Riding without a saddle can be a fun and exciting adventure. It might be a little challenging at first and that’s where the tips below will come in handy for the beginner. It will be worth the experience and effort in the long run, and might become a cherished hobby. Bareback riding was originally meant for riding a horse around, and in the water. Like at the beach, lake or river.
Once you get use to sitting on the animal without a saddle, and you feel comfortable with the movements; you will begin to have fun, and feel the light carefree feeling of the experience. Lots of people would enjoy the experience if they had a horse. You are in a lucky position to have, or have access to a horse; and are able to venture out for a bareback ride, on the magnificent creature. When you are first starting out stick to a horse that you know very well. Not everyone feels comfortable riding a horse bareback, or even riding a horse period.
The pleasure of riding horses goes way back to the western style riding days of the 1770’s. The pleasure of getting on a horse and running it, with or without a saddle was common, as common as cars are today. There wasn’t as many horses as there are cars today, but you get the idea. Some people use to fear the large animals because of their size but didn’t have much choice but to face their fears. Because they were in a position where they needed the beast for transportation in order to get from one location to another. Today they are strictly for our enjoyment, or are used as work horses.
It is an incredible experience to bond with the horse and to be able to ride the magnificent beast. As if you were one with the creature. The growing bond and connection you will have with the horse will be one to cherish for the rest of your life.
The Horse
A sensitive horse will know what you want and will respond according to your prompts. The animal will learn to respond by cues you give. By your gestures, sounds and the movement of the reins. This will automatically signal to your horse what you want. When you feel comfortable riding bareback it won’t be long before you start having a lot of fun. Make sure you have a trusted friend or instructor to assist you when you are first starting out bareback riding. In addition, it is not a wise idea to try it alone. You might want someone to lunge you so you can get down the basic experience and to get use to the feeling of it.
Basic Experience
Going bareback is a good way to bond with your horse. Something you won’t get with using all the modern items used for riding these days. Being on a saddle with your feet in the stirrups. Your distinct signals with your body, legs and the direct movements you make with the reins will automatically teach your horse to respond suddenly to your prompts.
Step 1: Riding bareback is a good way to learn how to balance effectively on your horse. First of all you need to know how to balance while on the animal during these three things:
1. Walk
2. Trot
3. Canter
If you can ride your horse these three ways then you are ready to ride bareback. Make sure you have a friend, or instructor along to assist you for the first time you try it out. Lunging might help. Ask an instructor or friend to assist you.
Sitting Position
If you are having trouble adjusting to riding bareback try a blanket with stirrups to begin with. Until you adjust to riding without the use of a saddle. When you advance to the stage of riding bareback begin by: Using your legs to hold on. Keep them in a straight down position and not in the position you would have them if you were using the stirrups. Relax and firmly sit in place with your legs straight down and planted against the sides of the horse. Just be comfortable and at ease. Relax and try to enjoy your new experience. Your horse will let you know when you are sitting on him / her wrong or whatever it is you are doing that the animal doesn’t like. Know your horse. Never try riding bareback on a Steed that is unpredictable.
Sit over the withers or in a position up around the shoulders. Get in a comfortable position in the groove between the horse’s shoulders. Do not put your heels, or calves into the horse. Just keep your legs straight while firmly pressed against the animal in a comfortable position for you both. The movement from your bottom down to your legs will signal to the horse information that is needed for your riding experience. Your horse will know what you want by the movements you make.
Bridal / Reins
Riding in the water: Safety precautions are necessary. Therefore, tie a knot in the reins so it doesn’t hang down and cause the horse’s hoofs’ to get caught up in the reins while swimming. The horse could panic and cause a hazardous experience for you both. You want a happy time for you both without any problems, or complications.
Environment / Behavior
A great time riding your horse bareback is at the beach. Make sure the animal is broke-in, and is sociable, friendly, and doesn’t spook easy. You want to have a good connection with the beast for your benefit and pleasurable experience. Choose a day when the weather is nice, and a time that is the most convenient for you for riding. The experience of riding horseback at the beach, or at another location near water should be a great experience for you and your horse. Make sure your horse has a good disposition for riding bareback in the environment you choose for your experience. If your horse hasn’t ever gone into the water before take it easy and you might want to get off and walk the horse next to the water before walking her / him into the water.
The number one environment for bareback riding is at the beach. This is a great experience and one that you won’t forget. If you go into the water with your horse make sure that there isn’t large rocks that the horse could get injured on. Sandy or gravel is the safest. If you ride your horse out in the water make sure you get off of your horse once the neck area is covered by water. Hold on to the reins and neck of your horse; as you kick your legs while you swim.
Safety Issues
Always choose a horse that you are familiar with and trust. Never ride on a horse bareback that has a history of spooking. If your horse panics and rises up the best thing to do is to slide off, or roll off landing on your feet, or on all fours. Do not hold on. Get off, because if you don’t you could get seriously injured.
Try bareback riding on a horse that you know well. Maybe one that you have had for years, and know the animal’s likes, and dislikes.
1. Some questions you should know about your horse:
2. Does your horse like dogs?
3. A large body of water?
4. Being around lots of people?
Consider other factors as well to prevent any unsafe situations.
Riding bareback can be dangerous if you are on a horse that bucks you off, or freaks out over something. If that happens don’t try to hold on. Always remember to get off as safely as possible. Then work on calming down the creature. To prevent any unsafe situations stick to areas the horse is familiar with while you have road him / her while saddled.
Pleasure
It won’t take long to completely enjoy the time you spend riding bareback with a trusted horse. Running the creature at the beach, spending time with your animal in the water. Enjoying splashing around is a memorial time between you and your horse. Whether it is at the beach, lake or river, trails, or else where. You will want to fully enjoy your bareback riding experience.
In addition, where, and how far you choose to go should be considered. Even more, take into consideration how experienced you are riding bareback as well. Make sure you can do basic steps with your horse before you begin; and enjoy all the fun you can have with your new experience bareback riding.
Reference:
- horses.about.com/od/learntoride/a/barebackriding.htm
- www.wikihow.com/Ride-a-Horse-Bareback
- www.equestriansunlimited.org/sports/western01.html
