There’s not a lot to say about this post, except that I did work on feel from the ground first and also a “make believe” visualization last night while I was reading the book, Sacred Spaces: Communion With The Horse Through Science and Spirit.
It’s Tumbleweed’s second time bareback, and there wasn’t any of the muscle twitching going on that we had from his first experience.
He did very well.
I didn’t ask for anything beyond the walk, although, I think he would have been fine at other gaits.
That’s for another day.
If you do watch this long video, there is one point toward the end where he’s looking outside the arena for something to be concerned about, and when I checked in with him on the inside rein he was surprised and scooted a bit. I was doing those little check ins the whole time. That’s the feel he needs for support.
My husband sat and took the video with the dogs running around him. Luckily, they didn’t startle Tweed.
The video says it all! Tumbleweed is on his way to becoming a Bareback Master. It will be nice for you to have this (video) to look back on.
ReplyDeleteI've never used a bareback pad. I know it helps soften the ride. Do they also help a bit with sticking? I never developed enough seat to ride a lope bareback. At this stage of my life, I will just have to imagine that it feels even more floaty (compared to riding with a saddle).
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DeleteI haven’t ridden bareback for a couple of years or so, and it was on Cowboy and Leah. Their bodies had a completely different feel than Tumbleweed. I think it will be awhile before I try it at the lope. It’s smooth, but the stop can unseat you if you don’t sit back right. My body has changed, too, and my balance. I think I’ll try the trot on our next ride, maybe today. I think he will be okay with it. 🙏 The only variable is me. It really seems like I’m starting from ground zero with my bareback seat. I’m probably more tense, too, just not really sure if he’s okay with it yet and trying to build this new bareback relationship.
The pad is useful mostly to keep your butt clean. 😆 It also keeps your bones from digging into their back, and it has a handle in front where the horn would be that might be useful to help stay on.
I follow a bareback page where they have a much fancier pad. I think it is like this one, (this is the Best Friend Bareback Pad) but they bought a wool cover for it. I looked it up and the cover runs about $200. It looks super comfy.
The benefit of bareback, for me, is that it’s easy to put on, compared to a saddle, and it gives me more information about how to sit right, balance, and feel what he is feeling through his back. I feel more connected to him / them.
Looking good! Question for you; when you ask him to back, do you put both legs on first and seat cue and then ask with the reins?
ReplyDeleteI try to, unless I feel him going forward.
DeleteI watched the video again to see what I did, and it looks like I pulled back the reins with each step on the second backup. Whereas the first one I seem to be holding them steady.
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ReplyDeleteNice ride, I enjoyed the video!
I’m sorry it was so long. The ride was pretty short. My only goal right now is keeping it together and learning how our bodies work together. I was just happy he didn’t react big to anything or get worked up with the feeling of me bareback on him.
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