Is it bad for my horse's spine to always ride bareback?

Question

People are starting to tell me that it's bad to always ride bareback because of the long term effects the undistributed weight has on my horse's spine. But in my case, I never ride in one place. I ride in different spots on his back depending on what we're doing, trotting, galloping, cantering, ect. Especially when we gallop, I push myself all the way back near his behind and when he starts galloping if I don't tighten my legs around his belly ( which i usually do ) then I will slowly slide forward towards his withers. So the weight really is distributed. Not only that, but I round out at 100 lbs, which is less then some saddles alone weigh. Am I still risking the quality and safety of his back? Thanx for any advice =]

Answer 1

I would say its no worse than riding with a saddle. As long as you are keeping your weight balanced it should not have a long term bad effect on the horse.

I would say a poorly fitted saddle ridden in regularly is worse than regular riding bare back.

If your horse is being bothered by your seat I imagine that you know, because the horse will have a sensitive spot, or spots, on his back. You can tell if your horse has these when brushing and through regular inspection, pressing firmly long the back and making sure that the horse is not wincing.

Answer 2

It depends on how good your seat is- but remember that where the saddle goes is actually the weakest part of a horses back so when you are riding bareback because there is no saddle to distribute your weight you should sit much further forward than the saddle sits- almost directly on top of his withers.

To see if his back is sore run your fingers (with some pressure) down your horses back if its sore he will but his ears back and or hollow his back away from your hand, or get a good horse chiropractor to check him over.

Answer 3

I think I'd agree with the first answerer. Horses were ridden bareback for centuries, and if it were a problem, we wouldn't have them to ride now.

As for how you're riding, I'm not sure I'd agree - but I can't see you so I can't critique. I'd agree that at 100 pounds, you weigh not much more than a good roping saddle, so no worries that your weight is a problem. And it is very common for horses to bear that in tack. Thousands and thousands every day do it.

In your situation, I'd be more worried about what that horse's backbone was doing to my sore hind end, but then I'm old and broke down.. ;)

Answer 4

No, that is not true.  Like some other answers if you can ride bareback, then you obviously have good balance.  It is true however, that in order to stay on the best place of your horses back, you need to be up pretty close to the withers.  If you ride bareback a lot, you probably know where that spot is.  It's not the most comfertable place at first to ride at, but after a while you'll get used to it. :)

Answer 5

You should not push yourself back, this puts all your weight directly on his kidneys which is painful for him. Riding bareback is really hard on horses, because saddles are made to properly distribute weight. You have to be balanced and not shift your weight around too much.

And I've never heard of a saddle weighing 100lbs+

Answer 6

If you are riding balanced which you must do if you ride bare back at all. How is that putting any weight on the horse that will hurt it or cause damage to the horse. People that say that don't know what they are talking about. They are probably the same ones that say a mare having too many foals makes her sway backed. Just ride your horse bare back and enjoy the ride. If you still aren't sure, ask any vet and they will probably laugh. If you were hurting the horse, I am sure it would buck you off. Horses were ridden for centuries with out saddle at all. Did Native Americans ruin their horses?