12 best bareback saddles
Bareback saddles are a type of saddle that is designed to be used without a traditional saddle tree or structure. These saddles are typically used for riding horses without the added weight and bulk of a traditional saddle. Here's some information about bareback saddles and their related equipment:
Bareback Saddles: Bareback saddles are essentially a padded pad with stirrups and a cinch or girth to secure it to the horse. They provide a minimal barrier between the rider and the horse's back. Riders often use them for a more direct and intimate connection with the horse, as they can feel the horse's movements more clearly.
Benefits: Bareback riding can help improve a rider's balance and feel for the horse's movements. It also allows for a closer bond between the rider and the horse. Some riders prefer bareback riding for trail riding or casual riding because it is lightweight and easy to put on.
Breastplates: Breastplates are pieces of tack that help keep the saddle in place and prevent it from sliding backward. They are often used in conjunction with bareback saddles to provide stability, especially during more intense riding activities.
Breast Collars: Similar to breastplates, breast collars help secure the saddle in place and prevent it from slipping. They go across the horse's chest and are attached to the girth or cinch.
Martingales: Martingales are pieces of equipment that are used to control a horse's head carriage and neck position.While they are not typically used with bareback saddles, they are common in traditional riding with saddles.
Sports and Fitness: Bareback riding, whether for pleasure or training, can provide an excellent workout for the rider's core muscles, balance, and stability. It requires the rider to engage their muscles to stay balanced on the horse's back.
Safety Considerations: Riding bareback can be challenging, especially for inexperienced riders. It's essential to use appropriate safety gear, including helmets and appropriate footwear. Riders should also have a good understanding of horse behavior and be comfortable handling and riding horses.
In summary, bareback saddles provide a minimalist riding experience, fostering a close connection between rider and horse. When using them, it's crucial to ensure that the horse is comfortable and that appropriate safety measures are in place. Additionally, related equipment like breastplates and breast collars can be used to enhance stability and control during bareback riding.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best bareback saddles on the market
Best Friend Western Style Bareback Saddle Pad
Best Friend
Product description
Western Bareback Pad - Best Friend Western Bareback Pads. The best western bareback pad on the market! Note the high wither relief. Complete with girth and water bottle. The non slip girth and underside keep the pad from slipping. The synthetic suede fabric is breathable and easy to care for, simply brush off and wipe up with a damp cloth. The pad is filled with a high density foam padding. At the withers there is additional cushioning. The pad is contoured proving a superior fit. Pockets on the side for added convenience. Choose your favorite color. Size: Horse adjusts approximately from 60 up to 86 Inch Girth extenders are available and can add up to 14 Inch Colors: Black, Tan/Brown Trim, Navy, Hunter Green or Brown/Black Trim and Red This bareback pad does not come with stirrups.
- Synthetic suede top for a better gripping seat
- Non slip breathable bottom and girth
- High density foam filled for a comfortable ride
- Contoured for a great fit
- Very easy to clean and care for
User questions & answers
| Question: | Would it fit a small 12hh pony |
| Answer: | Yup. Per their website: "Leather reinforced billets attach to the non-slip breathable girth." :) |
| Question: | Can you add stirrups |
| Answer: | It is a synthetic that is meant to resemble smooth leather. I don't find it slippery. There is padding (foam/memory foam) in the seat which is very comfy. The smooth area is not very large and most of your leg contact, especially lower leg is either on the brushed part or on horse. I ride in knee patch breeches and don't slide around - I bet that full seat breeches would up the stick-factor if you are concerned at all. If your horse is girthy I would recommend adding fleece around the girth as it is just nylon. Hope that helps. |
| Question: | is it avalible in cob/extra large pony size |
| Answer: | Well, the pad doesn't have stirrups - so you probably can't. Once you're up on it it stays in place very well and is very comfortable for both my horse and me. |
| Question: | Would the girth fit a cob or mideuiim pony |
| Answer: | Mine was definitely black when I ordered it! I love mine for the comfort it gives to both myself and our high withered boy. |
Professional Equine Horse Western Breathable Padded Anti-Slip Neoprene Bareback Saddle Pad 39194
Challenger Horsewear
Product description
This Professional Equine lightweight western bareback pad features an easy to clean breathable upper. Inside the pad is lightweight, superior cushion support for maximum comfort.
- Bareback Pad: 21" L x 36" W Cinch: 31" L x 4" W
- Red
- This Professional Equine lightweight bareback pad features an easy to clean breathable upper. Inside the pad is lightweight, superior cushion support for maximum comfort.
- Contoured design shapes to the horse's back for wither relief. Neoprene bottom helps prevent slippage while promoting air circulation to wick away and dissipate sweat from the horse's back.
- Rear Velcro closure bags to carry all necessities while on a trail ride. Removable cinch included measures 32" L x 4" W. Pad measures 24" L x 36" W. Stirrups included measure 4 3/4" wide.
User questions & answers
| Question: | Can the stirrups be removed |
| Answer: | I find the fit depends on the saddle. It’s extremely loose on my bareback pad, I actually clip the clips that should attach to the saddle through the hand strap to each other as I just use it for the lights and not to hold the bareback pad in place, but fits my andalusian well with my all purpose saddle. She tends to be between horse and cob size breast plates usually. I think d rings on a western saddle are usually lower so it would be looser on a western saddle I think. |
| Question: | will this fit a Arib |
| Answer: | This is for pretty big horses, it's way too big on an average size horse |
| Question: | does it have a handle |
| Answer: | It's designed to be attached to a ring on the girth. It most likely would move up and down with the horses movement without being attached. |
| Question: | Are both bags the same, or is the bag on the other side good for a water bottle |
| Answer: | mgirls are small like an arab and they fit them pretty good! |
Intrepid International Comfort Plus Western Bareback Pad
Intrepid International
Product description
Bareback Pad - Western Bareback Pad by Comfort Plus Ride bareback in style. Featuring a longer leg and a slightly raised cantle. The seat has plush Velour with micro suede under the leg for a little extra grip. There is a layer of foam between the non slip material on the bottom surface and top surface. The breathable open weave non slip material on the bottom on of the pad keeps the pad in place. There are Dee's rings at the pommel and cantle where you will be able to attach whatever you need for the trial. The pad length is 21-3/4 from the 3 inch cutback, a 16 drop from the center seam to the lowest point. The length of the girth buckle to buckle is 22 Inch and comes with an elasticized system that helps keep the pad in place.
- COMFORT PLUS: The Intrepid International comfort Plus Western Bareback Pad offers a natural seat with extreme comfort. It features an overlay of tuck and roll short nap fleece for a luxurious look and a comfortable ride.
- STAYS IN PLACE: This bareback pad features a non-slip bottom and girth. The horse size adjusts to fit circumference of approximately 60 to 86 inches and the girth extenders available to add up to 14 inches
- HIGH QUALITY AND CONVENIENT FABRIC: The saddle fabric is made of breathable synthetic suede fabric, contoured to fit the horse’s back. The high-density foam patting provides additional cushioning in withers area.
- EVERYTHING BUT THE HORSE: For over 45 years, Intrepid International has been the leading global manufacturer and distributor of products for horse and rider. We strive to provide quality products at reasonable prices with superior customer service.
- PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS: Package contains Intrepid International Comfort Plus Western Bareback Pad. Leather reinforced billets attach to the patented non slip breathable girth.
User questions & answers
| Question: | Is the hardware stainless steel. Where do I order the girth extenders |
| Answer: | So you can undo one rein, gently take it over the horses neck and use it the same was you would a lead rope, or if your horse is gentle enough, you can tie him somewhere that way. If they are fiesty or spooky, it might cost you a set of reins. Do buckles on both if you want quick replacement reins as well as a suggestion |
| Question: | Can you attach stirrups |
| Answer: | No. |
| Question: | What length is the girth? I have a 15.1 wide barrel horse and thinking of buyng a different girth to make more comfortable. I am thinking longer |
| Answer: | Its the length of each rein |
| Question: | how is the seat on this is it at all slippy? I am looking for something that keeps you in place. Someone said fabric seat is shiny and very slippy |
| Answer: | They are the same color as pictured. |
HILASON Natural Horsemanship Leather Bareback English Treeless Saddle Pad
HILASON
Product description
This is a handmade bareback saddle pad consisting of Pressed Wool Felt base with soft-top breathable suede leather. The combination of wool felt and Leather offers greater durability, grip, stability and elegant look.
The entire structure and material is put together to ensure no pulling or collection of horses hair nor does it cause heat accumulation and extra perspiration. It is designed to reduce sore backs and keep the horse free in its movement. You are guaranteed to get the desired close contact feel and not be able to feel the shocks, at the same time.
The pad is very easy to clean too. It can be simply wiped using a damp cloth or brushed with soft brush strokes. Avoid direct water contact or ensure complete dryness if soaked in rain or cleaning water.
- TOP MATERIAL : High Quality Genuine Breathable Suede Leather.
- BASE MATERIAL : High Quality Pressed Wool Felt.
- LENGTH : 27 inches.
- WIDTH : 22 inches.
- RIGGING : English Rigging System- Two Billets. COLOR : Brown.
User questions & answers
| Question: | Does this item come with a girth |
| Answer: | The bags are the same size on either side |
Intrepid International Comfort Plus Bareback Pad
Intrepid International
- Bareback pad by comfort plus
- Super Plush top that gives comfortable Ride
- Comes with non-slip breathable Girth
- Adjustable Girth fits small to large horses
- Stainless steel Girth buckles and dees
User questions & answers
| Question: | How do you clean this |
| Answer: | Yes, the stirrups are adjustable. |
| Question: | Can you attach stirrups to this pad |
| Answer: | Yes, It should. Depends on the style of riding. |
| Question: | I need to have a friend put this n their luggage on a plane. Can you tell me how much space this will take, maybe how large the shipping package is |
| Answer: | Yes, they are removable. |
| Question: | Hi would you ship to Malaysia |
| Answer: | Girth is good and doesn't slip much. Easy to wash, air dry |
Best Friend Eastern Style Bareback Saddle Pad
Best Friend
Product description
Bareback Pad - Best Friend English Style Bareback Pad-Child By Best Friend is the best English bareback pad on the market! The non slip girth and underside keep the pad from slipping. The synthetic suede fabric is breathable and easy to care for, simply brush off and wipe up with a damp cloth. The pad is filled with a high density foam padding. At the withers there is additional cushioning. The pad is contoured proving a superior fit. Child-Pony will adjust from approximately 50 up to 70 Inch Child-Pony sizes comes: Black, Brown, Navy, Navy with Maroon/White Trim, Purple with Navy with Gold Piping, Navy with Purple or Hunter Green.
- Synthetic suede top for a better gripping seat
- Non slip breathable bottom and girth
- High density foam filled for a comfortable ride
- Contoured for a great fit
- Very easy to clean and care for
User questions & answers
| Question: | I would like to buy this for my daughter but i am unsure on what size her girth for her horse is a 42". Is that an adult size or child size bareback |
| Answer: | Not designed for sitting. No. Have not tried. |
| Question: | Is there a size chart because I don't know what child, adult, and horse sizes mean |
| Answer: | It's designed for an English type saddle, may fit some western saddles. |
| Question: | Can stirrups be attached to this bareback pad |
| Answer: | It is not collapsible. |
| Question: | Can you buy spare girth for bareback pad |
| Answer: | It holds me and my English saddle about 200lbs. I don't try to stand up in the stirrups or move around. Those are nylon straps that keep it together, so... easy does it if you get on it. |
PRORIDER Horse Western Fleece Padded Bareback Saddle Pad w/Cinch Stirrups 39153
Challenger Horsewear
Product description
Bareback pad is perfect Bareback pad is perfect for having closer contact and connection with their horse. Cinch strap made from premium soft, supple leather. Needed. Having closer contact and connection with their horse. Cinch strap made from premium so
- Pad: 28" Spine x 15" Drop
- Red/Black
- Bareback pad is perfect Bareback pad is perfect for having closer contact and connection with their horse. Cinch strap made from premium soft, supple leather. Needed. Having closer contact and connection with their horse. Cinch strap made from premium so
- Well padded underside provides great comfort for your horse. The top made of suede leather which allows for grip, and stability.
- Pad features a handle when needed.
Tough 1 Heavy Denier Bareback Pad - Youth/Pony
Tough 1
Product description
Tough 600 denier nylon outer shell with padded seat and raised padded front and back. Fleece lined bottom. Fully adjustable stirrups. Strong dees for hanging saddle bags and water bottles. Western rigged, just add a cinch. Dee on back for crupper.
- Package length: 78.74 cm
- Package width: 12.7 cm
- Package height: 53.34 cm
- Product Type: SPORTING GOODS
User questions & answers
| Question: | Does this stay in place pretty good? Often bare back pads are prone to slide if the rider is not well balanced |
| Answer: | The bareback pad does not come with a girth, just stirrups. |
| Question: | will this bare back pad adjust to fit small pony like a shetland |
| Answer: | Only if you cut them off. |
| Question: | Can this be used as a tandem saddle as well if so does it come with straps |
| Answer: | It’s pretty flexible, so it should fit just fine. You will likely have to add holes to the cinch strap. |
| Question: | Can you run barrels with this |
| Answer: | Yes, there is a handle. |
Equitem Bareback Pad with Black Wears and Fleece Bottom with Stirrups and 27" Girth
Equitem
Product description
Youth/Pony fleece bottom bareback pad with wool top and black wears. This pad comes complete with stirrups and 27" girth. (Circumference is approximately 56") Measures 23" long x 26" wide.
- Wool Top with Black Wears
- Fleece Bottom
- Stirrups & 27" Girth Included
- 23" Long X 26" Wide
- Pony Size
User questions & answers
| Question: | Can you remove the stirrups |
| Answer: | The nylon cinch measures 45" and will adjust all the way up, and out to about 35". Combine that with the width of the pad. |
Ovation Women's Straight
OVATION
Product description
OVATION WOMEN'S EURO MELANGE FULL SEAT COTTON BREECHES. Ovation Euro Melange Full Seat Breech great fit, comfy, mid-weight cotton-spandex denim-knit. Front jean styling makes this cute Euro Seat breech perfect for casual riding wear. Features contrast stitching, suede logo patch and full seat plus stretch ankle opening. Machine wash. Features: mid weight Cotton-spandex denim; knit front jean styling; contrast stitching suede logo patch; suede full seat stretch ankle opening; machine washable. EVERYTHING FOR HORSE & RIDER! Whether you're at the top of your game or just starting your first riding lesson, Ovation offers amazing - high quality equestrian product at exceptional prices. With riding gear and apparel for all disciplines, including Dressage, Eventing, Hunter/Jumper, Pleasure Riding and Schooling, and for every age from tiny tots to adults, it's no surprise that Ovation is a brand that people come back to time and again.
- QuadFlex – Knit 4-way stretch and ultimate shape retention
- Comfortex – Ultra soft touch with high wicking to keep you cool and comfortable
- FreshLock – Odor resistant and antimicrobial
- PrimaUV – UPF 30 premium protection against 96% of UVA
User questions & answers
| Question: | What is the difference between reg and R with sizing |
| Answer: | If you take your time and get the fit right it really doesn't slide. |
| Question: | Is there a size chart available |
| Answer: | We use it on our pony. We bought an 18” cinch and it fits well. My son is 5 and the stirrups can be adjusted to his size. We like it. |
| Question: | Hi, my size is a m or for jeans 28. i don't know what size to pick for ovation breeches. could you please help me? i don't see any size chart. thank y |
| Answer: | No, I would think it is too big |
| Question: | What is the difference between reg and R with sizing |
| Answer: | Absolutely not... |
Tough-1 Premium Bareback Pad
Tough 1
Product description
This quality bareback pad is constructed of a tough 600 denier Nylon outer shell with padded seat and raised padded pommel and cantle. Bareback pads are great because they are lightweight and bring you closer to your horse. Fleece lined bottom Fully adjustable western style plastic stirrups Strong dees for hanging saddle bags and water bottles Western rigged, just add a cinch 5" stirrup.
- Quality bareback pad
- Constructed of a tough Nylon outer shell
- Lightweight, brings you closer to your horse
User questions & answers
| Question: | will this be big enough for a 6' 5" person - not heavy, just tall |
| Answer: | Only if you cut them off. |
| Question: | My granddaughter wighs about 80 pounds, anyone know if this would be too big for her |
| Answer: | It’s pretty flexible, so it should fit just fine. You will likely have to add holes to the cinch strap. |
| Question: | Will this fit a draft cross |
| Answer: | Yes, there is a handle. |
| Question: | does it come with the cinch |
| Answer: | The bags are the same size on either side |
HILASON Western Horse Suede Leather Bareback Pad, Breast Collar & Girth
Hilason
Product description
This is a handmade bareback saddle pad consisting of thick Fleece base with soft-top breathable suede leather. The combination of fleece and Leather offers greater durability, grip, stability and elegant look.
The entire structure and material is put together to ensure no pulling or collection of horse,s hair nor does it cause heat accumulation and extra perspiration. It is designed to reduce sore backs and keep the horse free in its movement. You are guaranteed to get the desired close contact feel and not be able to feel the shocks, at the same time.
The pad is very easy to clean too. It can be simply wiped using a damp cloth or brushed with soft brush strokes. Avoid direct water contact or ensure complete dryness if soaked in rain or cleaning water.
- TOP MATERIAL : High Quality Genuine Breathable Suede Leather.
- BASE MATERIAL : Top Quality Synthetic Fleece.
- SIZE : Horse Size.COLOR : Tan.
- RIGGING : Western Rigging System. EXTRAS : Stirrups, Breast Plate & Cinch.
- LENGTH : 25 inches. WIDTH : 32 inches.
User questions & answers
| Question: | This says horse size. Does that include big fat quater horses with a big barrel |
| Answer: | They both mean the same regular. |
| Question: | The cinch on my aussie saddle is 46 for the intended horse.. should i order draft size |
| Answer: | Yes, look at the additional info on the site. |
| Question: | do the stirrups come off |
| Answer: | Location fit to your Jean size... If you wear your jeans tight I would go with the 30. |
| Question: | Are the stirrup "leathers" actually nylon |
| Answer: | I don't think there is a difference... |
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