by Chenay Jordan

Created on: July 30, 2008   Last Updated: June 25, 2009

Growing up showing horses, the majority of my time was spent in the saddle preparing for the next show. However, there isn't a time I can remember that I would return home from a horse show and the next day hop on my horse bareback and ride around. It was always such a relaxing and enjoyable experience as a kid and now that my gelding (and I) are currently retired from showing I ride bareback frequently.

Bareback riding is one of the most freeing experiences an equestrian can have. The connection the rider has with the horse is incredibly intense as there is nothing separating the feel that transfers from your body to the horse. The knowledge and experience gained from riding bareback only makes you a better horseman and allows you to connect on a deeper level with your horse.

Never ridden bareback? Terrified that you may end up in the dirt instead of staying on your horse's back? As an experienced equestrian of nearly twenty years, former national competitor, and avid bareback rider I have designed some tips and suggestions to help you not only learn how to ride bareback comfortably but also outline how riding bareback helps you to become a better horseman.

Trivia time: What is the most important thing to remember while riding a horse?

Answer: BALANCE

The most important thing to know when riding a horse is balance. If you don't have a good sense of balance, you are sending your horse cues you don't mean to with your hands and legs, are not in rhythm with the horse (which is uncomfortable) and if your horse spooks, you are more likely to end up on the ground wondering what just happened.

You may be thinking: Well, if I don't have balance how am I going to manage riding bareback?

Ironically, if you don't have a lot of balance on your mount, riding bareback is one of the best ways to acquire it. I recommend beginning with preparing yourself to ride bareback by spending a great deal of time in the saddle without stirrups. Practice riding without stirrups at all three gaits as well as practice posting without stirrups at a trot. Even though you still have the support of the saddle, you are already beginning to gain a great deal more balance than you previously had.

Once you feel comfortable in a saddle without stirrups consider buying a piece of equipment called a bareback pad. A bareback pad can be described as somewhere between a saddle and a saddle pad but attaches to the horse more like a saddle. It provides the rider with some traction and support so the rider can

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