Starting a horse bareback

Question
Hello,

I have recently started my 4 year-old paint mare undersaddle. I was curious what you think of starting a horse bareback.

A little background:
I spent a year before getting on her working on the ground, and usually I had a saddle on her. I have lunged her walk-trot-canter with a saddle with the irons down so that she can get used to them bouncing around. I have also desensitized her back by leaning over and putting weight in the saddle and irons on both sides, among many other things to make her feel like the saddle no big deal.  When I finally got on her, her back was very stiff (as I expected it would be) and she was noticeably uneasy. I had her walking forward undersaddle, but she was still stiff (even after 5 or 6 rides.. still not that unpredictable). I mention the stiffness because I, just for fun, got on her bareback after our usual groundwork, and she was completely relaxed. She used her back more and even lowered her head a little. I've had some great rides on her so far, and I feel she is much more focused because she is just.. happier!


Her saddle has been checked, and it fits her, and I have tried numerous saddles - from close contact to treeless. The result is the same, she loves bareback!

I figured that I would solidify the basics bareback, and then reintroduce the saddle once she gets used to my weight, balance, etc. I'm a little worried about bouncing around at the trot (we are still at a walk), but I suppose if I fall I'll just get back on! I have practiced my bareback riding skills, so hopefully my balance will be up to par.

Do you foresee any problems? I find that riding bareback I will be able to use my seat more, which might help with her training. Any advice for getting her to loosen up with a saddle?

Thanks,
Katy

Answer
Hi Katy!

"Do I forsee any problems?"  Yes.  Yes, I do.  You should really not ride an unbroke horse bareback as they are completely and utterly unpredictable.  I know you say she has been fine when you have done it, but I'll wager you have not asked her to do anything really in the realm of riding....just walking around does not count.

She scrunches up under saddle because it is an unfamiliar tool to her.  She will relax and assimilate it into her training, 99% of them do  :-)

So, my suggestion is to stop right now any bareback riding until she is a completely trained mount performing all gaits, extending and collecting them.  Bareback is reserved for the most trusted of mounts who understands and will care for the rider.  Until then, you are on a ticking timebomb.

Your safety and her correct training are the most important priorities here.

Good luck and remember to always wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet!

Solange