Part of Schneiders EQ — Shop sstack.com
Trail / General Beginner 15 min

Riding Bareback for Balance at the Walk

Focus: Balance, Feel, Communication

Equipment: Bareback pad or nothing

Arena Diagram

Arena diagram for Riding Bareback for Balance at the Walk

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. In a safe, enclosed arena, remove the saddle and ride bareback (or with a bareback pad).
  2. Start at the walk. Focus on sitting deep and balanced, with your weight even on both seat bones.
  3. Without stirrups, your legs hang naturally long. Use your entire leg for aids.
  4. Practice walk-halt-walk transitions using only your seat and voice.
  5. Progress to the walk. Sit the walk bareback (no posting). This develops a deep, independent seat.
  6. Ride for 15-20 minutes bareback, focusing on balance and feel.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Gripping with the knees, which pushes you up instead of keeping you deep in the seat.
  • Rounding your back instead of sitting tall with an open chest.
  • Holding the mane constantly instead of trusting your balance.
  • Starting bareback at the trot or canter before being secure at the walk.

Variations & Progressions

  • Add circles and changes of direction for steering practice bareback.
  • Ride bareback over ground poles for coordination.
  • Progress to cantering bareback for advanced riders.
Tip: Bareback riding teaches you more about balance in 20 minutes than a week of saddle riding. Your seat becomes your primary aid.