How to Ride a Bony Horse Bareback
Look into why your horse is bony in the first place., Develop a good seat., Consider purchasing a bareback pad., If you've never ridden bareback before, consider trying it for the first time on a less bony horse - for maximum comfort the first time...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Look into why your horse is bony in the first place.
Some horses, when in pretty good shape, just have naturally bony backs, but if your horse is slightly underweight (which can also cause a protruding backbone), gradually change his feed to help him put on a little more weight. -
Step 2: Develop a good seat.
The bony back is really only painful when you're bouncing up and down on it, so the better you are at keeping your backside on the horse, the more enjoyable this will be. , A bareback pad is a fluffy piece of saddle-shaped cloth that cinches onto your horse, and you can sit on it to cushion yourself.
They also offer better grip, and are great for first time bareback riders, and those with bony horses.
See the tips and warnings for advice on buying and using a bareback pad. , It will be easier to adjust to riding your bony horse bareback if you're not also adjusting to riding bareback, too. , You will definitely notice the difference, but especially if your seat is pretty good, you may be thankful for the backbone as a guide to keep you in the middle of the horse.
Simply walk the first time, and you may also try cantering (or loping, if you ride western).
The canter is actually more comfortable than the trot when you're riding bareback
- you're rocking back and forth instead of bouncing up and down. , Regardless of how much you've prepared for this, you're likely to be a bit sore and stiff for a day or two.
Don't try to ride until you feel a bit better, because trying to avoid the pain when you ride will throw off your balance. , Once you get used to it, you won't be uncomfortable at all, and just about anything is possible. -
Step 3: Consider purchasing a bareback pad.
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Step 4: If you've never ridden bareback before
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Step 5: consider trying it for the first time on a less bony horse - for maximum comfort the first time
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Step 6: go for a fat
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Step 7: or at least broad backed horse
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Step 8: preferably shorter and easy to control.
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Step 9: Try riding your own horse.
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Step 10: Recuperate.
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Step 11: Move on to trotting
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Step 12: jumping
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Step 13: galloping
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Step 14: and anything else you'd like to try doing without a saddle.
Detailed Guide
Some horses, when in pretty good shape, just have naturally bony backs, but if your horse is slightly underweight (which can also cause a protruding backbone), gradually change his feed to help him put on a little more weight.
The bony back is really only painful when you're bouncing up and down on it, so the better you are at keeping your backside on the horse, the more enjoyable this will be. , A bareback pad is a fluffy piece of saddle-shaped cloth that cinches onto your horse, and you can sit on it to cushion yourself.
They also offer better grip, and are great for first time bareback riders, and those with bony horses.
See the tips and warnings for advice on buying and using a bareback pad. , It will be easier to adjust to riding your bony horse bareback if you're not also adjusting to riding bareback, too. , You will definitely notice the difference, but especially if your seat is pretty good, you may be thankful for the backbone as a guide to keep you in the middle of the horse.
Simply walk the first time, and you may also try cantering (or loping, if you ride western).
The canter is actually more comfortable than the trot when you're riding bareback
- you're rocking back and forth instead of bouncing up and down. , Regardless of how much you've prepared for this, you're likely to be a bit sore and stiff for a day or two.
Don't try to ride until you feel a bit better, because trying to avoid the pain when you ride will throw off your balance. , Once you get used to it, you won't be uncomfortable at all, and just about anything is possible.
About the Author
Peter Jenkins
Peter Jenkins is an experienced writer with over 17 years of expertise in consulting. Passionate about sharing practical knowledge, Peter creates easy-to-follow guides that help readers achieve their goals.
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