Hello! I’m wondering if there can be negative effects of riding my horse bareback occasionally? I hopped on bareback to go on a trail ride with my mom the other day (ended up being a few hour ride) but I was surprised by how much fun it was! My horse seemed to move better bareback too and I really liked the improved communication. I was doing some low level dressage work on the trail (collected canter, shoulder in, half pass etc) and it was an absolute blast and I honestly can’t wait to do it again, but it got me wondering if I could be harming my horses back by doing this? I made sure to palpate his back after our ride (I was certainly sore after it turned out to be much longer than I initially thought it would be) but he seemed OK and I didn’t see or feel any signs that he was dropping his back to avoid pressure.
I rode bareback all the time as a kid and reminded myself often not to grip or pull my legs up and especially not to hang on his mouth to assist with balance, but does anyone know if there are studies on effects on their back muscles? has anyone ever had a horse get sore this way? Think it’s ok? It was loads of fun (especially the collected stuff because you can really feel them engaging and back coming up underneath you) but I wouldn’t want to risk harming him by not using a saddle with a tree. Also, I would keep rides to not over an hour.
PS- he’s built like a tank,15.1hh and I’m 5’8 and 150 lbs.
I think the answer is ‘it depends’ in regards to what if any harm it can do. Truth be told, though, I ride mine bareback once in a while too.
I ride bareback fairly often, although my new horse hates it. it’s an easy way for me to take my other mare out for the tall grass out back without having to walk, or to put a quick ride on her without having to get out my breeches or saddle. It’s actually good physiotherapy for my PN, so I am disappointed new mare seemingly hates it.
Bareback does put your weight on a much smaller space than a saddle does, so there is that “risk”, but seems minimal for occasional riding. I don’t think I would encourage it on a sway backed or weak backed horse though.
I like riding bareback, however my current horse, a mustang, is very reactive and sensitive so she tends to be over reactive when there is no saddle. We are, however, working on it once in awhile.
I don’t think it does any harm if you have a balanced seat and independent aids. It’s good for the rider. I have ridden my horse bareback fine as an adult. But honestly the risk of falling off dissaudes me from doing it on hard ground. I’m at an age where I really can’t risk falls.
I was cured of bareback riding by mare who just bucked and bucked and bucked until I came off down her shoulder with a handful of mane.
I don’t see how riding bareback can have many negative consequences. You might have to take some precautions, such as using lots of padding (either in the bareback pad or under it) with a high-withered horse, as their spine doesn’t feel good to us and our seat bones can’t feel good to them! As long as you don’t ride recklessly and keep the comfort of the horse in mind, you and your horse should be fine.
The tree of the saddle does protect the horse’s back, partly to take the brunt of the force when we post/put weight in the stirrups. The tree spreads that impact to a larger surface area, and over muscle tissue instead of bone. This is a non-issue when you ride bareback or use a bareback pad because there are no stirrups. Some bareback pads do have stirrups, but it’s not a good idea to use them as the impact is contained to a very small area on the spine.
I spent a lot of time riding bareback as a kid and the balance and body awareness it gave me are helpful to this day. The muscle memory and quick reaction time you get from spending hours running through the woods on a wily Shetland pony in just a halter make it a lot harder for a young warmblood to spin you off 25 years later. It also gave me one hell of a chair seat that took YEARS to correct.
I don’t think you’re going to hurt your horse riding bareback. You probably have to adjust your position quite often to stay comfortable, and you’re following with your seat, so even in a smaller surface area you aren’t a static load. Just keep an eye out for soreness in your horse and bad habits in your position. And remember that it’s a lot easier to get spooked off of a naked horse, so wear that helmet please!
Thank you, all!
I do quite often and find that it really helps with my balance, core and relaxation. However, I’d only do it on a horse whose back is already strong and who knows how to properly carry a rider - it can be very unpleasant to a horse with any back problems or lack of muscling at all.
I used to until I got a horse with shark-fin withers, OUCH!!!
SAME!
My horses both have the kind of spines you simply don’t ride bareback. I LOVE bareback, so this makes me sad! If I’m careful of myself, I can ride my mare bareback walk/trot, but the mechanics of the canter basically tries to turn me into twins as she cuts into me.
Bareback can be especially good for raising awareness of horses leaning against your legs instead of bending around them - one of my friends was having issues with that on her horse, rode bareback, and was able to really fix it prior to a show, by feeling when it was happening right away.
Yes, you can get different equitation issues form trying to protect yourself, legs being more forward than in a saddle, etc., but for fun play time on horses there isn’t harm in general. If you have a horse who is sensitive to your bony parts, the horse will let you know and you should listen - but otherwise, no problem.
In the winter I will ride bareback at least once per week. I find it good for working on core strength and balance, and I can’t say my gelding has ever complained about it. I also definitely will just hop on bareback when I am running short on time and just want to have a nice relaxing ride.
Here is a clip from a couple winters ago and as you can see he certainly seems pretty relaxed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgKSRIcn8W0
In just a halter too?! What a well trained horse! Great looking pair
I only ride my mustang bareback these days. We just trail ride but he and I both enjoy it. He has a very strong back and us a steady and reliable trail partner.
I’ve ridden my pony bareback a little bit but she’s not as comfortable because she has more withers.
Thanks Appaloosa Dressage I was lucky to find him
Heck yeah! Great for balance.
I like to swim them through our pond too.
I grew up doing it and it feels good. I like to practice canter/walk/canter transitions BB. I have to stay upright and honest BB, I can’t get crouchy and forward. it helps me ride better.
I do, with my now mostly-retired mare, fairly often. More in the winter because she’s so nice and warm that way 
It helps that she’s super comfy with a wide, flat back. I use a Best Friends fake suede bareback pad. I don’t do a lot. Mostly walking, a little trotting. Cantering, I’m not steady enough, and she will drop right back down to a trot or walk if I try. I find that basic lateral work is much more accessible done bareback.
Keep in mind, though, that I wouldn’t call myself a dressage rider. I tried, but it destroyed my confidence.
