Posted 2018-11-06 10:02 AM Subject: Thinking of getting a bareback saddle pad..
Expert
Posts: 2128
I have been wanting to get more exercise, and my horse needs it too so I was thinking of getting a bareback saddle pad so that I work more core muscles and possibly improve balance while riding. Still undecided as to whether I want one with stirrups or without. I know that without I will undoubtedly work more muscles. Has anyone else done this? I am prepared to get laughed at by all my roping friends lol.
Posted 2018-11-06 12:48 PM Subject: RE: Thinking of getting a bareback saddle pad..
Expert
Posts: 2258
My daughter bought a nice one it stays on well and is comfy . She uses them fairly ofter. I would not do one with stirrups if it were me. I use to ride bareback or use an exercise saddle (we had race horses) all the time and it really helped. I am planning to ride bareback more next summer I have been hurt so much recently I have avoided it but time to get strong again. Good Luck
Posted 2018-11-06 12:54 PM Subject: RE: Thinking of getting a bareback saddle pad..
Miss Laundry Misshap
Posts: 5271
I ride bareback all of the time at home, I'm 36. I rarely use a saddle unless I'm on my 3yo or I'm actually practicing running. I do use a bareback pad (NO stirrups) to keep my butt cleaner and to keep my horses shark fin withers from cutting me in 2. My 61 year old mother rides bareback with me as well. We are too lazy for saddles. lol But our balance is very, very good.
Posted 2018-11-06 6:45 PM Subject: RE: Thinking of getting a bareback saddle pad..
Member
Posts: 24
I have one. Would definetly get one without stirrups as I personally don't see the point in one with. I'd just go ride a pancake (english) saddle!
I try to never ride bareback without the pad (and I put a thick felt western saddle pad underneath) as it protects their spine and distributes weight.
Posted 2018-11-06 7:30 PM Subject: RE: Thinking of getting a bareback saddle pad..
Expert
Posts: 1304
I started riding bareback in the spring and am such a better rider because of it!! I ride bareback 99% of the time and don't even have a saddle right now but bought a Natural Ride Bareback saddle off eBay and I like it so far. I wanted something for long trail riding or rides far from home. It has stirrups but I haven't figured out if I can adjust them to make them comfortable so I just ride without them. I was stuck between it, the Best Friend pad (know friends that recommend it), and just a weaver pad. I do like that it has a place to attach things, like my cup holder, and that I can grab on to if necessary but Lord don't let your pelvis bone hit the handle..
Posted 2018-11-07 9:55 AM Subject: RE: Thinking of getting a bareback saddle pad..
Expert
Posts: 2128
Ok I am loving all of the replys. Glad to hear I am not the only person. I used to ride bareback a whole lot. I could grab some mane and swing my leg up and get on one too. Not sure if I can do that anymore lol. In addition to balance and exercise I didn't even consider how much time it will probably save me from tacking up. Yep, I think I need one.
Posted 2018-11-07 10:20 AM Subject: RE: Thinking of getting a bareback saddle pad..
Regular
Posts: 51 Location: CA
I highly recommend the Best Friend Comfort Plus pad. It doesn't push down on their withers as bad as other ones. I also recommend using a saddle pad underneath too. You can use a cheap one, this Weaver one is my favorite for riding bareback. https://www.horseloverz.com/western-horse-tack/saddle-pads/western-s...
Thinking of getting a bareback saddle pad..
