What is a good bareback pad with stirrups?
November 7, 2008 by English
Filed under Horse Tack
Courtney T asked:
Rarely my horse might rear and he always turns extremely sharp. I feel I NEED stirrups to hold on. I am top heavy and without them I feel like I will fall off in a second when we are turning or in a trot. I am scared out of my mind with out the security of a saddle. I want to be a better rider and no matter what I do bareback I just don't seem to get better. Thanks!
Atigrad0 on Mon, 10th Nov 2008 8:47 pm
You say that your horse takes sharp turns. Bareback pads, especially those with stirrups, are unstable. I really do understand getting a greater feeling of security with stirrups. However, bareback pads having stirrups tend to roll, and roll suddenly, if your weight shifts to one side as your horse swerves. I have a couple suggestions for you. First, practice riding in your saddle while just taking your feet out of the stirrups. This is actually harder than riding bareback, but it will help teach you to move with your horse — and your stirrups are right there if you need them. Also, practice taking your feet in and out of your stirrups at different gaits. Its not so scary to lose a stirrup if you know you can grab it again. My favorite bareback pad is the Parelli model. It does not have stirrups, stays in place and is designed to help you learn to be a better rider. Some people actually find its even easier to ride bareback with no pad at all. Its slicker and there is no cushion but you have closer contact and a more secure seat . Learn to move with your horse, what his balance point is, and to know where he is going to so you can stay with him.