First bareback ride ever on my pony.

[CheriFen]

I finally got brave and got on my boy bareback and it was fantastic. He was such a good boy. Now that I've gotten on him a BUNCH of times over the last week he's starting to challenge me a bit (pulling the reins to eat grass, refusing to walk forward), and I have fallen off twice =) no big, just hard to hold on when he does his sassy boy quick turns. and the other time as I was mounting I hit my foot on the fence causing a chain to fall and make a huge bang...he ran forward, I fell off. I sounded like a sack of potatoes hitting the ground and I let out one of those tennis player sounds. =) had to laugh at the whole thing, and thankfully I wasn't hurt. from either fall. but, I'm not in the slightest discouraged by the falls. (he's not very tall) Actually it gave me my balance now in the saddle. I always read it would, but now I can just feel how I should be in the saddle after being bareback.

I mounted bareback from the mounting block the first time and it's the perfect height.(hubby there to observe or help if needed) I can just step right over him and sit down. with out the saddle it's actually easier to mount. I LOVED it. It's always been a dream of mine to ride bareback but I've been so afraid, but after about 5-10 paces I found my balance and it felt great. So much nicer and easier than I thought.

and now in the mornings after our walk/graze I mount him from some logs in the field and ride him home. It's so fun. No saddle, no hassle, just dirty pants. No big. I LOVE it. I do want to get a bareback pad mostly for the sake of his back, and for extra grip for riding on trails once I'm brave enough for that. so far just all around the field.

sorry for the rambling, but I was so excited that I finally did it and am liking it,and I really think my horsey likes it too. It's a very connected feeling having your body directly touching your horse with nothing between.It's like giving them a full body hug with your legs. =) and for anyone who is afraid, give it a try. I think you will love it too.

[Jane&Ziggy]

A full body hug with your legs! Brilliant!

Isn't it a great feeling? Asssuming your pony is not too wide, of course.

I am so glad you are enjoying him!

[MPR]

That's great! You've made a lot of progress and gained quite a bit of confidence. Good for both of you.

[Joyscarer]

I love sitting on Joy bareback to go back up to her field. I could never call it 'riding' as I can't do any much other than be a passenger!

I'd love to be able to feel as happy bareback as I do with a saddle but things are improving...all be it slowly and in a straight line!

[learningcurve]

That is fantastic...what a lovely happy post.

[Lauzy]

"no saddle, no hassle, just dirty pants". Love it, I know in the USA you call trousers' pants, but it did make me chuckle.

I love riding bareback, I think I feel more connected to my boy and it helps improve my position. I used to ride in the school at my old yard regularly bareback.

[CheriFen]

hehe, that is funny. =)