by L Hurley

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

When you daydream about riding do you dream about trotting around a riding school or do you picture yourself riding bareback along a sandy stretch of beach?

Riding bareback is the ultimate riding experience. We strive to be one with our horses and there is no better way to unite than to remove the saddle and really feel the connection. Muscle to muscle, breath to breath, the exhileration of feeling every movement of their graceful bodies cannot be surpassed by any other form of riding.

GETTING STARTED

Dreaming about riding bareback and actually doing it are of course two very different things. If you have never ridden bareback it can seem daunting but it is not as difficult as it looks. Technically it is not much different than riding in a saddle.

If it is asking too much of you to leave your saddle in the tack room and jump on, take your feet out of the stirrups and let them hang loose for a while as you walk around. Feel your muscles relax as your body moves in time with your horse. When you are comfortable either remove your stirrups entirely or cross them in front of the saddle. It won't be long before you're unsaddling and ready to ride bareback.

MOUNTING

The first obstacle you will face when beginning to ride bareback is how to mount your horse without stirrups. There are a number of options open to you but first tie your horse securely or get a friend to hold them so you may concentrate on mounting and not worry about the horse moving before you are sitting securely.

A mounting block, nearby water trough or fence will give you the height you require to be able to mount your horse. Lay your ribcage over your horse's back and swing your right leg over taking care to clear his rump with your foot.

Although you may be able to just step across, lying across your horse's back and swinging your leg over is the safest way to mount bareback particularly the first time. If your horse moves or you are unsteady you can simply slide back down and land on your feet.

You could also ask a friend to give you a leg up. Bend your left leg at the knee so your friend can get a solid grip with their hand under your leg. Push off the ground with your right foot at the same time as your friend lifts with their hand.

If you are fit you can place your hands on your horse's wither and spring up off both feet. This is particularly useful when there are no fences or friends handy.

Once you are mounted take some time to feel the sensation of being in close contact with your horse. Lean forward

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