If I ride a horse without a saddle, is that bad for me or for the horse?

Question

If a saddle is safer for me, does it hurt or make the ride uncomfortable for the horse?

Answer 1

The real problem is th ability to ride, it's just harder to do it without a saddle, especially if you are going to do anything while on the horse (say herd cattle, or fire arrows at the people you're invading...) The saddle and stirrups add stability and other things for the rider. also make it easier to mount and dismount for most people.

Answer 2

A well-fitting saddle with a good utilitarian pad doesn't hurt a horse. A saddle that fits poorly or is improperly/inadequately padded can hurt a horse to the point of disabling the horse. That's why proper fit of a saddle is important.

These are articles about how to fit a saddle to a horse:
http://www.todayshorse.com/Articles/FitaWesternSaddle.htm
http://www.todayshorse.com/Articles/FitanEnglishSaddle.htm

Riding a horse bareback can be comfortable for both the horse and the rider, although most people who ride "bareback" prefer to have a bareback pad between them and the horse's skin. This is partly to put a little bit of padding to sit on, and mainly because horses sweat profusely when excercised, and you only have to get horse sweat and shed hair all over your breeches or pants once to convince yourself that that isn't much fun.

In general, a saddle provides a more secure seat on a horse, which provides a measure of safety; and the stirrups make it easier to post (rise) to the trot and to get into the three-point position if you're jumping, although both posting and jumping can be done without stirrups, and are frequently tests in equitation classes.

Riding bareback can be a heck of a lot of fun, you get a better feel for the horse under you and it's a tremendous feeling of freedom. However, what I've found to be true is that the older I've gotten and the longer it takes my bones to knit, the more I value safety and security over freedom and comfort. You do have more safety and security in case of emergencies when you ride with a saddle, and are less likely to be thrown if your horse does something unexpected (like shy from something, buck or bolt).

Answer 3

Riding a horse without a saddle is not bad for you or the horse if you are both capable. I ride mostly bareback in the winter. Since I live in Montana, even the nice winter days are cold and the horse keeps me warm. But I only ride the horses that I trust to be safe with me bareback. Also I wouldn't suggest riding bareback without someone helping if you are not an experienced rider. But if it's bad?...I would say no. My horse doesn't have a problem with it, if anything she prefers going without my heavy saddle. A saddle spreads the rider's weight over a larger area of the horse's back, so if you are a larger rider it might be more uncomortable for the horse going naked.

Answer 4

No of course not. Saddles where made to make your ride more comfortable as well as to make it easier to stay on the horse.

Answer 5

It is not bad for you or the horse, but your bottom will be sore. I used to ride my horse bare back all the time when I was a kid, and I was always sore after.

Answer 6

Its not bad for you or the horse but it may be preety uncomfortable, and a bit dangerous, the saddle helps you sit better and provides comfort to you and the stirrups stop you dangling ur legs. i think you can buy sadle pads with stirrups attached, but im in australia so it might be a bit different in america! hope this helps :)

Answer 7

It is good for you to ride without the saddle sometimes.
It will improve your balance and you will be a better rider for doing it. I ride bareback at least once per month to keep up my balance and skills.

Answer 8

its natural for the horse, but very rough on the rider. if its a bouncy horse, like an arab, and you have back problems, thats a bad mix. i have had several back injuries but refuse to keep from bareback riding my 23 year old russian arab mare. its very natural, but you have to be very good to do it. it takes a lot more than people think! balance, control etc.

Answer 9

its not bad for you, its acctully good because you feel that your one with the horse. For the horse, it depends. If its an old horse they might not like the bouncyness, but a younger horse it think it would be fine.

Answer 10

if the horse has a bad back DO NOT go bareback. it's really no harm to you unless for some strange medical reason you can't. their spine may poke your backside a bit but you just get use to it.