Last Updated on June 7, 2023 by Georgie Smith
It is an enjoyable and fantastic experience riding horses. Riding bareback is one-way trained riders can feel closer to their animal. However, until you train your body to ride bareback, you may very well find it to be a bit painful and sore.
More riders are opting for saddle seat cushions or soft saddles to have a more comfortable and natural experience. For this style, a bareback pad that is lightweight helps give balance to bareback horse riding.
See Also:
| The 5 Best Saddle Pads For Trail Riding: Guide and Review [2023] |
| Best Half Chaps and Why Wear Them? Unbiased Guide & Reviews [2023] |
| The 5 Best Hoof Rasp to Keep your Horses Feet Safe & Healthy |
Like all equipment or “tack” for horseback riding, there is a purpose for each item. The bareback pad is for these following purposes:
- Support: Both the rider and the horse need For the rider, having a bareback pad helps keep a correct position.
- Comfort: To protect both the rider and the horse.
- Sport: Competition riding requires the right equipment.
- Independence: Allows the rider independence.
The purpose of this article is to reveal the best five bareback pad’s for horseback riding. The order of each item is not to give our opinion of one being better than the other. It is strictly our goal to help consumers narrow down the best on Amazon.
| Picture | Product Name | Features |
|---|---|---|
 |
AceRugs Horse-Riding Bareback PAD | – Weight – 2.56 Kilograms – Brand Name – Acerugs – Color – Brown |
 |
Western Bareback Pad | – Weight – 1.63 Kilograms – Brand – Intrepid International – Color – Black |
 |
Western Style Bareback Saddle Pad | – Weight – 3.3 Pounds – Model Name – Bareback – Color – Brown/Black |
 |
Toklat Microsuede Bareback Pad | – Weight – 1 Pounds – Brand Name – Toklat – Color – Black |
 |
Weaver Leather Herculon Bareback Pad | – Weight – 3.91 Pounds – Brand – Weaver Leather – Color – Blue/Brown |
The Following are the Best Five Bareback Pads for Horses:
AceRugs New Western English Horse-Riding Bareback PAD Premium TREELESS Saddle
The first item is the AceRugs Western English Horse-riding Bareback Pad. If you are seeking a closer connection and understanding with your horse, bareback riding is for you. To enjoy the ride, it is vital that you choose the right pad for bareback riding.
The stirrups and cinch straps on this item come from flexible harness leather that is premium and soft. Also, this item has a slight basket weave in a chestnut oil tooling. There is a colored top that is brushed suede to add to your comfort, stability, and a good grip.
For the highest level of comfort, the product has a fleece underside that is not only soft but, comfortable for both the rider and the horse. One of the leading features consumers enjoy is the comfort and feel of the pad.
The stirrups on the pad are another perk. They are a durable aluminum, and for when you need a handle, there is one ready for your use. Click here to read more about this bareback pad and order yours today.
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Intrepid International Comfort Plus Western Bareback Pad
Second, is this Intrepid International Comfort Plus Western Bareback Pad. If you are going to ride your horse bareback, you need to ensure you use a pad that is just as safe as it is comfortable. There are a few features that make this pad unique. One is the longer leg, and the cantle comes to a slight rise.
The material of the seat is a plush velour along with a micro-suede area under the leg to offer the rider a bit more of a secure grip. There is also foam between the top surface and the bottom surface that is non-slip material for extra protection.
One other extra perk is the area of the pommel, cantle, and dee rings. There, you will have an area that you can bring items you may need for the ride. The length is 21 ¾ inches from the three-inch cutback. Also, it is a 16 drop from the center point to the middle seam of the lowest point.
As you can see, the size and added features are just a few reasons why this pad is an “Amazon Choice” item. Click here to view the item, read more features, and get your order in today.
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Best Friend Western Style Bareback Saddle Pad
Next, you have the Best Friend, Western Style Bareback Saddle Pad. This pad comes with a water bottle as well as a non-slip girth while applying emphasis to the high wither relief. Thanks to the non-slip girth, you have no reasons to worry about the underside girth slipping.
The material of the Best-Friend Trail Pad is a synthetic suede that is breathable and easy to care for while maintaining its excellent condition. To clean the pad, all you need to do is brush it down and then wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
The filling of this product is a foam, high-density padding. Again, the wither area has additional cushioning that will contour to the perfect fit. The padding comes in different colors with extra pockets on each side for convenience. One downfall is that it does not come with stirrups.
There is more information with pictures for you to review by clicking here:
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Toklat Microsuede Bareback Pad
There are many times when simplicity is better than extra bells and whistles. With this Toklat MicroSuede Bareback Pad, that is the case. This bareback pad has features of its own that are impressive. The following is a list of features that make this soft saddle pad stand out from the crowd:
- Non-Slip Base
- Leather-Like Texture
- MicroSuede Top
- Felt Filler
- Removable CoolBack Fleece Girth
- Girth Adjust on Either Side
- Ultra Soft
- Simple to Keep Clean
This item is a USA product that is machine washable as well as dryer safe. Be sure to click here to read more details, see pictures, and a safe and secure avenue to order you one today.
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Weaver Leather Herculon Bareback Pad with Tacky-Tack Bottom
Last to make the cut is the Weaver Leather Herculon Bareback Pad with Tacky-Tack Bottom. Just the name alone tells consumers this bareback pad for horses is going to be unique. The product is not only dependable but, it is well-made and supplies excellent performance and quality.
The pad has a top that is mildew resistant, simple to clean, and fast drying. Also, the bottom is a patented coated polyester and closed-cell PVC material that is non-slip. It is also simple to care for, is breathable, and comfortable for the rider and horse.
The Weaver product also comes with a unique “waffle pattern” for added ventilation, fast drying, and foam coating. Aside from these unique features is the webbing billets that you use to attach to the maize wool fleece girth.
Click here to read about more features that make this item unique, durable, and worth the price of this comfort plus saddle pad.
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There are the five best bareback pads for horses. Choosing the top five was a challenge, but we feel confident you will find the one right for you.
Why and How to Use a Bareback Padding
There are benefits to using a bareback pad. To get a better understanding, here are circumstances where you may choose this type:
- Assist with a More Upright and Neutral Pelvic Position
- Allows the Rider the Ability to Center and Balance Instead of Relying on a Saddle
- Easy to Find Alternative Riding Positions That Are a Challenge to the Rider
- Assist with Developing Stability and Core Strength on the Horse
- Allows Enhanced Sensory Input and Pelvic Movement from the Horse
- Padding is Flexible Which Benefits the Rider to Move with the Horses Body.
Why Should I Use a Bareback Saddle Pad?
Although the simple answer to this question could be because humans by nature are lazy creatures, however, there are better answers. The saddle invention was to provide the rider with a stable piece of equipment while riding the horse.
Riding bareback is much different from saddle riding. A bareback saddle has a higher demand for balance and skill. One of two outcomes will take place. First, you could sit up tall, firm and in place and move as your horse moves. Then there is the alternative– you can pick yourself up off the ground, dust your pants off, and try again.
One, or both, will indeed take place. If you do by chance find yourself eating the dust, that does not mean you should stop trying. Removing the equipment from between you and your horse gives you an entire amount of freedom.
*Writers Tip*
Removing all the fabric and the leather that comes with saddle pads and saddles, you will experience a gentler feel, line of communication, and respect for your horse. Once you master bareback riding, you will experience a brand new level of horsemanship.
The critical line of communication is not a one-way street. Both you and your horse must realize the animal typically will respond quicker and with subtle body language and signals.
To say there is a solid reason to choose to ride bareback, there is not one. However, not everyone will enjoy or master bareback riding. It is always best to start anything new with your horse in moderation. (more)
FAQs:
Q: How does it feel to ride bareback?
A: It feels especially natural for a rider. It is especially important to keep the “line of communication” open between you and your horse at all times.
Q: How hard is it to learn how to balance without a heavy saddle?
A: In the beginning, learning to balance can be a bit difficult to grasp. The main thing is to try your best to relax and allow your body to mold into the ride without tensing your legs.
Conclusion
Riding your horse bareback is a feeling unlike any other. The freedom, closeness, and feel of the horse as you ride in the open nature is challenging to beat. If you do find you enjoy it and want to take it up more often, be sure to buy the best bareback saddle pad for horses.
You and your clothes will have extra protection, and your horse will have more comfort as well. Do you have more information to add about bareback riding and pads? The topic is incredibly exciting, and our readers would love to read your input.
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