Bareback in Arena?

[wanabe]

Anyone doing their walk/trot/canter exercises on bareback? I thought I'd give this a go and stopped very quickly in the trot! I sensed disaster ahead so got off and went back to the stable and got the saddle! :o

[frazz_starlight]

I do :-) You have to practice alot though!!
Galloped him bareback today round the stubble field, and it was amazing!
So i would say keep trying, it really improves your position, and when you've worked on riding bareback, you can go for a bareback gallop and feel how good it feels to be so close to your horse and actually stay on as well as going fast!
You could try with a bareback pad, but make sure it's done up tight!!
xxxx

[wanabe]

Wow, I'm impressed! I would think that would be very scary! :eek:

I'm not sure I'll repeat the experience. I think I'll stick with stirrupless when trotting and cantering. (And stirrups when I'm galloping!)

[Sammii]

I'm always riding bareback, normally when it's too hot and he doesn't have a light enough numnah to go under his saddle.

I did it today, had a near miss (was also in a headcollar and leadrop) when he had a strop and nearly chucked me off :p BUT IT WAS FUN :D

[Skib]

wanabe - dont rule it out if bareback is something you long to do.
But find a good teacher and suitable horse and learn to trot bareback on the lunge. At our age it is something one has to learn and give a bit of concentration?

Right rein I found easy. It took me a couple of lessons before I could trot at ease on the left rein - because bareback shows up where and how one is crooked, and improves one's balance. I am already wondering if my OH will have a bareback lesson from our RI next year? And I am sure you could do the same.

[popdog]

It takes practice, but it's great for balance. I got quite a shock first time I tried it as I was very unbalanced...but the more I do it the better I get.

I've attached a pic of my first time ever riding bareback. My position is all over the place and I look terrified...but it was great fun and my pony looks like he is enjoying himself.

Keep on trying...you'll get more confident :D

[horseygirl123]

I'd recommend the bestfriend bareback pad ;)

I've just got one and it is soooo comfortable and having the pad helps you feel a little less slippy !!

Dont stop, its great fun when you get into to, I even cantered for the first time the other day with the bareback pad and it was very comfy and as long as you relax when coming back to trot you'll be fine :D

[Bobbi's_mum]

I ride bareback all the time because i cant be bothered to tack up:o:D

It helps my position and its fun:D

[Siogfinsceal]

i love bareback! havent done it in in years (its against rs insurance ;-( ) besides siog has the boniest withers and bounciest short trot EVER my ass is just not up to that kind of trauma ;-)

Its worth you giving it another go it just takes practise to grip on esp in those canter to trot transitions. some people here on NW have cool bareback pads they look comfy

[laura jeanne]

I saw a teenage girl at my barn riding bareback at the trot, horse was in a halter with the lead rope lying on his neck, and the girl was putting her hair up in a ponytail (no hands ma!). Later, I saw her doing the most perfect posting trot and canter bareback in the arena. sigh.

[wanabe]

I saw a teenage girl at my barn riding bareback at the trot, horse was in a halter with the lead rope lying on his neck, and the girl was putting her hair up in a ponytail (no hands ma!). Later, I saw her doing the most perfect posting trot and canter bareback in the arena. sigh.

That's pretty amazing, all right!

Siogfinsceal - "my ass is just not up to that kind of trauma" :D