Is Riding a Horse Without a Saddle Pad Considered Risky?
Given all the articles and blogs about improperly fitting saddle pads and the difficulty they cause horses, it would appear that the alternative—riding bareback—would be the best option for owners who wish to avoid causing their horses distress, Well, that’s not always the case. People who think riding bareback strengthens the link between the rider and the horse are also big fans of bareback pads. The horse’s barrel can twist when using bareback pads, which cannot be utilized as a substitute for a saddle.
A new rider’s balance must be developed while riding bareback, and the pads help by preventing the rider from becoming as sore as they would otherwise. Some instructors feel that a novice should never be allowed to go bareback until they have mastered riding with a saddle and that doing so gives them a false sense of security.
Bareback Riding Vs. Saddled Riding
According to a recent medical study, scans of bareback rides revealed a few spots where the pressure was high enough to potentially harm the horse’s muscle fibres and cause pain. This was especially true when the rider’s seat bones came into touch with the back of the horse. According to scans of saddled horses, the force and pressure were distributed across a larger region, reducing the impact in some places.
Here are some common questions regarding riding a horse without a saddle pad.
Can a saddle be used without a saddle pad?
The saddle pad or blanket keeps the saddle clean and adds a little more padding between the saddle and the horse. A saddle that doesn’t have a pad or blanket will rest directly on the horse, soaking up perspiration and picking up dirt from the horse’s back.
What function does a saddle pad serve?
The main benefits of wearing a saddle pad include protecting the saddle’s underside, removing heat and moisture from the horse’s back, enhancing saddle fit, and evenly distributing pressures as the horse moves.
What’s inside a saddle pad?
Today, open and closed cell foams, synthetic felts, needled felts, pressed industrial felts, woven blankets, gel packs, synthetic cloth, and air bladders are the main materials used in saddle pads.
Is the numnah the same as a saddle pad?
A numnah serves a similar purpose to a saddle cloth, albeit it resembles a saddle pad more. The fundamental distinction between a numnah and a saddle cloth is that the former is often a square piece of fabric, while the latter is fashioned around the saddle.
When you ride a horse without a saddle, does it injure the animal?
No. Infrequent bareback excursions are unlikely to cause any discomfort or harm. It may be more difficult to ride bareback for very long periods of time, repeatedly over several days, or when heavier riders are involved since they exert more power.