Saddle vs bareback

T

toffeeyummy

Well-Known Member
Joined
10 October 2011
Messages
313
Visit site
Blinkin heck, what a nightmare looking for a saddle. My daughters pony (12.2 section b) had his back checked and confirmed my suspicions his saddle was not a great fit and was making his back sore. We haven't had him long and although a lovely boy he can buck a bit when going into canter and jumping. Anyway try keeping a 9 year old off her beloved pony she hopped on him bareback and he goes lovely for her!! He's forward going, softens into a lovely outline and pops over little jumps, ears forward looks very happy - no bucking. Shows how uncomfortable he must have been in his saddle. Anyway, now cannot find a saddle to fit him without getting a saddler out and spending a fortune which I haven't got. So, just let her continue bareback whilst saving up?! Wonder what pc will think if we pitch up to a rally with no saddle??!! Is certainly improving her seat if nothing else :)
 
90% of the time I always ride bareback...so I'd say yes go for it if they're happy!

Just as long as the bucking was saddle created....not cheekiness...otherwise he may learn to prop her off quite quick after a few goes ;)
 
Why not just part ex current saddle? My 7yr old rides bareback a lot at home, but in a ponypad otherwise. Her pony is proving a nightmare to fit with anything that is also a good fit for her. Don't really bother trying much now though as she gallops & jumps in the ponypad. And borrow a friends for when its necessary, eg shows. Plus ponypads are cheap.
 
What's a pony pad? I'm imagining just a pad strapped on? the saddle we have is a tatty synthetic so prob not worth much. Our local saddler charges €80 for check/fit and second hand saddles start at £350 8-/
 
Riding bareback is ace and works marvels for position and balance. But if I remember correctly, you have to have a saddle on for PC rallies for insurance purposes. I remember them being funny about treeless saddles too, but that was about 8 years ago now.
 
Gosh just looked up the pony pads, they look perfect! Always thought they were for little tots on fatty Shetlands but think they might be the answer for us? Any downsides of them?
 
Only problem is weight putting pressure on the spine. My daughters 4 stone in full riding kit & fine on one, but not sure what the limits are. Other option is a second hand adjustable synthetic & take pony to saddlers for a reduced price fitting.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top