The Pros & Cons of Bareback Riding

There’s definitely something special about bareback riding. It brings you closer to your horse. You no longer have a bulky piece of equipment between the two of you, instead, you can feel every part of their back and sides. Most will agree they can get a better understanding of their horse’s movement.

Bareback riding does come with some drawbacks to both the horse and rider though. Before you ditch your saddle, make sure your horse is a good candidate for it. You’ll also want to evaluate your own abilities, as this type of riding is a good test of your balance.

Pros of Bareback Riding

There are many pros to leaving your saddle in the tack room and opting to ride bareback. You’ll experience both physical and mental benefits!

• You’ll develop a better feel for your horse, which can lead to improved communication. Good riders understand the importance of light and subtle aids. When riding bareback, you’ll quickly see how even a shift of your weight can cause a reaction in your horse.
• It gives you a chance to understand your horse’s gaits. This can be helpful in learning to count strides or footfalls. A saddle can muffle that feel, making it trickier for newer riders to master.
• This type of riding will improve your balance and seat. You’ll need to stay centered on your horse’s back in order to not fall off. It will also lengthen your leg and strengthen your core.
• It’s fun! It allows riders to change things up. Talk about a boost of confidence when you can trot or canter bareback.
• Riders often find it a lot quicker to jump on and go, so if you’re short on time bareback riding may be the way to go.

Cons of Bareback Riding

There are also some drawbacks to riding without a saddle. After all, saddles were designed to equally distribute your weight across your horse’s back. Make sure to do your research!

• Without a solid seat or good balance, riders may fall off. The saddle can offer security. If your horse was to spook and jump sideways, you may slip and tumble off.
• Not all horses are good candidates. Those that are sensitive may not enjoy the feel of a rider on their bareback, especially if the rider isn’t light with their aids. 
• Some may be too spooky or unpredictable, which will make it difficult for riders to stay on.
• Research from Michigan State University has suggested that riders can leave pressure points on the horse’s back, particularly where the seat bones sit. This can cause pain and potentially tissue damage.

Riders and their horse can enjoy lots of benefits from riding bareback. It’s a wonderful opportunity to develop a better connection with your horse. You’ll need to consider the cons though, as no one wants to cause their horse unnecessary pain. In many cases, you can reduce or eliminate these issues by keeping sessions short and infrequent. There are also bareback pads to aid in the comfort of the horse and rider. They do not distribute weight like a saddle though.

Don’t be afraid to try something new! Now, who’s ready to ride?

Enjoy this blog post? We think you may like Bareback Riding: Leave Your Saddle at the Barn by Emily Fought.

Work citation:

H.M. Clayton, B. Belock, M. Lavagnino, L.J. Kaiser,

Forces and pressures on the horse’s back during bareback riding,

The Veterinary Journal,

Volume 195, Issue 1,

2013,

Pages 48-52,

ISSN 1090-0233,

(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1090023312002341)