I rode that horse bareback almost exclusively. I went thousands of miles that way, falling off sometimes, a lot at first, but never really getting hurt. Mostly, I think because kids don't hurt the way us grownups do when we fall. But I also think the saddle doesn't keep you from coming off, it makes you stay on only a little longer till you fall harder. Bareback, you slide off and down, in a saddle, you get thrown upwards first.
I didn't get and use a saddle till I started jumping on him.... I jumped him plenty bareback... but I needed it to enter shows ;~D
I can't ride like that any more.
You know, I had wanted horses since I was old enough to know what they were. I watched all the horse shows, My Friend Flicka, Fury, Roy Rogers, The lone Ranger, etc. named my bike.
I've often wondered if I had had them as a child, would I enjoy them now as much as I do. My kids don't remember not having horses. They still ride, and like it, and have their own horses, but their not fanatical about it like I am:). I go thru down times, mostly in the winter, but I also dread the time, that seems fast approaching when I won't be able to do the things with them I do now.
Becky
OK. Question from a novice such as I. I would Love to ride Sugar bareback, and wonder whether it would help me and her communicate better? Whether I would be able to learn the little movements that horses sense easier?