![\"riding](\"https:\/\/horseycounsel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/riding-bareback.jpg\")
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Before the invention of the horse saddle by the Sarmatians in 365 AD, people used to ride their horses bareback. Few people do this nowadays, as using a saddle brings with it a generous advantage set, including improved stability, security, and comfort for both the rider and horse. Still, if you do find yourself in a situation where you have to ride a horse bareback, it’s definitely a good idea to master this technique. Moreover, riding a horse bareback will make you a better horse rider overall, as I’m about to explain further in this article.<\/p>\n
How do you ride a horse without a saddle? The first step is removing the saddle, naturally. At a glance, it appears that all you have to do is get on your horse and ride. Things are a bit more complicated than that, as riding a horse bareback requires coordination, great balance, and a good understanding of your horse. Furthermore, you’ll most likely have to develop an individual seat in order to do it properly. Practice makes perfect, though, so the more you do it, the better you’ll become at it.<\/strong><\/p>\n The biggest challenges you’ll have to overcome while riding a horse without a saddle include independent seat development, core muscle training, and balance training. At first, you’ll struggle with an uneasy feeling that you might fall off at any given point. It’s a real risk, which is why I’ll always recommend beginning at a walking pace.<\/p>\n There has been some research done on this subject, and the results are quite surprising. You might be inclined to believe that by using a saddle, the rider’s weight is more evenly distributed across the horse’s back. However, results seem to indicate that riding bareback creates fewer pressure points, which would result in less strain on the horse’s back.<\/strong><\/p>\n In truth, riding bareback should not be uncomfortable for your horse at all. The only exception would be if the horse experiences discomfort at the exact spot where you place your seat bones. If the horse was only ridden with a saddle before, feeling a rider directly on its back might be a little strange at first. Moreover, if you’re not good at maintaining your balance, the horse might feel anxious as you struggle for control.<\/p>\n Other than that, riding bareback should not be uncomfortable for a horse in the slightest.<\/p>\n Are there any clear advantages to riding without a saddle? Of course – it enhances the rider’s connection with his horse, and it improves balance. Some trainers even require all of their students to ride bareback at least a couple of times.<\/p>\n Is it a good idea to do it all the time? Probably not, as your horse will become unaccustomed to the saddle, which could create more problems in the end. Riding bareback should be done recreationally, as a tool to improve your skills, and only from time to time. Ideally, your horse should be used to both riding styles.<\/p>\n As I mentioned before, practice makes perfect. Still, there are a few things that you can specifically try to help you become better at riding without a saddle. These tips will improve your balance, and they will help you gain more confidence as a rider.<\/p>\n Some horse riders might recommend using a riding pad instead of a saddle. A riding pad represents the middle ground between riding bareback and riding on a saddle. As its name suggests, this product is basically a cushioned pad that goes across the horse’s back and straps up under its belly.<\/p>\n While generally improving comfort, the pad is not comparable to a saddle when it comes to security and feel. You’ll still need good balance and strong muscles to ride on a riding pad. Keep in mind that if it’s not strapped properly, it might slip off and cause an accident. Make sure to strap the pad properly and do a few practicing runs before going on a longer ride.<\/p>\n Your biggest problem while riding without a saddle will be to stay on your horse in a dignified manner. Here’s what you can do to make the experience easier for both you and your horse:<\/p>\n Riding without a saddle is challenging, but it does come with its own set of rewards. For once, it helps you become a better rider, and it allows you to improve your relationship with your horse. While not particularly necessary in today’s day and age, riding bareback is still practiced with great success in many parts of the western world.<\/p>\n If you would like to share your own experiences on the subject, or if you have anything that you’d like to add to this article, don’t hesitate to get in touch!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Before the invention of the horse saddle by the Sarmatians in 365 AD, people used to ride their horses bareback. Few people do this nowadays, as using a saddle brings with it a generous advantage set, including improved stability, security, and comfort for both the rider and horse. Still, if you do find yourself in…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":797,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[253,117],"tags":[75,152,153],"yoast_head":"\nIs riding bareback uncomfortable for the horse?<\/h3>\n
The advantages of riding without a saddle.<\/h3>\n
How to improve your balance and become better at riding horseback.<\/h3>\n
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Is it a good idea to use a riding pad?<\/h3>\n
Staying on your horse while bareback riding – the basics.<\/h3>\n
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Summing up.<\/h3>\n