The common theory is that tack is unnecessary when riding horses. It can interfere with human-equine communication and create health issues if a saddle or bridle does not fit correctly. This is why horse trainers all over the world are riding bridleless and saddleless on horseback--and many are doing so successfully.
The Role of Trust in Bridleless and Saddleless Riding
In order to ride without tack, a rider must have full confidence in his or her horse, and the animal must feel the same way. Without trust, either party might get hurt and it certainly will not be an enjoyable experience.
In other words, riding a strange horse brideless or saddleless is not recommended. Even if the horse's owner has done so successfully for years, another rider might confuse the horse with different cues or even sit the wrong way, resulting in catastrophe.
It is usually best to start this journey saddleless and slowly work up to bridleless work. People have been riding bareback for years and the rider maintains contact with the horse through the reins. It is an entirely different experience to ride without tack completely.
While riding bareback, the rider should use the same cues that he or she will employ when removing the bridle as well. This means relying less (if at all) on direct reining or neck reining, and instead using the seat and legs to direct the horse from one place to another.
Safety Equipment to Ride Without Tack
Before anyone decides to ride without tack, it is imperative to collect the necessary safety equipment. The precise tools used will depend on the rider's ability in the saddle and relationship with the horse, but it is best to err on the side of caution.
To ride bridleless and saddleless, horse owners might need:
- Round pen or small arena
- Rope or strap around horse's neck
- Safety helmet (ASTM-approved)
- Riding instructor or trainer
Even if a riding instructor or trainer is not available to manage the event, it is important not to ride without tack unless someone else is watching. That way, if the rider gets hurt, another person can render aid or call for emergency assistance.
Some people prefer to ride bridleless and saddleless in a round pen where the enclosure is smaller for more security. Others would rather ride without tack in an indoor or outdoor arena for more freedom but a measure of security, and still others are perfectly comfortable in an open field.
This is a personal decision, but anyone riding bareback and bridleless assumes certain risks. It might be best to start in a round pen and slowly move up as the rider gains confidence.
Bareback and Bridleless Cues
When a rider possesses neither reins nor stirrups on horseback, the cues for each movement change dramatically. No longer can he or she use the reins to stop or turn, or the stirrups for stability and comfort. Instead, communication must exist entirely with the natural aids: seat, hands, legs and voice.
In bridleless riding, a rider must realize that every movement he or she makes communicates something to the horse. Sitting back and deep into the seat bones, for example, encourages the horse to slow down. Leaning forward and lifting the seat bones, on the other hand, will urge the horse to move forward.
Steering bridleless and saddleless is more complicated. Shifting the rider's weight to the left and using the left leg against the horse's side will move the horse to the right. The opposite movements will shift the horse left.
Many people who ride bridleless and saddleless on horseback choose to keep their hands in the same position as when they have reins with which to steer. This is not necessary, but exaggerating the movements as though the reins were in hand can help cue the horse.
Making the Transition to Bridleless
The horse is likely to be as confused as the rider when he or she is exercised without tack. If the horse is used to a saddle a bridle, the freedom of no restraints might prove too much to handle responsibly, in which case the rider is in danger.
Always take the transition to bridleless and saddleless riding slowly. If necessary, use a neck strap to help maintain balance and control, and always dismount if the situation gets out of hand.
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