A couple of years ago (in memory of my youth and riding bareback a lot in headcollars) I decided to ride my horse back to the field bareback...as I got on he moved away from the mounting block and I slid off him onto the floor in classic splits. I got back on and my goodness I forgot how slippery a horse was(although I dont remember that from 35 years ago)!?!
So to see this yes that is fantastic! Balance etc! Wow!
I was able to do this with my pony of a lifetime. A 14.1 Arab gelding called Kehshspian. I was only 12 when I got him and he was already damaged goods. I worked with him relentlessly for the first year to get him to trust me and in that time bonded with him in a rare way. He was amazing and watching this just make me miss him more. *Wistfully remembers back*
Years ago when I worked at a riding school we used to ride the ponies bareback from the field (ride one and lead another) along a busy A road with nose to nose tanker lorries. I just flinch at the thought now!
I thought I was good trotting round the field bareback on my 3 year old! Lovely to see this, it needs such a bond and trust between horse and rider which is what I most definitely see here! Maybe I'll try this next time... If only!