[can_chaser]

ok so last week i rode Geroiga for the first time i rode bareback because someone was using the saddle i usually ride in.well yesterday we were getting ready to go on a trail ride and i wanted to warm her up a little bit while they were working with one of teh younger horses.she did awesme i didnt use my hands much at all,she changed gaits by my legs and seat.well when we went on the trail ride i put the saddle on her she was fine until i got on her.it was like a different horse,she was kinda nervous.i just dont understand it,if a car went by she acted like she wanted to spook,as to last weekend when i took her the SAME way a HUGE truck went by and she didnt even look at it. it just dont make any sence,shes not scared of the saddle because she didnt move when i put it on her,and there was nothing wrong with the saddle. do some horses just pefer being rode bareback?

[Gallop N Gal]

I know sandy definantley prefers to be ridden bareback. I havent used a saddle in about 6 months, I do ocassionally put it on him so he still accepts it, but he is much more collected, calm and happy bareback!

[can_chaser]

she is too,her gaits are sooooo much more realxed,and shes a WONDERFUL mover but when the saddles on her shes really stiff and unsure of everything.but shes going to be a barrel horse,and shes not mine.im just riding her,so im not really sure if its a good thing or not...

[Friesiangirl]

Your saddle may not fit 100%. It may not pinch too badly, but it may inhibit a bit.

With Stormy, he def. is better bareback than saddled. Why? Because I started him bareback and he is more comfortable that way.

Hayley

[Dawn]

Bareback also creates concentrated pressure points. So if your saddle doesn't fit 100%, riding bareback can cause a bit more soreness. Then you pair that with the saddle that pinches a bit here or puts a bit too much pressure there, and you have a visibly sore horse.

[horsesims2000]

I dont know about a horses preference, but I know that I got addicted to bareback riding, i went about 3 weeks without using my brand new wintec, lol.

[superhorse]

Most horses prefer being ridden bareback and riders usually find it easier to get what they want too. I love ridding bareback.

[mymorgan052895]

does the saddle that you use fit properly? it may be pinching her and causing her pain while riding bareback does not pinch her so she likes that better. just a thought...

[Preppy_Ponies]

Originally Posted by Dawn

Bareback also creates concentrated pressure points. So if your saddle doesn't fit 100%, riding bareback can cause a bit more soreness. Then you pair that with the saddle that pinches a bit here or puts a bit too much pressure there, and you have a visibly sore horse.

^^^Totally agree with Dawn here.^^^

I will add though I know with my gelding he often goes better bareback than undersaddle. I'm pretty sure with him it's b/c he's figured out when we bareback he generally doesn't do as much work. He's a very lazy horse by nature but some days he is way more willing to move without a saddle. And this doesn't have to do with any specific saddle or rider, as far as liking bareback he's same with everyone.

[Rhythm 'n Blues]

Originally Posted by can_chaser

she is too,her gaits are sooooo much more realxed,and shes a WONDERFUL mover but when the saddles on her shes really stiff and unsure of everything.but shes going to be a barrel horse,and shes not mine.im just riding her,so im not really sure if its a good thing or not...

This right here send red flags! The horse is trying to tell you something....that thing is "hey I'm not really comfy in this saddle....I'm more tense, and on edge as I know if something spooks me, I'm going to be uncomfy running away". But when you take that saddle off of her, she really likes the feel cause she is no longer feeling restricted therefore allowing her to settle into her work, and not have to worry about things.