by M.J. Holliday

Created on: July 31, 2008   Last Updated: June 25, 2009

There's nothing like flying bareback, to truly taste the wind.

Learning bareback will make you a better rider. Your confidence and skill increase. Freed from dependence on the saddle, your body tunes to the rhythm of the horse. Like dancers, you flow together and move as one, and your unspoken dialogue is a celebration of life.

Benefits of Bareback
Bareback sharpens your mind and senses. The connection with your horse grows stronger, for a happier horse and a confident rider.

Your saddle riding technique will get better. Riding bareback, you feel the power of muscle and movement in your horse. He's ultra sensitive to your signals, and responds to a light touch.

For better or worse, you'll be aware of muscles you didn't know you had. As your technique develops, muscles and joints become supple, and your body is more balanced.

Best Horses for Bareback
Any horse can be ridden bareback, but some are more suited to it. Choose a horse with a broad, flat back and low withers. High withers or a bony spine are painful in all the wrong places.

A calm, bombproof horse is ideal. Your poor horse will put up with a lot of slipping and gripping, as you find your seat and balance.

Gaited horses are especially suited to bareback. Breeds like the Tennessee Walker and Paso Fino move into a smooth, rolling gait, less jolting than the bouncy trot. Icelandic horses are smaller, virtually bombproof, and have five easy gaits. All three breeds are good-tempered and willing to please.

How to Ride Bareback
It's all in the seat and legs. Remember what mother told you about posture? Bareback seems ruthless at first. Don't slouch, eyes front! Sit deep in the horse's back. Lean back slightly, and let your legs dangle, heels down.

You'll feel your seat bones, butt muscles and plenty more after your session. That's why warming up is important.

Warm Up
A good warmup reduces the chance of injury. Stretching oxygenates your muscles and eases the soreness afterward. Stretch your thighs and calves, upper quads and lower back. Take a break while riding, and stretch again.

Walk or ride your horse gently for the first few minutes, until he limbers up.

Mounting
Use a mounting block or fence rail for height. Have someone hold the bridle if you feel uncertain, or if your horse isn't used to bareback.

The easiest way to mount is to put one hand on your horse's hip, and hold the mane with the other. Lean over or hop up, so your belly is across his back. Swing your right leg over. Wiggle around to find a comfortable spot

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