I took the plunge and ridded myself of a saddle last year to become a better rider as I hadn't ever really learned to ride bareback. I almost feel that I can't go back. I enjoy bareback riding so much more than with a saddle, and I believe my horse does as well.

So I've looked towards Google to see if riding bareback could be damaging to my horse's back; I see all sorts of opinions all varying on how you ride, your weight, etc. I'm 5'3 and 122lbs and I try to ride properly..you're somewhat forced to bareback!

So my question is; do you think it's good or bad for your horse's back to ride predominantly bareback? If so; is posting in a trot okay? Can't seem to get myself not to.

Bump

Yes

that's why the Indians lost 

We really need an eye roll or head slap emoji. . . 

LOL, I was gonna say the Indians rode bareback too, ha ha ha.. I dont see anything bad about riding bareback, when I was a kido thats the only way I rode my horses was bareback, we did a lot of swimming so my saddle was always hanging in the barn, I think it makes a better rider out of you.. You do what makes you happy is all I can say

It was actually recommened by my horse's osteopath to ride him bareback and actually over trotting poles specifically lol 

I don't think it is bad for the horse, especially if you have a good seat and are able to keep yourself balanced. I LOVE to ride bareback but getting older and not having that "one" horse that I feel super comfortable on (whether they just had their jerk moments or they were too high withered for it to be comfortable), it hasn't exactly been something I've been doing lately. 

 A few years ago there was a blonde girl on a sorrel, she ran a 1D horse and she would run it bareback. I'm not sure if that was a regular thing for her but there were a few different runs cycling around. Super impressive! 

There was a girl that ran poles on a senior horse in the youth organization that my grandgirls ran in until they passed a rule that contestants must  use a saddle.

Thanks for the feedback. It’s much easier to hop on and not have to tack up.

A posting trot alright? I see most not posting, but I taught myself that way and feel like dummy strapped to a carnival ride if I just sit there..