It depends on the horse and you as a rider. Some people believe that the horse's balance will be disrupted if not used to riding without a saddle or bridle but this can actually make horse riding easier for both, horse and rider.
If you decide to go bareback (riding without a saddle), remember:
- The horse will feel the its weight differently on its back, so be prepared that it may feel more sensitive and harder to control initially.
- The horse's balance and posture will change when riding bareback so it is essential to know how your horse moves when ridden in this way - having another horse in front of you can help.
- The horse will not be able to carry the weight in the same way as when ridden with a saddle, so always make sure to have correct balance and posture in order to avoid falling off a horseback.