Bareback pads?

Question

I LOVE riding barback, and bareback pads have always looked like fun to me but I have never tried one. Are they a good investment? Do they make it easier to ride and is the difference in comfort worth the cost?

ya I mean 1 w/o stirrups

once again, I am talking about a stirrupless bareback pad

Answer 1

Personally I don't like bareback pads. I like feeling the horse's back underneath me and think that bareback with a pad really isn't like bareback should be. With a pad it is more comfortable, yes, but you lose contact with your horse, and don't need as much balance. I like challenge more, so for me bareback pads aren't a good investment, but for some people they are because they would rather be more comfortable/balanced. It's all preference - see if you can borrow one from a friend and try it out before you invest in one.

Answer 2

I learned to ride bareback first, and rarely ever use a saddle....as a result I can't stand them! Bareback pads are great, as long as they're stirrupless. And they're comfortable, just make sure you get a good one. They're not badly expensive, my draft one cost about $120, a normal one is around $50-70. For me, there's not a difference in comfort because my horse isn't all boney and such and is pretty comfortable already, but sometimes I do have to use one--like when I'm teaching someone else on my horse. Usually though, full bareback is better.
And the horse will probably enjoy it, less saddle to carry :)

Oh, and I have never had one slide on me, even the regular ones, the girth is easy to get tight. The draft one I just got has a chest piece, so it definately won't slide! I'm using is instead of a saddle for the SCA if I can.

Answer 3

Bareback pads are great i don't ride in a saddle only have a couple of times most of the time it was bareback. but when we saw bareback pads at up co pets in St Joseph mo, we got one. i would say that people are wrong that they slip and stuff its not true. you don't need a blanket and you can put a chest strap on it two. they don't have horns on them (that is if you ride western like me) but they have straps on them so you can hang on. and if you get one you can take the stirrups off if you like. mine was 50$ but that was just were i got. And they are very comfy. I'm not sure about it making it easier to ride, its easy in both saddle or bareback pads.
i hope this helps.
and by the way i agree with that person up there if you have a chest strap on it will not slide. and for the person who said that no matter how hard they tried the girth would not be tight its ok if you think its not tight get off and check it. you should be able to slide a finger in.
I've always been able to get my girth tight.

Answer 4

I have used a bareback pad for years on my horses. It is stirrup-less and has a simple cinch with a loop at the withers. I absolutely love it! It gives a little extra padding for comfort and it keeps all the hair and sweat from the horse off my rear! Mine wasnt that expensive so I would try one out, to me they are well worth it!

I went thru and read some of the other questions - yes they can slip so make sure you get one that will fit your horse securely. I use it on my Arab and it never moves when I am on it.

Answer 5

Most of my horses are thoroughbreds and have high withers and bony backs. That is the only reason I use a bareback pad. When I ride my roly-poly pony bareback, I don't have a need to use one. Yes, they do keep your butt cleaner and less sweaty, but the rest or your pants get just as dirty as without a pad, so I think that if you have a horse with an uncomfortable backbone, then go ahead and invest in one, but make sure to tighten the "girth" securely so you don't slip off sideways.

Answer 6

I like bareback pads because they help keep you cleaner (not getting soaked if your horse is sweating etc) and it is safer than just throwing a blanket on since they do cinch up and don't slip. It doesn't make it more or less fun (in my mind), but can make it a bit more comfortable if you have a high withered horse. They can be kinda expensive (granted I'm a college student and believe anything other than mac and cheese a luxury item), I reccomend getting a used one from the consignment area of the tack store if you can.

Answer 7

I like the bareback pads ok. If your horse has a pokey spine, they are a good investment. I love the fun colored ones.. They do give you a little more grip, especially now that we are using flyspray! They are probably worth the price if your horse's back is really uncomfortable. You could buy a used one to cut down the cost, so if you don't like it, you haven't wasted alot of money. You can always resell it. Or, if your trainer or a firend has one, maybe they would let you borrow it to try one out. Anyhow, here are some links to help you on your quest for the stirupless pad!! (don's forget to read the reviews on the page!!)
http://www.statelinetack.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=SLT735050%20B/F <-- EEP!! FUN COLORS!!
http://www.statelinetack.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=SLT720764%20BLK%20535
http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp?pn=X1%2D19528&ss=bareback%20pad
=)

Answer 8

Well I always think its better to ride full out bareback if you and the horse can. Bareback pads are nice but I really dont think they are as good as the real thing. I LOVE riding bareback but I have to use a bareback pad since my horse has a sensitive back- but if he didn't I'd definately take advantage of that and ditch the pad. So it depends on your ability and preference :]

Answer 9

My advice is just ride the horse bareback. I love riding bareback, and the horses seem to prefer it since it doesn't weigh or cinch like a saddle. Our horses seemed more happy to move out and respond when they were ridden bareback. Saddles meant work, to them. Anyway, I think a bareback pad would be an extra that you wouldn't need unless you just wanted something to spend money on.

Answer 10

I always thought they looked fun, too. I ride bareback once in a while to help strenghten my riding skills. I heard that the pads tend to slip and move around. The whole point of bareback is to ride without any seat besides the horse. As long as you are experienced, and your horse has a good back, there is no reason to bother with one. People just get them to be more comfortable, "safer", and to not get horse hair or dirt on them. I think its a waste!