The Horse Forum banner
Status
Not open for further replies.

Bareback :)

2K views 11 replies 9 participants last post by  kittersrox 
#1 ·
Okay, so I thought over the winter it might be fun to ride bareback a lot since I ride outside, and it's so cold.

I've only ridden bareback twice before (once several years ago, and the other time was a couple months ago). The last time I rode bareback it went really well, I w/t/c. I mean, yes, I did fall off once, but that was because my horse made a sudden turn, and I just tipped over. ;) My riding instructor felt so bad, she wanted to give me my money back, but my mom and I refused ;) (I was on the verge of passing out, I couldn't see, trouble hearing, etc.) I thought it was actually kind of funny (the fact that I fell off) because before I had started riding, I had thought that I would probably fall off that day.

I still want to ride bareback, so do you guys have any tips on good ways to practice doing it? Honestly, I felt like my instructor just threw me in, but she must have known I could do it, because I did, but I would like tips! Thank you! :)
 
#2 ·
I'm no expert but cantering bareback is hard! Especially if it's your first time ever going bareback. I would start with just working on your balance. I feel sometimes like I am walking a tightrope (but with my bum... on a horse...) when I am going bareback.

I wish I knew some excercises to give you! Good luck.
 
#7 ·
I actually found cantering easier than trotting bareback when learning...unless, I suppose, your horse makes a sudden stop or turn you weren't expecting :-p

Ultimately, the only way you will improve bareback is to ride bareback a lot.

Two things to keep in mind that really helped me was to grip with your thighs, not your calves or knees, and to keep your shoulders back because I always have a natural tendency to curl forwards when I'm in a bad spot.

I would bet everyone here has fallen off when bareback at some point. It's all just a part of learning.
 
#3 ·
The biggest thing about riding bareback is finding balance on the horse without the saddle and stirrups to help you. Riding bareback, though, will eventually really help secure your seat in the saddle.

Some tips though:
Make sure you sit up straight and not lean to the side.
Don't pinch with your knees.
Make sure your legs are long.
Don't do more than you're comfortable with.

Someone I was riding bareback with one time told us to imagine something in between our thighs that we really didn't want to let go of and that's how you would grip (someone may need to correct me on that though).

I'm interested to hear more tips! :D
 
#4 ·
The biggest thing about riding bareback is finding balance on the horse without the saddle and stirrups to help you. Riding bareback, though, will eventually really help secure your seat in the saddle.

Some tips though:
Make sure you sit up straight and not lean to the side.
Don't pinch with your knees.
Make sure your legs are long.
Don't do more than you're comfortable with.

Someone I was riding bareback with one time told us to imagine something in between our thighs that we really didn't want to let go of and that's how you would grip (someone may need to correct me on that though).

I'm interested to hear more tips! :D
I think this covers it well! Also, sit tall, do not lean foward. If anything lean slightly back because you'll probably be sitting straight even though it feels like you are leaning back. Relax your lower back to allow your hips to move with the horse's rhythm. Oh, and make sure someone is around in case something should happen and keep the arena door closed in case you and your horse should....separate (good practice even with a saddle). Have fun!
 
#5 ·
riding bareback is so fun ! its important to move with your horse and not against them. if you are feeling tense or stiff, start moving your hand like the horses front legs. left hand forward with left leg, right hand forward with right leg. doing this well help loosen your back and hips until you are moving with your horse.
 
#10 ·
You've gotten good advice so far. Be sure to relax, don't grip. With my beginner bareback riders, I compare it to a weeble. (the kids toys that you can bat around but they won't fall over) They work because they have a ball bearing inside that rolls around and counter balances & compensates for directional changes. Think of having that ball inside yourself, starting at your belly button & between hips. Over exaggerate at a walk and "roll" your ball with your horse's footfall pattern.

Hope that helps! Riding bareback is great in the winter, keeps your booty warm!
 
#12 ·
Hope that helps! Riding bareback is great in the winter, keeps your booty warm!
Thank you! Yes, I definitely agree, my butt stayed so warm, it was wonderful! :happydance:

I tried trotting for a bit today, I only felt unbalanced once or twice. When I ride with the saddle, his trot feels un-sittable, but bareback it was really easy! Also, I'm pleased to say it wasn't painful, I wasn't bumping against his bony withers :lol: I think I'll be able to get it down pretty fast.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.
Top