I won't sugarcoat it: riding bareback used to make me nervous. But after one winter of short bareback hacks in the paddock, my balance and leg position improved more than a whole season of regular saddle work. In 2026, even with all the high-tech saddles and fancy gear out there, going bareback is still one of the best ways to feel your horse's movement and build real muscle tone. Let me walk you through how to do it safely, without making your horse uncomfortable or picking up bad habits.

Why Bareback Riding Is Worth It

When you take the saddle away, your weight rests on a smaller area of the horse's back. That sounds risky, but it also means you get instant feedback. You can literally feel your horse's back muscles working under your seat bones. You'll learn to move with the horse instead of just sitting on top of a saddle. Plus, bareback is warmer in winter and way less cumbersome if you only have a minute for a quick lap around the paddock. It's not just nostalgia — it's a legitimate skill that can come in handy.

Pick the Right Horse and Prep Your Seat

Please, for the love of all things equine, start with a quiet, calm horse that has smooth gaits and a healthy back. A fire-breathing, high-withered Thoroughbred might be your dream ride, but it can make bareback feel like sitting on a fence rail. High withers are uncomfortable for both of you. If chafing worries you, rub a little petroleum jelly on the sensitive area before you hop on. No shame in that.

Before you go bareback, make sure you've actually mastered the basics in a saddle: halt, turning, walk, sitting trot, posting trot, and canter/lope with and without stirrups. Bareback isn't the place to learn steering. It's the place to refine what you already know.

Mounting Without Stirrups

No stirrups means you need a solid mounting block or a leg up from a friend. You can use a fence rail, but let me tell you, balancing on a wobbly rail while your horse decides to wander off is not a vibe. A sturdy mounting block is the safest bet. Don't stand on anything flimsy that might collapse. Line your horse up properly, keep the bridle and reins clear of anything they could snag, and wait until the horse is standing still and ready. If your horse is still moving or distracted, hold your horses and reset.

Nail Your Position

Once you're aboard, aim for the same alignment you'd have in a saddle: ear, shoulder, hip, and heel in a straight line. Keep your seat light — no one wants to be dead weight on the horse's back. A great way to start is to have someone lead the horse at a walk. Practice walk, turn, halt, and backup until you get the hang of the new feeling. When that feels secure, take up the reins and do the same with someone walking alongside for backup.

Then move up to sitting and posting trot. Yes, you can post without stirrups or a saddle, but it takes core strength. For cantering, having someone lunge the horse can help you concentrate on staying balanced in a smaller circle. Keep your legs long and heels down. Let your weight sink through your seat cushions and down through your legs. Keep your seat springy, stay relaxed, and for heaven's sake, breathe. Holding your breath keeps your weight high and makes things stiff and unpleasant for everyone.

If you start to lose balance, do not clamp with your legs. Your horse might read that as a cue to go faster. Instead, grab a handful of mane. Mane is actually more stable than a neck rope because it can't slip side to side. Avoid leaning back with your legs shooting forward, and avoid hunching forward with your heels creeping up. Both habits will erode your security and skill real quick.

When You're Ready to Go Solo

Once you feel balanced and in control, and your horse looks confident, you can head out on your own. But stay in the ring, arena, or a small fenced paddock until you're completely comfortable at all gaits. Bareback is a skill, not a race. When you eventually try the trail, think about how you'll get back on if you dismount. You might need to use rocks, logs, or fence rails creatively. Going up steep inclines without a saddle can be tricky. Lean forward to take your weight off the horse's back, and use mane to keep from sliding backward. Whatever you do, never use the reins for balance. That confuses and hurts the horse. Reins are for communication, not for hanging on.

Gear and Safety Rules

Let's talk about the elephant in the room: bareback pads. I'm not a fan. They have no real structure and can slip if you become unbalanced. Bareback pads with stirrups are even worse — they're dangerous and encourage poor seat position. If you want stirrups, use a saddle.

Wear an ASTM-approved riding helmet every single time you get on, bareback or saddled. Proper footwear is non-negotiable too. In 2026, there are plenty of lightweight, ventilated helmets that make safety a no-brainer. No helmet, no ride.

Listening to Your Horse

Bareback riding should only be uncomfortable if the horse has pain or irritation exactly where your seat bones rest. If your horse pins its ears, swishes its tail, hollows its back, or takes short, choppy steps, that's your cue to stop. Examine the back for irritation or call your vet. After longer bareback rides — or if bareback is new for your horse — check for soreness. Not every rider and horse are a good fit for bareback. Heavy riders, horses with back issues, and very slender-backed horses may need to skip it. There's no shame in knowing your limits.

Bareback riding is a solid way to level up your riding in 2026, but only if you're smart about it. Start small, listen to your horse, and keep safety in the front seat. Get the basics down, and before you know it, those bareback trots will feel like second nature.