bareback riding tips

Hi Everyone!

I'm thinking of doing my Pony Club K certificate and as part of that, I'm choosing the bareback/show of agility option. I'll need to do some jumping and probably some mounted games.

I have done some bareback riding in the past but I was wondering if anyone here has any tips for me??? I find bareback riding easy on large stocky horses but really difficult on my fine built mare. Plus she has the bounciest trot ever and an incredibly annoying tendency to shy with no warning

It shouldn't be any different as when riding with tack. Make sure you stay centered, relaxed and move forward with your mount. I agree with you with being more comfortable on stockier horses but I do find it easier to ride slimmer, less *cough* comfortable horses

Easier and more simple for you to "stick" with your horse.

Just make sure you stay relaxed, & keep your legs nice & long.
Having good balance is important!

I agree with everyone else on this one. If you are a good rider with tack, you should be a good rider without it.

My Arab x has a springy trot..
You just need to relax because when you tense you will start bouncing all over the place, This might be hard at first, maybe ask someone to lung you while you are bareback so then you're not using your reins to balance you.

Let us know how it goes and if you need anymore help just let me know.

Ok, I'll try doing that arabianprincess - only problem is, this is the horse I was talking about in my post 'grumpy horse' lol. Ah well, she'll just have to be a grump and we'll ignore her hehe

What are the best clothes to wear? I've heard jeans are easier to ride bareback in - is this right? And is it easier to ride when the horse is slightly dirty or sweaty? It would make sense because you'd grip better.

To tell you the truth, I just jump on bareback and go for gold, whether I be in jeans, tackies, shorts or bathers I find it all easy *sus face*.

Maybe try sit trotting no stirrups with the saddle on and slowly go from there, or have the saddle pad under neith and wean your self to bareback.