. Does wonders for your position and "feel".
 
A nice long mane or neckstrap will help you to right yourself whilst you're getting used to it. I happily hoon about, jump and sit bucks without a saddle now but used to slide off sideways plenty when I first tried. Nothing better for your seat!

If you feel your balance going, sit up... perching forward will always be your undoing. In fact, leaning slightly backwards, as though you're sitting in a high chair with a brandy and a cigar is more comfortable to begin with.
 
Can't really add to all the good advice and suggestions above OP... :)

I'll be riding bareback tonight!... I love it and I often ride this way, as others have said, it does wonders for your core strength and you can really 'feel' the horse's movement underneath you.

I was brought up from the age of 7 riding bareback.

Steady Away at first and ease yourself into doing a few minutes at a time initially and before you know it,...you'll be hooked to riding this way.

You'll feel your leg & stomach muscles in the morning,...!,...but in time you'll get used to it.

Enjoy!
 
Another one who is too lazy to bother with full tack. Only in the school - I like the safety of a saddle in the event of kamikaze pheasants, ninja squirrels or children with kites (we meet a lot of kites, never on good terms...).

As others have said, use a neckstrap. Canter is the most comfortable gait. Don't overdo it in your first session or you'll be walking as though the horse is still beneath you the day after. Enjoy!
 
Dry Rot said:
If you must ride bare back, at least get your bottom checked out by a qualified saddle fitter.
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Omg! I feel like this is a good idea, if a nice, handsome male saddle fitter would like to step forward that would be smashing ;)

Thanks all for the advice! I think we'll just have a mooch around in the paddock :) doubt I'll be doing anything past a walk!
 
When I was a kid my dear old pony was turned out in a 50 acre field with a load of cows: I'd go out there and just hop on his back (could vault up in those days LOL) - and ride him back across the field with cows milling all around us, in just a headcollar. No bit, no bridle. No hat. You'd get strung up alive if you did that now.........
 
I sometimes ride bareback the worst part is the canter to trot! I like it too only word of advice is any loose fur gets seriously itchy rubbing between the horse and your legs on your jodhpurs!
I had a lesson bareback once was very interesting. I also usually tend to do it if I'm too lazy to get my saddle or the tack room is locked. Unfortunately can't do it as much as I'd like as it relies on someone to give me a leg up as he's scared of the mounting block since it was painted white!
 
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Dry Rot said:
If you must ride bare back, at least get your bottom checked out by a qualified saddle fitter.
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Oh damn. Someone already did the reflocking joke... posted without reading 2nd page.

Yes I ride bareback but I use a full surcingle and a pad as I can't stand the hair in my car when I sit down.
 
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I read this thread yesterday afternoon and inspired me, so I rode bareback last night :) even practiced my dressage test! Such fun :D
 
I've been riding bareback this week as well :) Took my boy barefoot a few weeks ago and we are as bored as each other so I've been hopping on and schooling in the fields where he is most comfortable. Initially he crept along to make sure i was safe and staying where i should (He is awesome like that) but now he is confident I'm not going anywhere we have been doing some lovely trot work and walk to trot transitions (He isnt readyt o canter yet bless him)

Oh I'm a guy as well so i sit on a Shires anti slip saddle pad which is awesome and very comfy :)

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I decided bareback to lesson the weight he is carrying whilst he transitions to barefoot life but I am loving it and he seems really happy to I think its something we will do more of for sure :)
 
I loved it! Made me feel so close to him and we had a little walk and trot in the paddock and even a little hack!! The random head plunging to eat was hard to brace against (******) but I felt so close to him and it was great! Even braved the bitless too! Au naturelle evening!

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I hope this isn't too much of a diversion... do any of you use bareback pads at all? If so, can you make a recommendation on ones that you can have stirrups?
 
BogTrotter said:
Is there a best way to stay on board bareback?

Someone said to grip with your knees??
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Best do away with any sort of gripping altogether. Without stirrups, gripping is pointless.

You just have to build up your balance over time. Trotting is fine if you can master sitting trot and the "shimmy" with your hips. Canter is just the easiest thing to sit to bareback.

Take your time and it will all come together... and relax. Don't be tempted to tense your body in any way.
 
tallyho! said:
I hope this isn't too much of a diversion... do any of you use bareback pads at all? If so, can you make a recommendation on ones that you can have stirrups?
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I've got a Christ Lamfelle pad. Its amazingly comfortable and my younger, braver rider schools and jumps in it. My older rider hacks out in it. They arent cheap but they last forever!
 
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