The morning air is still and cool with dew. A promise of heat for the afternoon. The scents of fresh grass and clean air. Birdsong and the sound of water running over rocks in the creek, is accompanied by hooves on the hard trail. The feeling of strength and health between your thighs. Without effort you know what your mount sees and thinks a millisecond before he reacts. The pocket of his withers more comfortable than a coach potato’s recliner. One hand full of silky mane, the other holds the reins like an after thought. Playfulness comes from your horse. The mornings’ easy trot becomes a full out gallop of joy. Wind whistles in your ears. The earth thunders under your hooves. Ears pointed straight at the creek crossing. You can feel that you are both going to fly over the water. Knees and fingers grip tight. Up, Over and down, thundering again before the next heartbeat.
Sounds good, doesn’t it? It is more freedom than most people get to taste in a lifetime. But now let me complete the scenario.
The gallop slows to an easy trot. The trot to a walk. Both rider and horse feel very satisfied with themselves. Jeans slide on a slick sweaty back. Deep breaths tinted with the smell of horse. Suddenly a turkey comes strait in front of you. The horse spins off the trail in fright. And you are suddenly sitting on the trail. Whether you are fifteen or fifty the ground hurts. Although it does seem to get harder and farther away the older, you get. Now a really great horse will come back to check on you. A not so great horse will be back at the barn before you can limp half way up the trail. And then there is the horse that waits twenty feet away. As soon as you hobble close enough to touch, he runs another twenty feet. And then the horse waits again. That is how you will go all the way back to the barn. Twenty feet at a time. Although this horse shows intelligence and a sense of humor, I personally prefer the horse that comes back for me.
Bare back riding does make you a better rider. It improves your balance and focuses your concentration. Keep in mind that when you watch a true rider running bareback, you are seeing two professionals. Who are so good that they make riding look easy. That does not mean that it is half as easy as it looks.
If you decide to try bare for the first time, your choice of a mount is very important. The horse that you normally ride my not be the best choice. Broad backed, smooth paced and distinct withers are nice options. But a good sturdy personality is more important. The Passo Fino that flinches when a crow flies over. Or the Arab that shies from his own shadow should not even be considered. You need a bullet proof quarter horse, or a nice calm Belgium. The draft horse will put you further away from the ground, but you will be less likely to hit it. A horse that will neck rein well is also preferable.
Once you have chosen the proper mount, outfit both of you properly. Make sure the horse is wearing a bit he is accustomed to wearing. Be certain that this is a horse you can control. Brakes are very important. When I say whoa, I mean yesterday. Wear jeans. They are made the way they are for several reasons. Shorts and riding pants are a bad idea. Consider a lead rope and a walker at least in the beginning.
Next, use a mounting block. Otherwise, you will probably just embarrass yourself. And you may frighten the horse attempting to mount any other way.
Once you have one leg on each side of the horse, move up. You need to be sitting on his withers at the base of the neck. Your feet should dangle almost even with the horses front legs. You have only two anchors. A hand full of mane about level with your stomach. Which is why a horse who will neck rein is so important. Your only other stabilizer is your own sense of balance, and the strength of your inner thighs.
Start slowly. The horse should be fine with it. You are the beginner. Remember, the only person you need to impress is yourself. Pay attention to your horse. His ears and the way he moves. You should know what your horse is feeling and thinking immediately. A good rider knows that communication with or without a saddle.
If you feel confident and comfortable, try a slow trot. Remember that there is no posting. Forget up and down. The trick is forward and back. Knees are at each side of the chest. Don’t trot far, stop and back up. Make sure you are still in full control. Now, it is nothing but practice. Just remember to take it slowly. Don’t always ride bareback. Alternate, bareback one day and saddled the next.
I have been working horses for twenty-five years. Most of the times I have been hurt, it was by my own stupidity or someone else’s. Very rarely has it been the horses fault. But that does not make it hurt any less. Whatever you decide to do, take it slowly. You are doing this for your own pleasure, so enjoy it.
That being said I will admit. I love to ride and ride every day. But I do not ride a horse. I ride a great mule. She is very dependable and much less of a flight animal. I have reached middle age, and the ground has gotten further away and harder. I have no desire to ride bareback any longer. I like a saddle, and stirrups, and the feeling of control they give me.
