You know that feeling when you first tried riding without a saddle? Mine was equal parts terror and exhilaration. I remember clinging to my friend's old quarter horse like a burr, convinced I'd slide right off. Funny thing is, after twenty years in the saddle, bareback horse riding has become my favorite way to connect with these animals. But let's be real – it's not all Instagram-worthy sunset rides. There's chafing involved. And muscles you didn't know existed. But if you're curious about skipping the saddle, I'll give you the straight talk no one gave me.

What Exactly Is Bareback Riding?

When I teach beginners about bareback horse riding, I always start with this: Your legs are your lifeline. Without stirrups or a saddle horn, you're relying entirely on thigh grip and core strength. It forces you to move with the horse rather than just sitting there like a sack of potatoes. You'll feel every shift, every muscle twitch under you. That's the magic – and the challenge.

Western riders often scoff at bareback riding, calling it impractical. Honestly? They've got a point if you're herding cattle all day. But for building true riding skills? Nothing beats it. My dressage instructor made us do bareback lessons twice a month. Hated it then, grateful now.

Why People Actually Ride Bareback

• Building real balance: Can't fake it without stirrups. You either find your center or eat dirt.
• Developing "horse feel": You'll detect lameness or soreness faster since there's no padding.
• Emergency situations: Ever needed to hop on quickly? No saddle required.
• Medical benefits: My physical therapist swears bareback riding strengthened my core better than Pilates.
• Pure connection: Feeling the horse's warmth and movement creates a partnership you can't replicate.

Safety First: Don't Be a Statistic

Look, I've taken my share of tumbles. My worst was trying bareback jumping (dumb idea, don't do it). Ended up with bruised ribs and a bruised ego. Bareback riding is riskier – about 30% more falls according to equine injury reports. But you can stack the deck in your favor.

Essential Safety Gear Prices

Funny story – my first bareback pad was a $15 yoga mat cut to shape. Worked okay until it slid sideways during trot. Embarrassing but effective lesson: invest in proper tack. The Acavallo pad? Worth every penny for long trail rides.

Finding Your Perfect Bareback Partner

Not all horses are bareback candidates. My Thoroughbred? Too bony. My friend's draft cross? Like sitting on a sofa. Here's what matters:

Where to find bareback-friendly horses? Check lesson barns first. Places like Triple Creek Ranch in Ohio ($65/hour lessons) or Meadowbrook Stables in Oregon specialize in bareback programs. Always ask if they offer introductory bareback horse riding lessons – many do for $10-$15 extra.

Horse Breed Suitability for Bareback

Personally, I'd avoid Arabians for initial bareback attempts unless you're experienced. They're like riding coiled springs. Stick with that chill quarter horse until you've got your "bareback legs."

Step-by-Step Bareback Riding Guide

Mounting without stirrups is the first hurdle. I've seen people use fences, buckets, even car bumpers (not recommended). Here's the legit way:

Mounting technique:
1. Stand at horse's shoulder facing rear
2. Grab mane and withers (not saddle pad!)
3. Spring up, swing leg over
4. Land gently - no belly flops!

Now the sitting part. Forget what you learned with saddles. Your posture should be:

• Pelvis tilted slightly forward (prevents tailbone jamming)
• Legs relaxed downward (no gripping with knees)
• Core muscles engaged (like holding a plank)
• Hands low and wide (better balance)

Common mistakes? Leaning forward is #1. Makes you pitch off at trot. Also gripping with knees - your thighs will scream the next day. I still catch myself doing this after hours on the trails.

Transitioning Between Gaits

Most spills happen during gait transitions. When my student Jenny shifted to canter too abruptly last month, she slide right off sideways. Luckily just grass stains. Lesson? Ask smoothly for upward transitions.

Must-Have Bareback Accessories

While purists insist on nothing but horse and rider, most of us appreciate some gear:

Bareback pads: Not saddles, but padded covers. The Best Friend pad has non-slip silicone dots ($120). Worth it for sweaty horses. Cheaper pads slide constantly – super annoying mid-ride.

Girths and handles: Controversial! Some argue they defeat the purpose. But for trail riding? That handle on the Professional's Choice pad saved me during a spook last fall. $45 well spent.

Grippy pants: Kerrits Riding Tights ($85) have silicone patterns. Helps beginners stay put. Old-school riders call it cheating. I call it staying upright.

Bareback Riding Pros vs Cons

The cost factor surprised me. My custom saddle needed $300 in repairs last year. Bareback riding? Maybe a new pad every 5 years. But during rainy Oregon winters, I still use saddles – bareback on wet horses feels like riding a bar of soap.

Top Beginner Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

From watching hundreds of riders attempt bareback horse riding:

• Death grip thighs: Causes horse discomfort and rider cramps. Fix: Focus on core muscles instead.
• Looking down: Guarantees imbalance. Fix: Pick a horizon point and stare at it.
• Starting on wrong horse: That young Arabian isn't a good idea. Fix: Use lesson barn "school masters" first.
• No warm-up: Cold muscles = stiff riding. Fix: Do 10 minutes of walk work first.
• Skipping ground work: Mounting unprepared horses spells trouble. Fix: Always lunge first if horse is fresh.

Biggest mistake? Trying too much too soon. Bareback jumping looks cool on TikTok until you're airborne without the horse. Build skills progressively over months.

Bareback Riding FAQs

Taking It to Trails

My first bareback trail ride ended with me walking home covered in mud. Spooked at a squirrel – classic. Now? I trail ride bareback weekly. Keys to success:

Popular bareback-friendly trails include Sedona's Red Rock paths (rentals at $110/hour at M Diamond Ranch) or Florida's Withlacoochee State Forest. Always check footing – sandy soil is more forgiving than rocky paths.

Regional Considerations

If you're in rainy areas like I am, consider a suede-seat bareback pad for wet weather riding. The extra friction might save your backside. Literally.

Final Thoughts: Is Bareback Riding For You?

Still remember old Mr. Henderson yelling across the arena: "Saddle's a crutch, girl!" Took me years to understand. Bareback riding strips away the buffers between you and the horse. You'll feel every imperfection in your seat. Every imbalance. It's brutally honest riding.

But the rewards? Unmatched. When you finally move as one with that horse, no leather between you? Pure magic. Start slow though. Find a patient horse. And maybe invest in padded riding tights – your sit bones will thank you later.