Trail bareback

I love riding bareback, but I can't ever get on without a stool!! My horse is 16.3 and I'm 5'10" so it shouldn't be an issue but I just can't!!! I'm really clumsy!! Any advice??? How do I get up there?

I always use a fence or mounting block to get on my horses, I feel it is better for their backs rather than having me trying to clamber on. I used to vault on my 14hh pony but I was a lot younger back then! I'd stand at her neck, hold the mane with my left hand, take one big step and vault onto her back with no problem, I wouldnt even attempt it now!

I would try but the fences nearby are pretty much just electric that might be a bit difficult! Thank you though!!!

I would try but the fences nearby are pretty much just electric:: that might be a bit difficult! Thank you though!!!

I swing up by the mane but I have to use the wrong side to mount with my right arm as it's stronger than my left. Make sure your horse doesn't mind you accidentally slamming into him, kneeing him in the flank, digging your toes (I often ride barefoot) into his opposite side hip, and general flailing while trying to haul yourself up there. It is extremely difficult if your horse tries to walk off with you, and it just gets harder if you miss the first or second try as your arms get weaker.

So. It's not impossible! I am 5'4" and can get on my 16.2ish Appendix. He has a nice high wither that makes a good grip for the other hand. So the key is practice, practice, practice! And don't practice when people are watching, it's never pretty.

I look for higher ground, a log, a rock, fence.......anything that I don't have to kill my horse or me getting up LOL

Thanks!! I never thought of using the wither! Chance has a high wither too so I'm definitely going to try it!! But since I keep my horse at my best friend's, she's probably going to be watching and laughing. :) unfortunately!! Oh well!

Trail riding bareback......last time I did that I couldn't walk right for two days. I didn't factor in all of the hill climbing we ended up doing.

The gal in the leather leggings rode all day, Some 23 miles bareback in February cold. She couldn't get off and walk as the snow and wet ground would have soaked through her mocossins. She went a little overboard at trying to be realistic like the native American horsemen.

Haha :) I don't plan on doing long trail rides bareback. I think that would be painful!! :)