Bareback Riding - Rider Position

Rider Position

When riding bareback, riders sit a bit more forward on the horse than they would in a saddle. They have to rest their legs more forward, along the crease between the barrel and the shoulder muscles in order to have a secure position without excessive gripping. As a rule, to make proper use of the rider's calf muscles, bareback riders need to keep their heels lower than their toes, riding with a flexed ankle and heel down, just as if they had stirrups. Riding with the toes down can lead to clutching at the horse with the lower legs or digging into the horse's sides with the heels, both often interpreted by the horse as a leg cue to go faster.

It is particularly important that riders do not squeeze their heels or lower legs into the horse's sides when slowing or stopping, or use the reins as a brace at any time, as these errors will send the horse confusing, contradictory signals. If riders lose their balance, it is common to grab the mane in order to prevent jerking the horse in the mouth with the reins of the bridle, though ideally a rider can maintain proper balance by correct placement and use of their thigh and upper calf muscles.

Though some people begin riding bareback before they learn with a saddle, it is usually recommended to first learn in a saddle without stirrups, as the rider is still helped in obtaining correct position by the pommel and cantle, but is not able to use the stirrups as a crutch for poor balance or position. It is also easier on the horse's back to have the support of a saddle to cushion the action of an unbalanced rider.