riding bareback

[Elaine]

Can most horses handle being ridden bareback? If so, how can you tell if your horse will be ok with it?

Thanks

[fionahogg]

most horses should be ok with being ridden bareback...if you think about it, if they can handle the rider and the saddle, they should be ok with just the rider. but make sure that you are sitting straight all the time because i would imagine that the horse will be much more able to feel where the rider is sitting and if you are crooked he will not be very happy. this could also put undue pressure onto sensitive areas of the back. i think the horse will probably tell you in some way if he's not happy with the way he is being ridden, be it bareback or under saddle. but some horses will obviously be much 'louder' than others in telling you...some may buck or something, whereas others may move just crookedly, it depends on the horse. but like i said, make sure you are riding correctly so as to make your horse as comfortable as poss!!
hope this helps.
fiona :-)

[Miriam]

When I was at having lessons at the local riding school we used to ride bareback. This was to enable us to be able to feel the horse and help with our position.

[Allie]

I wouldn't think you would have any problems with any horses. If you think about it, bareback has got to be more comfortable for the horse, as there is no saddle (that possibly does not even fit), and no girth strapped 'round his belly. We ride bareback all the time, and I have never had a problem with a horse. It is more likely that the rider will not be happy with barebacck, if the horse has a particularly boney back, or they feel less secure than in a saddle.

Allie

[Elaine]

Thank you everyone for the replies.