Backing a horse

[Jaydurh]

I am getting my friends horse for amonth in April to break, I normally back the horse without tack first as its easier to slide off

but i've only ever backed my own horses that way, what would you all do?

[LMuirEDT]

Why dont you discuss it with your friend? If your friend is trusting you to back your horse then I'm guessing they are doing it as they trust what u've done before. Do what you feel is best.

[Lesley from Kent (Floydsmum)]

Hope this first bit doesn't sound like I'm preaching but from experience I tend to get the horse very used to wearing the tack first, long line it in it's tack then just get on. By the time you've got the horse used to the routine of wearing tack and having done plenty of long lining, he or she tends to just take you getting on it as just another part of this strange game us humans play

It all depends on how balanced you are and if you have to gain your balance with your seat and legs. If you find you have to grip a little to gain your balance, if the horse moves a little quickly then, if you're bareback on a horse who's never had a human sit on it before it could be a problem. You sliding off isn't always ideal and could cause the baby to react badly. You may be able to stay more still and balanced with a saddle on?

Have fun, it's a great feeling isn't it when you get on for the first time!

[Jaydurh]

Shes letting me do it my way im just wondering how you all do it i'm doing it as a favour to her as she has lost confidence and its either i break him or they sell him because hes not getting used. im comfortable with doing it bareback first, just open for new ideas

[Jaydurh]

Lesley - yeah, he will get getting tack on regularly, ive told the owner to start now so in april he will be ready for me to work with properly. i didn't want to take it all away from her, so shes going to start with the tack. i understand what you mean by balance ive always done them bareback then tack then rider on top after being used to the tack. i think it depends on the horse as well.

[Lesley from Kent (Floydsmum)]

Sounds like a good plan. I thinks it's down to personal choice - I'd be crap doing it bareback ;D

[Jaydurh]

Lol i always ride bareback i can never be bothered to tack up hehe. i have loads of vids on youtube of me riding bareback hehe.

[portiabuzz]

yes ive seen them! Lovely vids... i would discuss with your friend.....hope it works well for all of you x