How To Ride Bareback

If you are a horse lover, you have probably fantasized about jumping onto your trusty steed and galloping bareback across sandy beaches or rolling grassy plains.  But do you know how to ride your horse bareback and do it safely?  In this case, being spontaneous requires some preparation.  Here are some tips:

First, wear a helmet.  Riding a horse carries a certain amount of risk, and riding bareback even more so.  With no saddle to hold you in place, you can't forgo this safety requirement.

Next, know your skill level and that of your horse.  Can you confidently get your horse to walk, trot, lope, and stop and back up while saddled?  You'll definitely need these skills to be able to ride bareback.

Also, don't just hop on and gallop across country.  When riding bareback for the first few times, be sure to ride in a safe, enclosed area, such as a round pen or arena.  You need to build your confidence, and that of your horse, prior to embarking on more adventurous rides.  Another consideration is that the saddle provides a means of distributing your weight across your horse's back; without it, there is a chance you can make your horse sore if you ride bareback for long periods, or too often.

If you have never ridden bareback, think about how you plan to mount your horse.  Use a mounting block, or even a solid fence that you can climb - but be careful the first time, because your horse might not understand what you are doing.  Once mounted, just relax for a minute.  Get used to the feel of your horse without the saddle, and let him get used to feeling you that way also.

Since you do not have stirrups for your feet, pay attention to how you are using your legs.  Do not clamp onto your horse with your heels!  You might end up on the ground if you do.  Use your seat and thighs to hold you in place.  Don't pinch with your knees, or you could propel yourself up off of your horse's back and become unbalanced.  Focus on moving with your horse, and be sure to go slow in the beginning.  Riding bareback takes practice, so walk before you trot!

Don't be afraid to grab your horse's mane if you need to hold on, and in no time you'll be flying across the beach just like you always imagined it!