Is it possible to ride a horse without a saddle?

Question

Is it good or bad? Will the horse be more comfortable, or hate it?

Answer 1

Yes, but it is extremely difficult for the rider, as there is nothing holding the rider in place and the rider can easily fall off.

It won't be too much comfort for the horse either. I mean, imagine a little kid filing and rubbing your back the whole time.  

Answer 2

yes - what do you think they did in the olden days? it is called going bareback. it is more tiring for the horse and you and the horse are more prone to injury. you need really good balance. find out more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bareback_ri...

Answer 3

saddles are made with a tree for a reason, to distrubute the weight evenly across the sides of the spine and keep pressure off the center. DO NOT RIDE BARE BACK, the anotomy of the human does not complement the horse's back and WILL BE PAINFUL FOR THE HORSE. I have seen many people say 'i don't ride in a saddle, why is my horse lame?' it's because you need a saddle

The occasional walk around the pasture bareback is fine, but do NOT ride it on a regular basis or if the horse is pregnant. Also be sure the saddle is fitted properly because an ill fitting saddle will redern them lame as well, over time. do NOT buy a treeless saddle, you might as well ride bareback.

Bareback should only be an option for disabled or special needs riders who weight within a specific range

do not ride bareback I have seen too many horses made lame by this. Though a large part is you must know how to ride bareback as well as there is an actual method.

Answer 4

yes it is.

the hhorse will feeel more comfort w/o saddle.

Don't try this if u r still an amateur. It's not save.

Answer 5

its ok but if the horse doesn't like it he'll tell you lol

Answer 6

it makes no difference to the horse  

Answer 7

yeah course..its called bare back..its great for improving ur posture n riding position/seat...as long as u r a fairly compotent rider..there should b no discomfort for ur horse

Answer 8

At my riding school we sometimes ride without saddles as it improves our balance. Sorry I don't know if it is uncomfortable for the horse but you already kick and whip them. So to answer your question it is possible, and I would say good for your riding.

Answer 9

yep easy!

Answer 10

if you value your v****a, plz don't ride bareback. lol

Answer 11

Yes, I've done it in Mexico and it wasn't very comfortable. Although, I don't think it's comfortable either way. Im not sure how the horse feels about it either. I would imagine they can't be uncomfortable because they dont really show signs of discomfort.  

Answer 12

Wow, I can't believe these answers (well, most of them anyhow). It is absolutely safe and comfortable both for the horse and rider to ride bareback. (As long as the rider is able to maintain balance and feels comfortable doing so). In fact, I believe a horse would prefer bareback to a saddle- not only is it more natural, but there is no saddle to potentially pinch him anywhere. You can actually buy a bareback pad, some that even have stirrups, if that would feel safer for you. Pretty much any of your basic horse suppliers provide them (Jefffers Equine, Chicks, Valley Vet Supply, State Line Tack, etc.). Start out by going at just a walk to get a feel for it, and practice this for quite a while before moving into the faster gaits. Just give yourself and your horse time to adjust. You'll find quickly that you will use new muscles that you have never used before and that you will naturally fall into the rhythm of your horse's movements. I personally love bareback riding! In truth, I used to own an Arab gelding who I would ride with just a hay twine around his neck, no saddle or bridle at all, and we had a blast! But of course, remember safety; wear a helmet, and don't advance into those faster gaits until you feel confident/secure at the walk. Good luck! And have fun!

Update: after reading the comment further below regarding how "unsafe" for the horse riding bareback is, I had to tell you to check out www.parelli.com. Pat Parelli is one of the top horse trainers in the world and I have used his techniques for years...he rides his horses bareback and bridleless all the time-- can you argue with a world-reknowned trainer such as himself? You can also check out the links below regarding riding bareback to improve yourself as a rider, one of the links being one to Monty Roberts, another top trainer. Good luck!

Answer 13

Go ask:  American natives!   (Indians)

Answer 14

It is possible to rise without a saddle. The Indians used to ride bareback and im sure the horse would be more comfortable because he/she wouldn't have the extra weight on his/her back

Answer 15

He will love it.

Answer 16

Yes it can be done, but only by a very skilled rider with a high degree of horsemanship. I have ridden for years, but I would not do it. A stunt like that can lead to a broken neck.

Answer 17

yes!  many people ride bareback some horses don't like it and some do. it may be uncomfortable for you, but it depends on how your horse it built if it has a large bony spine it  will be very uncomfortable, but for me it is very comfortable because my pony has a flat back and you cannot really feel her spine. Riding without a saddle is hard if your not excperienced and is more dangerous than without a saddle. The more you do it the more comfortable you and your horse will be and you will get better! good luck!

Answer 18

yes its called riding bare back. its easier on the horse,

a little bit harder on you as you don't have stirrups to balance with. your legs get a work out as you have to put pressure against the horses belly with your knees and feet  to balance yourself.

Answer 19

Saddles are more comfortable and much more safe. Without a saddle is probably comfortable too I dont really know because I always use saddles.

Answer 20

It all depends on how the horse was broke. If they were broke to ride without a saddle, then, yes. People ride them without a saddle all the time.