Hi Brenda-

 

I'm not keen on bareback riding. While it sounds all-natural and spiritually uplifting, the truth is that our seat bones tend to grind into the sensitive muscles on the horse's back as we follow its motion. If you don't think this is true, get on your hands and knees and haul a little child around on your back for a while. It hurts, and we have less rounded muscle to be poked into than most horses. Plus, no matter how good one rides, bareback is a less secure seat (you talk about the potential for losing your balance. . .and that potential is greater, bareback). Not only is this unnerving in itself for the horse, but any wrecks involving a person being thrown is not only dangerous for the person, but traumatizing for the horse.

If you like bareback riding, try one of the Bob Marshall treeless Sports Saddles. I bet you'll LOVE it. Basically, it's like riding bareback, but with stirrups, and much greater protection for your horse's back. These saddles are good for people who enjoy very close contact with their horse. They are not for roping or ponying from, but very useful for pleasure riding. I highly recommend you check out this option with Gerri Rini at First Choice Sports Saddle. The beauty of these saddles is also that even people who have a naturally high center of gravity (which makes bareback riding much more difficult), can enjoy close contact riding.

Happy trails!