Few images of man and animial are more aesthetically appealing than that of a rider astride a beautiful horse freely galloping along the beach at sunset, mane, tail, and rider's cares trailing in the breeze with no saddle, no bridle, no restraint. This is nature at its best. Horseback riding is a thoroughly rewarding activity that almost anyone can enjoy, and bareback horse riding creates a unique and powerfully natural relationship between rider and horse that goes beyond the traditional riding experience.
Television, movies, horse shows, rodeos and photos of Wild West Cowboys in action have inadvertently planted the idea in our thoughts that horseback riding always requires the use of saddles, spurs, lariots, bridles and other complicated equipment. This is not necessarily so. Obviously, these implements have their place for the working cowboy as well as the showman. In this context, the saddle, along with other equestrian equipment, is a tool of the trade. However, natural horseback riding requires no such tools. For those intent upon communing with nature by way of horseback there is no experience equal to bareback horse riding.
To some, it may seem a scary thought, sitting astride a such a powerful animal with little of nothing to hold onto for safety of life and limb. Given such thought, we see in our mind's eye the slapstick comedian catapulted backward off the galloping horse, having had no saddle for secure positioning. This is an image conjured out of a dark recess of the imagination, and best left there rather than nurtured to feed irrational fears. Learning to use body language to direct and guide the horse beneath him, without use of saddle, is an experience unique to itself for horsemen. Horses are intelligent, cooperative animals who resond well to clear communication. Learning to ride bareback is simple and uncomplicated. Riding bareback allows the rider to experience direct communication between the animal and himself. For the true horse lover this is a rewarding experience. It is a direct link to nature.
It is important to note that bareback riding, like most out-of-doors sporting activities, is not without risk. Participating in any outdoors activity requires a responsible approach that looks at safety needs. Bareback horse riding is no different. It is important for the bareback rider to educate himself regarding risks and responsibilities before undertaking the sport. Trainers, breeders, and stable management will assist in encouraging safe riding habits regardless of a person's level of riding experience. There are opportunities for the novice as well as the experienced rider to develop bareback skills. Like all skills, learning to ride bareback is developmental and incremental. It improves with time and practice. Working closely with any powerful animal carries some risk, but knowlege and training minimize risk while providing significant rewards for the bareback horse rider.
One question that most aspiring barebackers might ask is, "How do you hold onto the horse with no saddle?" Certainly a legitimate question, but not a serious obstacle. You hold on merely by gently tensing the muscles of your legs as they straddle the horse. Nature takes its course along the ride and the rider quite naturally discovers it only takes a minimal amount of effort to remain astride the horse's back. The downside of staying on the horse this way is it can create some sore inner thigh muscles for the unaccustomed rider. The upside is, well, staying on the horse.
Mounting the horse bareback can be a little tricky but is easily managed by mounting from a nearby fence rail, hay bail, or bench, depending on the height of the horse. Standing aside the horse, with the horse's head to the rider's left shoulder, the rider stands on his left leg, swinging his right leg over the horses rear, lowering himself onto the horse's back. Forget about the old west movies where the rider races up to the horse from behind like a gymnast approaching the vaulting horse, to catapult himself into position. This might appear dashing in gymnastics or old western movies, but for some inexplicable reason horses are not really all that keen on it. Mounting in this manner could leave the horse with a bad impression of you and you do want the horse's trust. Horses have been known to kick riders approaching from the rear in this manner, so a little common sense goes a long way in mounting as well as riding.
Common sense and an awareness of a few simple riding skills will create a positive bareback experience for any rider.
1. Master your fear. It has been said that horses know when a rider is afraid. The horse also senses your natural curiosity and trust. Approach with confidence and assurance and he'll trust your leadership.
2. Respect the integrity of the horse. Be in charge, but respect his limits. Horses are living, breathing, sensient animals. They have feelings. Be affirming, not abusive.
3. Horses respond to simple instructions. Learn the rules of the road in advance so you can communicate clearly what it is you want the horse to do.
Halter and/or bridle use? Advanced bareback riders will enjoy riding without a bridle or halter and will learn with experience how to direct the horse's movement by placing a hand on the horse's neck or using his mane, but the beginning bareback rider should initially use a halter or bridle to communicate clearly what is expected of the horse.
Rules of the road: Go, Turn, Stop:
Go: A slight shake of the reigns accompanied by a gentle nudge of the rider's heels to the horses sides are all that is required to signal forward movement to the horse. Depending on the level of training the horse has had, often verbal signals can be used instead. A couple of clicks of the tongue or the word "Giddyap" sets your horse in motion.
Turn: Holding the bridle in one hand with slight slack in the reins, gently pull the reins to one side, left or right, indicating that you want the horse to move in that direction. Hold the reins steady into the turn. The horse's head will follow the reins, and the horse will follow his head. Once the horse has moved in the direction you indicated in your signal, move your hand and the reins back to center position above the horse's neck.
Stop: Pull back on the reins. Holding them back gently and firmly indicates to the horse that you intend for it to stop at this point. Once he stops, gently relax pressure on them. If the horse begins moving again, repeat the process, while firmily uttering the word, "Whoah." He'll get the picture and stop.
A beginning bareback horse rider will want to select a gentle, well-trained animal to learn with and would do well initially to ride within eye-sight of an experienced rider or horse trainer. It might be a good idea to hold initial bareback sessions to short periods of time, also, giving the rider's leg muscles opportunity to adjust to this new use. Leg soreness or, as we might have called it in the old west, bowlegged walking might be the outcome otherwise.
Bareback horse riding is a natural and simple way of connecting with nature and one of it's most magnificent creatures. Bareback riding is unincumbered by expensive and uncomfortable equipment. It allows the rider more readily to sense and feel the horse beneath him, creating a more intense level of communication and appreciation of the union between horse and rider. Bareback horse riding carries with it a certain romantic appeal as well. To the true animal lover, bareback riding recaptures the days of horses in the wild, trotting briskly on the range, with a rider whose cares and cautions are abandoned to the wind.