Bareback Riding

[EnduranceAli]

I will be riding Frayne bareback (in the fields or school only, of course) until I can afford a saddle. At least we can then get to know each other better and she will get used to regular exercise. Any tips/ideas for bareback schooling? I have also been looking at the bareback pads available in the US (I can get one shipped over here for around £30 in total) - these have stirrups attached and would, of course, keep my bum clean! Has anyone used one of these?

I will walk her out in hand around the lanes/farm - so that she can get used to all the farm traffic and crazy tourists :rolleyes:

Hopefully I will be able to get my saddle (treeless) within a couple of months, but don't want to leave her unridden for that time.

Ali xx

[No_Angel]

have you thought about one of these?
http://www.bettersaddles.co.uk/acatalog/Cashel_Soft_Saddle.html

the bareback pads with the stirrups arent good, too much pressure in one area across the back.:)

[EnduranceAli]

Thanks for that - will avoid a bareback pad then. At least Frayne is nice and comfy (wide with some excess weight) :)

The Cashel looks fantastic, but at nearly £200 I may as well wait until I can afford the £300 treeless saddle I want :rolleyes:

Never been in this situation before - always had full tack with the ponies/horses I have had. Made me realise how expensive everything is :(

[Imp]

May be a bit late in the day as you posted a while ago, but I've just ordered this one http://www.charliesproducts.co.uk/shop/product.php?xProd=6&xSec=8

[martini55]

I have sold both my saddles and waiting for a freeform fitter to come out (should be in the next couple of weeks :D) so I have been riding bareback. As I have also been saving I didn't want to spend any money on bareback pads etc so have just ridden completely bareback. I suppose a cheaper alternative could be using a normal saddle pad with a surgicle? Don't know if that would work well or not.

[india]

I have also been looking at the bareback pads available in the US (I can get one shipped over here for around £30 in total) - these have stirrups attached and would, of course, keep my bum clean! Has anyone used one of these?
Any type of bareback pad that have stirrups attached should be avoided at all costs - they're extremely dangerous.

The 'BestFriend' bareback pads are excellent value for money (I've had mine for over two years and it's still as good as new):)

http://www.barebackpad.co.uk

[mu0ljk]

I have a best friend pad too and it's great! Although I wouldn't have bought one unless Sid hadn't had quite such a bony high wither!! :o

I used to do it without a pad with the pony I used to own.

As everyone else has said stirrups on the pads are a big no no!! :)

Have fun!

[Karie]

i have a bareback pad with sturups, i reall dont like them. You can use them to mount becuase they pull the pad off and its not called bareback if you have sturups. Once i fond out how to remove mine im going to take them off ;D

[capalldubh]

I have a Bestfriend too and have been using it in the school. You have pretty much the same feel of the horse's movement that you would completely bareback, but with a little padding which cushions the horse's back a little (if you have prominient seat bones ;) ), or cushions you if your horse has a prominent spine. Also it is a little stickier than bareback if your horse is very slippery (mine is), plus keeps your jodhs clean and dry (when horse works hard and sweats up a bit).

There is also a useful grab handle for yeehah moments - I use because we occasionally have uncomfortable downward transitions from canter where I can need the security...

[martini55]

i have a bareback pad with sturups, i reall dont like them. You can use them to mount becuase they pull the pad off and its not called bareback if you have sturups. Once i fond out how to remove mine im going to take them off ;D


I'd imagine having stirrups on a bareback pad wouldn't be too good for your horses back either. I just have visions of them creating pressure points.

[valiant]

At my Natural Horsemanship RI we ride mainly on bareback pads (without stirrups). She has the best ones I've come across, wool on the underside and suede on top. The suede is nice and sticky..I think she has them made specially, so I can't help with manufacturers. It is also excellent for your seat because you can't brace against the stirrups and learn bad habits!

[lolahutt]

At my Natural Horsemanship RI we ride mainly on bareback pads (without stirrups). She has the best ones I've come across, wool on the underside and suede on top. The suede is nice and sticky..I think she has them made specially, so I can't help with manufacturers. It is also excellent for your seat because you can't brace against the stirrups and learn bad habits!

Could you find out the make of these bareback pads I would really like to know-Thanks.:)

[Est]

I used to ride Ria in a Polypad with an elastic surcingle - very cheap and easy! Once I felt more confident I rode bareback. This was all in the school or round the yard - my nerves still aren't up to saddle-less anywhere else - so full marks to you for confidence! :D

[EnduranceAli]

I never did ride Frayne bareback - thought about trying one day, but she was fussing about flies and a bit jumpy - and noone to hold her whilst I attempted to get on! I have bought a bargain treeless saddle off Ebay and my YO is lending me girth/stirrups etc until I get paid on Saturday and can then order my own. Hopefully trying out the saddle this afternoon. The Best Friend Bareback pads look great and something I would like to get - I have saved the link.

Ali xx