Horseback riding tips???

Question

I might be getting a horse soon, and I was hoping to do some more bareback riding. I have ridden bareback before, in the walk and a slow trot and on trails. Are there any pieces of equipment that I should get? I read in a magazine on equine health that you should get a bareback pad. Also, do I need a bridle? Or can I ride with just a halter? Any tips?

Answer 1

You could use a bareback pad if you want, and if you feel like you can't control the horse from the mane use a halter and lead rope. Lie the lead rope against the side of the neck in the direction you want to go.

Answer 2

Hi there. You sound just like me. A Bareback pad will just help you stay on  tiny bit. If you want to use a halter you can. It may be easier to start will a bareback pad and a bridle and "graduate" to no pad and a halter. It takes time, but it's great fun!

Answer 3

Depends on the horse.

If your gona be proper bareback riding then buy a bareback pad. But if your just wanting to be kinda messing about then an old teatowel does fine!

You can ride in a halter but i really depends on how ell behaved or spooky the horse is.

Answer 4

bridles are a really good investment. i find you have better control with one. bareback pads make the ride more comfortable for the horse and the rider, but if you are only doing short rides it is unnecessary. as you probably know, when you come down too hard on a horses back, it really hurts their kidney or liver or something like that, so using the pad will keep you from landing as hard.

Answer 5

No, you dont need special equipment. I w/t/c/g and jump in a a halter with a lead clipped to it.

Some horses do better with a bridle and/or bareback pad but it depends on the horse. If you get a barback pad, dont get one with stirrups. I also like riding barback in a hackamore if the horse I am on refuses to go well in halter.

Tips: Stay on.  

Answer 6

I would get a bareback pad because it is better for the horse. Also, I would recommend NEVER to ride with a halter whether it be a mellow horse or not. Bridles are so much more safe. If you plan to do trail riding especially, because trails are so much more different than in the arena. Anything could be on a trail and it is better to be safe.  

Answer 7

hi a bareback pad just helps you balance and you have better control with a bridle with a bit versus a halter

Answer 8

When i ride bareback, i like to use a bridal as my horse tends to be a lil hard headed at times. It just depends on the horse, if they are really spooky, high spirited, or hard headed, i would use a bridal. I also like to ride with out a bareback pad (Maybe its because ive never used 1) it may be a bit more comfortable than riding with out 1.  

Answer 9

If you are getting a horse that spooks easily.... don't ride it bareback unless you are good at keeping control of your horse and you are experienced.  Get a saddle if you are not experienced for safety reasons.  Western saddles are more comftorble for trail riding.  You should get a bridle not just use a halter.  You really have no control over your horse when you are on its back with just a halter on it.  If you are a person who likes comfort get a bareback pad.  Their not too expensive and they add to the fun because you wont get irritated.  Also get a helmet..... thats the most important.

Much Luck!!!