Is Bareback Riding Good for You?
We've all seen them. The photos and the video clips of people riding bareback on the beach or across the field, hair and mane flowing in the breeze--the perfect image of freedom and grace. Should you try it?
The answer is that it depends a good deal on the rider's flexibility, balance, and conditioning. Most people who try it--even those who think they have pretty good seats in the saddle--immediately fall off or hang on to the horse's mane for dear life once the horse begins to trot. This is not only dangerous for the rider, it is also uncomfortable for the horse.
But an experienced rider with a balanced and flexible seat moves effortlessly with the horse as though they were one being. The horse essentially gets a bit of a back rub and the rider has his or her spine comfortably flexed through the horse's movement.
The first time I rode bareback, I immediately noticed that the horse's spine was directly under my left seat bone, meaning that I had a habit of sitting shifted over to the right. I subsequently discovered the reason: My right leg is slightly shorter than my left leg (which I wasn't aware of), yet I carefully arranged my stirrups so that they hung evenly on both sides of the horse. That meant that I had to stretch my right leg down further to reach the right stirrup, and that caused me to lean and sit slightly to the right.
This excellent video from CRKTraining demonstrates how to ride bareback. Lots of nuggets in this video, so you'll probably want to watch it a few times.
The answer is that it depends a good deal on the rider's flexibility, balance, and conditioning. Most people who try it--even those who think they have pretty good seats in the saddle--immediately fall off or hang on to the horse's mane for dear life once the horse begins to trot. This is not only dangerous for the rider, it is also uncomfortable for the horse.
But an experienced rider with a balanced and flexible seat moves effortlessly with the horse as though they were one being. The horse essentially gets a bit of a back rub and the rider has his or her spine comfortably flexed through the horse's movement.
The first time I rode bareback, I immediately noticed that the horse's spine was directly under my left seat bone, meaning that I had a habit of sitting shifted over to the right. I subsequently discovered the reason: My right leg is slightly shorter than my left leg (which I wasn't aware of), yet I carefully arranged my stirrups so that they hung evenly on both sides of the horse. That meant that I had to stretch my right leg down further to reach the right stirrup, and that caused me to lean and sit slightly to the right.
This excellent video from CRKTraining demonstrates how to ride bareback. Lots of nuggets in this video, so you'll probably want to watch it a few times.
And when for the hunter-jumpers out there, this video should inspire you. In it, New Zealander Alycia Burton jumps big completely bareback. It's exhilarating to watch!
Happy riding!
Copyright Denise Cummins, PhD March 18, 2016; Updated June 5 2024
The Thinking Equestrian
As long as you’re here, check these out!
Equestrian Products That Make Your Riding and Horse Care Easier and Better!
Training and Riding tips for Everyone
Get Fit To Ride!
Opening photo credit: © Hvat10 | Dreamstime.com image51787803#res9815805
Copyright Denise Cummins, PhD March 18, 2016; Updated June 5 2024
The Thinking Equestrian
As long as you’re here, check these out!
Equestrian Products That Make Your Riding and Horse Care Easier and Better!
Training and Riding tips for Everyone
Get Fit To Ride!
Opening photo credit: © Hvat10 | Dreamstime.com image51787803#res9815805
