What age to ride bare back?

KeikoOka · 12-30-2011, 12:58 PM

At what age should a child start to learn to ride bare back. My 12 year old daughter has been taking riding lessons for a year. She wants to try riding bare back now. Is this safe for her?

Grandpa · 12-30-2011, 01:33 PM

When we were kids, we had to ride bareback. If we fell off, it was safer bareback so we didn't get hung up in a stirrup or something. None of the kids used a saddle unless we were going for a long ride and needed saddlebags etc.

**CozInCowtown** · 12-30-2011, 02:09 PM

If it fits it ships!!
Mom/Dad.....go inside and let her have some fun!!
My kids ride bareback all over the county on a semi-daily basis.
DC

hiking_and_biking · 12-30-2011, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KeikoOka

At what age should a child start to learn to ride bare back. My 12 year old daughter has been taking riding lessons for a year. She wants to try riding bare back now. Is this safe for her?

I think it's perfectly safe as long as she has a professional showing her the proper way to ride bare back, especially since she already has some experience with horses.

ppine · 12-31-2011, 06:35 PM

There is nothing about horses that is perfectly safe. It is a wonderful way to improve one's riding however. riding bareback. It greatly aids in developing a deep seat, and balance to stay with the horse. It also helps develop good aids with the legs and seat as opposed to relying on the reins. In a turnout, have her try riding with a rope halter, no saddle, and a lead rope. When that is easy, try no hands, then eyes closed. Kids at age 6-7 can ride bareback if they have experience. They probably will fall off a little more, so it would be smart to work with a horse (or mule or donkey) that is pretty broke and likes kids.

lefties · 01-17-2012, 06:49 PM

many variables in that question. Ability of rider,temperament and build of horse etc. Only attempt it if your child has good balance,,riding skills etc.

Bumpkin · 01-18-2012, 09:14 AM

I grew up on a horse farm and started riding bareback when I was about 6. She has some experience and she wants to, so I say let her. Kids are often daring to a fault, but she'll know if she's uncomfortable and wants to wait a little longer once she tries it.