[Jillyann]

^ That is true. How do you pay for all your other horsey stuff? Feed, hay, halter, leads, board? ect.

[Acantha]

I don't think I can borrow a saddle from anybody--I'm not close to anybody horsey.

I normally get home after 6, and I'm pretty exhausted. I'll try and do something this weekend

[Acantha]

Originally Posted by Jillyann

^ That is true. How do you pay for all your other horsey stuff? Feed, hay, halter, leads, board? ect.

Not very much, actually. I got most of my stuff on sale. We got 100 bales of hay for $300, and no board--my horse lives at my house. I guess we got really lucky with everything.

[Kirsten93]

Why don't you use the time that you would spend riding if you had a saddle and instead do the "extra stuff" you mentioned to save up for a saddle? Obviously, if you would have time to ride, you would have time to make some extra cash as well

[Jillyann]

Could you get a job?

[Rising Star]

is there a stable close by to you? if so why dont you try getting a job as a groom, cleaning stalls etc. I paid for my horse's extra stuff doing that. I did have another job but that was to pay for gas my car etc.

Maybe have a friend come out and ride her with their saddle if you arent confident enough to get on and cant borrow a saddle. or save up your money and take a couple lessons making sure atleast one is bareback to get your balance and feel for riding horses again and then try getting up on your mare.

goodluck!

[alaskahorse]

If it was me I would be on her back in a jiff. I would definately start slow, getting on and off..that will tell you lots about how broke she is. then just walk for a while until you get the hang of it. When we got my first horse I was 10, no saddle. I rode her for thee years bareback everywhere..for hours at a time..of course I was young and she ws a 10year old well broke mare ..sounds a lot like your horse is supposed to be. Meanwhile keep working and trying to find a saddle. Is there any radio stations in your area that has a buy and sell program on it. Here we have several.. Trade-e-o
ect. Ususally they are call in and free..YOu just call in and leace your phone number and what ever it is your looking for. Who know someone may have one stashed away in their attic gathering dust tht they would love to get rid of..go enjoy your horse..bareback is great..imo

[Bruce Wiley]

Talk with your local feed and tack store and check your community newpaper.
Sometimes there are folks looking to onload their old stuff, because they're in the hope of replacing it with brand new equipment.

The best of luck and maybe you should hold out until you can find what you need.

I hope this insight helps.

[PizzazzandMe]

Like alaskahorse said, just take it slow...try leaning over her back, make sure she doesn't freak out over the weight on her back...if she is fine with that, she'll probably be fine with you sitting on her, especially if she's been broke before. Just make sure you have someone with you to lead you around in case she's nervous, and for the first few times stick to a roundpen or small paddock.

My cousin broke 2 horses bareback. LOL it took her a while to get a saddle, and she loved riding bareback so that's how she did it!

[Shotgun93]

If you are not 100% confident in your riding ability and you are not sure how "broke" your horse really is, I would recommend waiting for a saddle.