Just a quick question, I've rode bareback all my life, I've (recently) heard it hurts the horses' back, is that true? Any info would be appreciated....

I dont see how it could,if i had to be ridden id enjoy the bareback more,thats 40 less pounds off of my back.

That's what I was thinking....I know she does alot better without the saddle and seems "happier" about her work...I heard it hurts the spine and/or nerves around the spine where you sit and causes swayback...

I don't think the indians were riding a bunch of broken down horses....and they didn't have saddles for centuries. -phillip

The most common cause of swayback that i know of,is from riding or putting weight on a horse too early in its development.

That's what I've always been told too...I know one thing! I'll ride bareback over saddle anyday of the week, I'm part cherokee, so I know that about the indians is sooo true! Guess that's why I ride bareback..hehe...would like to try to have playday here and have to run barrels bareback..yee-haw!!!!

If you ride bareback "badly" ie., by allowing your horse to travel with it's nose in the air, not rounded through the back, not in collection, and bouncy because not in collection, and then with you flopping all around because your horse is not in collection - well, then... bareback can hurt your horses back. Ride well and in collection, it's OK. Also, if you have a thinner breed, without good conditioning (for example my TB not working the trot for a winter.) and no muscle or padding on the top line...if I bounce around for whatever reason, I can hurt his back... (worse, his withers are so darn high...... oh nevermind.)
I grew up training bareback - doing 10 mile trots down the road, and I love it. I think it makes riders who ride the horse, not the saddle, and that kind of seat is better and safer for both horse and rider at anytime than a seat that rides the saddle and not the horse.

what? I have never heard that one? I to have ridden bareback all my life. Its actually a really good way to ride. you learn how to have a seat, and not hang on to the horn. Its good for the horse too. They probably enjoy it more then having a saddle on wouldn't you think. It allows the horse to move a tad more free then a saddle does. I dunno about anyone else, but in my opinion, bareback is best!

I have been told that before to. But i have rode my horse bareback ever since he was broke.and he is just fine. I just love goin out there and catchin him and tying the lead to each side of the halter and just taking off down the road. with no saddle or nothin