Diane.. how inspirational you are! Sometimes I wonder if I started riding too late (45yo) so it was great reading your comment! I had a lesson today after some time off and I was so nervous and tense, something I have struggled with, which makes me lose my balance and seat (and stirrups) very easily (not to mention makes for exhausting rides and a sore back). The homework I was given was to ride bareback, starting at the walk until I was completely comfortable then move up from there. She said for many riders in Europe they must “graduate” to riding in a saddle bc riding bareback forces you to find your balance and confidence so much quicker. She also said learning the two-point would help as well, something I’ve never learned. Anyway that’s why I ended up watching this video.. to get more tips for riding bareback. I plan to start with someone lunging as I ride so I only have to worry about my seat... or my horse :). Good luck to you and thanks again for the inspiration!!!!

Hi I enjoyed reading y'r comment. Bless y'r heart. I had my first riding lesson last night and it felt like never will I be able to sit secure. Looking at others videos I have faith that I can do it. Because I love all the animals so-soo much. Thank you! Lili

How great to know someone else at 71 yrs old is still trying to get this right in a natural way.

Wishing you many more years of happy riding!

Hello there how are you doing today hopefully you're doing well....happy New Year to you it's nice to meet you on KZfaq😘😍❤️❤️💚💚💟💟💕💕🌷🌷

alysa thompson Your beautiful! I was just looking through comments and wow!

You're so pretty Alysa

+Gunny o. HI again Gunny! That's great! Enjoy! Warmly, Caroline

+Linda McBeth Hello Linda, welcome and Thank you!

Hi Linda and Welcome and thank you! I try! Please share my work with others as it is more than horsemanship, it is relationship to ourselves and how we interact and relate to others. I have developed an online academy that shares what I know and teach. If you are interested in learning more, or sharing, please read on: Tao of Horsemanship Online Academy Learn how, buy now and save! Limited time offer! Get started today for only $34.95! riderhorsemanship.com/index.php/tao-horsemanship-online-academy/ Offer ends June 1, 2017 Caroline has a proven method of training and rehabbing horses that not only answers ALL-of-your questions while providing you with REAL solutions, it is a loving, safer and effective way to start and re-start horses. Caroline has designed the most comprehensive training and solution based online equine academy available! Students from all over the world can now study from home, learning the necessary skill sets needed to master the many aspects of horsemanship. Her online academy provides different courses to study with a focus on her world-renown relational approach to training and bonding horses and their people. Through Caroline's courses students will not only learn how to assess, train and problem solve, they will learn how to develop the ultimate relationship with their horse during the training process. This is what makes Caroline's training approach and method so unique and amazingly rewarding for both horse and human! The Tao Method Course is Caroline's foundational training curriculum, where she begins with each-and-every horse and person. You can now study, practice and interact with Caroline right from your home or barnyard! Through this course you will learn how to train your horse correctly by following a step-by-step educational curriculum. While this curriculum teaches you the many building blocks necessary to develop a solid and correct foundation it also focuses on you and your horse's learning aptitude and emotional, mental and physical well-being during the process. The Tao Method Course dives deeply into the psyche, heart and bio-mechanics of horses, taking you step-by-step into the following areas of horsemanship: - Horse psychology - Learn about equine nature and specific temperament - Learn how to assess and work with learned behaviors - Develop deep connections and feelings of "oneness" when working with our horses - Develop deeper mind-body awareness, spirituality and intuitiveness - Learn how to speak the Language of Equus through mind, body and soul work - Work with energy, Chakra's when connecting and communicating deeply - Develop feel and timing, the "Holy Grail" of horsemanship through specific techniques and exercises - Become a better diagnostician and problem-solver - Learn about the bio-mechanics of movement - Learn the Art of Lunging - Develop balance, collection and self-carriage - Develop a Classical Dressage Foundation - Learn to ride confidently and with a balanced and independent seat - Develop trust, confidence and safety when working on the ground and riding - Learn how to re-educate and rehab - Develop a fabulous, safe partner on the trail and so much more! Hope to see you on the online course discussion board! Warmly, Caroline

Hi Maximus and Welcome! Great to hear and yes we are more aware as adults, which is a good thing because it keeps us safe! Keep spreading the word and please share this video! Thanks!

Caroline Volandt-Beste **really love to get a clinic scheduled in our area yet the form on your website just won’t seem to send

​@@Max-cd8fm Hi Maximus! Please go to the following page www.taoofhorsemanship.com/education and email me directly if you need further assistance and to further discuss Caroline@taoofhorsemanship.com

Great to hear, Taylor; thanks so much!

Hi Reem and Welcome! So great to hear! Thank you.

Hi Dena and Welcome! Great to hear you found what you needed. If you are interested in learning more about my training method check out my NEW online academy! Please share! Sign up NOW!!! And discover a training method that will change you and your horse's life! Caroline has a proven method of training and rehabbing horses that not only answers ALL of your questions while providing you with REAL solutions, it is a loving, safer and quicker way to start and re-start horses. Caroline has designed a fabulous online course for her students! They can now learn how to both assess (understand) and train their horses using her loving and guiding method. The Tao Method Course delves into Caroline's training method deeply, taking you step-by-step, including, but not limited to: re-educating and rehabbing horses, foundation training, lunging for self-carriage and collection, riding with an independent and balanced seat, developing confidence for you and your horse, training safely, problem solving, reading and understanding horse nature and nurture/learned behavior, courses for you such as developing better feel and timing, connecting to your horse and being one, energy work, enlightenment and developing deeper consciousness and so much more! Join Caroline Rider's Tao Method Course today for ONLY $34.95 a month! riderhorsemanship.com/index.php/tao-horsemanship-online-academy/.

Do you think riding them damage their spine in any way?

@@moniquebaby36 if you ride incorrectly, start a horse too young and too quickly without allowing the horse to build muscle, with an ill fitting saddle, or too often/too long then it can. You have to be compassionate and understand that, just like with humans, it takes time to become comfortable with weight. Body builders aren't made in a week

Sorraiamustang Hi Sorraiamustang! Great to hear from you and thank you again for your continued support. I look forward to keeping in touch! Warmly, Caroline

Karinna Switala that's the same with me

I think you just need to ride more. I was like you when I started riding with my first horse. Eventually I gave up on lessons and just took my horse out on the trail. I rode on the buckle (no rein contact, except when I needed to turn or stop) and just relaxed and enjoyed the surroundings. I was surprised when my horse trotted off with me in balance, one day. It still took me a while to get the independent seat I wanted. Bareback riding and riding without stirrups helped, but the key to success was riding many hours at a time. Over varied terrain.

Same with me

what can really help is when your trainer lunges your horse and you can only focus on your seat. And what I would do then is to just go completely "pudding" while your trainer is controlling your horse and you don't have to worry about steering..^^

I am working on taking the tension out of my ankles and wrists since I don't have much confidence in the saddle yet. Riding more often helps you learn your horse's movement

Hi Nancy! So great to hear! If you would like to learn more, I offer an online course about riding bitless, balanced and confident www.taoofhorsemanship.com/online-masterclass-courses.

I'm learning bareback at the moment too, I have fallen off at the trot and in the canter 🤦🏻‍♀️ I sometimes end up forward up by the kneck as well, how are you riding now? How did you overcome this??

Hi Dave and Welcome! Great to hear and please keep me posted. Should you want to learn more, I offer a wide array of learning opportunities here at my FL facility and on my online training academy for people and horses. Here is a little more about my approach. We believe in a holistic approach to horsemanship, providing expert knowledge and instruction for the whole horse and rider. Our approach is multi-dimensional and includes the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of both the person and horse’s well-being. We specialize in both foundation training and problem-solving and have the answers you are searching for. The key in horsemanship and having the partner you want with your horse is in foundation training. If your horse has either had 1) trauma or 2) hasn’t had a correct and solid foundation (start), they will either be too scared to learn or missing key building blocks to their development. Horses need years of development and learning to be at the level you see in many of the professional clinician and trainer’s horses - including what you see in my videos. There are no quick fixes, tricks or gimmicks and like any solid education, it takes a curriculum or program to follow so you are building a correctly foundation. We have 8 training modules that we follow in our curriculum that specialize in self-awareness, the spiritual connection, relationship, discipline, confidence, biomechanics and balanced riding. Click here for details on our training pyramid www.riderhorsemanship.com/rh-training-program. Should you be interested in learning online, we offer a very large and comprehensive online training academy for people and horses. Click here for details about our online academy training courses www.taoacademy-horse-training-courses.com/. Should you want to learn the step-by-step curriculum, please click here www.taoacademy-horse-training-courses.com/taomethodcourse. For more information about the wide array of learning opportunities we provide, please visit www.riderhorsemanship.com/education.

Hello there how are you doing today hopefully you're doing well....happy New Year to you it's nice to meet you on KZfaq😘😍❤️❤️💚💚💟💟💕💕🌷🌷

Hi Ms Groovalicious and Welcome! So great to hear and thank you! I have a course dedicated to riding bitless and bareback. Please click here for details: www.taoofhorsemanship.com/bitless-and-balanced-riding-masterclass

Hello Lauren and Welcome! Great to how well this video worked for you and inspired you! Should you want to learn more I have a limited time offer on my online course, The Tao Method, for only $34.95 a month. The course teaches you how to be "one" with your horse through relationship training. Here is the promo: A learning experience to last a lifetime!!! Join Caroline Rider's Tao Method Course today for ONLY $34.95 a month - OFFER ENDS June 1, 2017! riderhorsemanship.com/index.php/tao-horsemanship-online-academy/. Caroline has a proven method of training and rehabbing horses that not only answers ALL of your questions while providing you with REAL solutions, it is a loving, safer and effective way to start and re-start horses. Caroline has designed the most comprehensive training and solution based online equine academy available! Students from all over the world can now study from home, learning the necessary skill sets needed to master the many aspects of horsemanship. Her online academy provides different courses to study with a focus on her world-renown relational approach to training and bonding horses and their people. Through Caroline's courses students will not only learn how to assess, train and problem solve, they will learn how to develop the ultimate relationship with their horse during the training process. This is what makes Caroline's training approach and method so unique and amazingly rewarding for both horse and human! The Tao Method Course is Caroline's foundational training curriculum, where she begins with each and every horse and person. You can now study, practice and interact with Caroline right from your home or barnyard! Through this course you will learn how to train your horse correctly by following a step-by-step educational curriculum. While this curriculum teaches you the many building blocks necessary to develop a solid and correct foundation it also focuses on you and your horse's learning aptitude and emotional, mental and physical well-being during the process. The Tao Method Course dives deeply into the psyche, heart and bio-mechanics of horses, taking you step-by-step into the following areas of horsemanship: - Horse psychology - Learn about equine nature and specific temperament - Learn how to assess and work with learned behaviors - Develop deep connections and feelings of "oneness" when working with our horses - Develop deeper mind-body awareness, spirituality and intuitiveness - Learn how to speak the Language of Equus through mind, body and soul work - Work with energy, Chakra's when connecting and communicating deeply - Develop feel and timing, the "Holy Grail" of horsemanship through specific techniques and exercises - Become a better diagnostician and problem-solver - Learn about the bio-mechanics of movement - Learn the Art of Lunging - developing balance, collection and self-carriage - Develop a Classical Dressage Foundation - Learn to ride confidently and with a balanced and independent seat - Develop trust, confidence and safety when working on the ground and riding - Learn how to re-educate and rehab and so much more!

Hi Frieden and Welcome! Great to hear and thank you. If you would like to learn more I offer 2 courses about riding, Mastery Riding Foundation and Bitless, Balanced Rider courses. Please click here www.taoofhorsemanship.com/online-masterclass-courses.

Hi Denis and Welcome! Thanks! Have a great trip and ride!

Once you start riding bareback you'll ride 10 times better with the saddle .. I don't know why it just is.. ☺️

Hi Laura and Welcome! So great to hear, thank you! Let me know how it goes! Should you be interested in learning more I offer 2 online riding courses. This program begins with relationship and covers it all, from ground to riding foundation www.taoofhorsemanship.com/masterymembership and this one is about riding only, bitless and balanced www.taoofhorsemanship.com/bitless-and-balanced-riding-masterclass.

Aww, Thank you Patti!

Hi Elizabeth and Welcome!

Hi McKenzie and Welcome! Great to hear!

Hi Strides b4 Steps and Welcome! That's great to hear! Happy Holidays!

and to you too 😊

Glad you liked it!

Hi Melody and Welcome! Awesome! I look forward to keeping in touch! Warmly, Caroline

@Sabrina Arbogast thank you so much for the reply . I will be checking this out asap . I am. Ot the best in the saddle lol so I'm still trying to be ultra proficient and if luck expert haha . I am however super excited to get bareback under my belt . I see much boils down to core strength and body mechanics plus a synchronic Rythm with the horse you ride . It is people such as yourself who make Journying into acquiring the fine skill of Horsemanship a bit easier .

Hello Layney and Welcome! Great to hear how well my work resonates with you and is working for you! The free training videos that I offer on my youtube channel are just the beginning! Should you want to learn more about my method - the level of personal development, spiritual transformation, deep and rewarding relationship you achieve with your horse during training as well as developing the ride of your dreams, check out my Tao of Horsemanship Online Academy Training Courses for People and Horses. Here is the commercial for the Academy: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/m5iEeZZ0tbuVfpc.html You can learn more about the Academy, details of courses provided and costs here: www.taoacademy-horse-training-courses.com/taomethodcourse Please visit my website www.riderhorsemanship.com to learn more about my method and the wide array of learning opportunities available. Thank you and may you always be one with horses! Warmly, Caroline

Hi Barbara and Welcome! Great to hear! Should you like to learn more, check out my Bitless & Balanced Riding Course www.taoofhorsemanship.com/bitless-and-balanced-riding-masterclass

Hello Gisele and Welcome! Great to hear how well my work resonates with you and is working for you! The free training videos that I offer on my youtube channel are just the beginning! Should you want to learn more about my method - the level of personal development, spiritual transformation, deep and rewarding relationship you achieve with your horse during training as well as developing the ride of your dreams, check out my Tao of Horsemanship Online Academy Training Courses for People and Horses. Here is the commercial for the Academy: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/m5iEeZZ0tbuVfpc.html You can learn more about the Academy, details of courses provided and costs here: www.taoacademy-horse-training-courses.com/taomethodcourse Please visit my website www.riderhorsemanship.com to learn more about my method and the wide array of learning opportunities available. You can also email me directly to further discuss: CarolineV@riderhorsemanship.com. Thank you and may you always be one with horses!

Hello Marie and Welcome! Great to hear how well my work resonates with you and is working for you! The free training videos that I offer on my youtube channel are just the beginning! Should you want to learn more about my method - the level of personal development, spiritual transformation, deep and rewarding relationship you achieve with your horse during training as well as developing the ride of your dreams, you can learn more about the Academy, details of courses provided and costs here: www.taoacademy-horse-training-courses.com/taomethodcourse. I highly recommend the LIFETIME membership as it gives you 24/7 access, 365 days and forever, not to mention all of the BONUS material that’s included. Please visit my website www.riderhorsemanship.com to learn more about my method and the wide array of learning opportunities available. Thank you and may you always be one with horses! Warmly, Caroline

Hello and Welcome SweetSuccess! Great to hear how well my work resonates with you and is working for you! The free training videos that I offer on my youtube channel are just the beginning! Should you want to learn more about my method - riding balanced and bareback, personal development, spiritual transformation, deep and rewarding relationship you achieve with your horse during training and learning together as well as the ride of your dreams, take a look at my Tao of Horsemanship Online Academy Training Courses for People and Horses. Here is the commercial for the Academy: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/m5iEeZZ0tbuVfpc.html. You can learn more about the Academy, details of courses provided and costs here: www.taoacademy-horse-training-courses.com/taomethodcourse

Hi Jack and Welcome to my channel! Thank you. This is the same horse (Smokey) I brought to the team penning. I look forward to keeping in touch!

Hi Lisa, Welcome! Should you have any more questions please email Caroline at Caroline@taoofhorsemanship.com. Good luck on your journey! XX Sabrina

Hi Scott and Welcome! Thank you!

+Lukas Kinsky Hi Lukas and Welcome! Thank you:) I look forward to keeping in touch. Warmly, Caroline

+Melanie TaxWizards Hi Melanie and Welcome! That's great to hear! I look forward to keeping in touch! Warmly, Caroline

Shaka84Lonigro Hi Shaka and welcome! I list at the bottom of my video description on this page (write up about the video content) the DVD's I have created that will further support this work. Take it slow, enjoy and please keep me posted! Warmly, Caroline

Caroline Rider I love your videos!! i just have a question though. So I have an Arabian and she has a verryyy short back. I have some problems when I ride bareback because her back is just so short and I'm forced to lean forward because of the way she is shaped. It doesn't help that she is very bumpy as it is, do you have any advice for me as to keeping my balance? I can't really help how I lean forward and i have noticed it throws my balance off. I just don't know how to fix it.

Hello Zowie and Welcome! I discuss in this video how important it is to develop your horse's balance before you learn how to balance on your horse. Even I can't ride an unbalanced horse without bouncing and feeling like my body has become a pogo stick! I have other free training videos that offer guidance on how to develop your horse's self-carriage, balance and collected movement. They will not provide the many building blocks, layers, like my online course does. Should you want to learn how to correctly train your horse for collected and balanced movement, please check out my online course riderhorsemanship.com/index.php/tao-horsemanship-online-academy/,

Hi Michelle and Welcome! Thank you:) Gaining the horse's mind (leadership=clarity) and heart (trust=partnership) gives you control of their feet and body. While technique is necessary when training horses, it's over-rated. For example, 3 people can apply the same technique to your horse and he/she will respond or react differently (most likely) to each person. Reason being is each person has their own approach, their own style and presence. While my training DVD's outline specific techniques and exercises for you and your horse, teaching you about how you mentally, emotionally and physically show up/approach your horse is the key to mastering horsemanship. If you are interested in learning more please check out my website riderhorsemanship.com/. We are offering a fabulous sale on DVD's and the sale will be ending in a week! Warmly, Caroline

Hi Sonseere! The bareback pad gives the rider and horse some cushion and the horse still feels your sit bones. If the horse is highly sensitive to riding without a saddle and the rider wants to ride with a bareback pad I recommend placing a saddle pad or blanket under the bareback pad to give additional cushion. I've ridden bareback and with a bareback pad most of my life and on hundreds of horses. I've never experienced a sore back by riding bareback however some horses are not use to feeling the rider's bones, muscles, the close contact so it can take time and the rider needs to be balanced and calm. The pad also helps to keep the rider in place by means of it's suede material. Warmly, Caroline

I agree. Sometimes to provide the extra cushion you mentioned, I place two one inch thick wool felt pads together. One is my regular saddle pad. The other is an extra one that I had the saddle shop place webbing on so the cinch can be attached.

+Caroline Rider (Rider Horsemanship) I have always ridden bareback with pad and without she is a Paso Fino any tips for getting comftorable with the canter

Sonseere 10 do you like think like a horse?

Hi Dianne and Welcome! Thank you! I share more free videos and great articles on my Rider Horsemanship Facebook page facebook.com/RiderHorsemanship/. Please share my work with others so we can spread the word! We believe in a holistic approach to horsemanship, providing expert knowledge and instruction for the whole horse and rider. Our approach is multi-dimensional and includes the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of both the person and horse’s well-being. We have 8 training modules that specialize in self-awareness, the spiritual connection, relationship, discipline, confidence, biomechanics and balanced riding. We offer a complete guide, step-by-step learning and instruction, here at our center and on our Tao of Horsemanship Online Academy Training Courses for People and Horses www.taoacademy-horse-training-courses.com/taomethodcourse. Please click here to learn more about our training pyramid/program www.riderhorsemanship.com/rh-training-program. Should you want to learn how to develop the relationship and ride of your dreams and from home, please check out my Tao of Horsemanship Online Academy Training Courses for People and Horses. The Online Academy is very comprehensive and includes 3 main courses, each a building block for the next to follow. The LIFETIME access gives you access to hundreds of step-by-step instructional videos and teaches you how to begin your horses training no matter if they are young and green or older and need a re-start. The videos within each course follow my foundation curriculum or program for starting and re-starting horses as well as problem solving tips and strategies. The LIFETIME access also includes BONUS materials, webinars and a discussion forum where we have created an online community where I answer questions each week. I highly recommend the LIFETIME membership as it gives you 24/7 access, 365 days and forever, not to mention all of the BONUS material that’s included. Please visit my website www.riderhorsemanship.com to learn more about my method and the wide array of learning opportunities available. Thank you and may you always be one with horses! Warmly, Caroline

Hi Mia and Welcome! Thank you! I follow the great masters of classical dressage. I am also a WE certified instructor. We believe in training the horse from the ground up. This means we develop the horse emotionally, mentally and physically for riding and before we ride. The horse's movement, biomechanics, is developed before the rider rides. This is the only way you can naturally develop a horse through, where the energy comes unimpeded and from the hind end forward. I have a complete training system that teaches it all and how to develop a horse on the ground first so they are strong, balanced and symmetrical. If we don't do it this way, we cannot develop it under saddle. There are too many negative variables working against the horse. If you would like to learn how, or more about what I am talking about please email me directly Caroline@taoofhorsemanship.com.

Hello Silvia and Welcome! Great to hear how well my work resonates with you and is working for you! The free training videos that I offer on my youtube channel are just the beginning! We offer so many educational opportunities to study, learn and apply. Please click here for details: www.riderhorsemanship.com/education A little about us… We believe in a holistic approach to horsemanship, providing expert knowledge and instruction for the whole horse and rider. Our approach is multi-dimensional and includes the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of both the person and horse’s well-being. We have 8 training modules that specialize in self-awareness, the spiritual connection, relationship, discipline, confidence, biomechanics, bitless training and balanced riding to retraining the damaged and misunderstood horse. Caroline specializes in both foundation training and in rehabilitation and trauma which sets her apart from the world’s leading trainers. Her training approach and methodology will not only teach you how to develop your young horse’s mind, body and most of all relationship and partnership, she can help your damaged horse work through the most difficult challenges. Please click here for more details on our methodology www.riderhorsemanship.com/rh-training-program. If you are ready to get started we offer a complete guide, step-by-step learning and instruction, here at our center in Ocala and on our Tao of Horsemanship Online Academy Training Courses for People and Horses: www.taoacademy-horse-training-courses.com/taomethodcourse. Please contact InfoRH@riderhorsemanship.com with questions or to further discuss. Should you want to come here to our Ocala center for study and learning, we offer a fabulous program called the Total Immersion Program. Please click here for details and pricing: www.riderhorsemanship.com/total-immersion-training. Should you prefer to learn from home, we offer the Tao of Horsemanship Online Academy Training Courses for People and Horses. The academy is very comprehensive and includes 3 main courses, each a building block for the next to follow. The LIFETIME access gives you access to hundreds of step-by-step instructional videos and teaches you how to begin your horses training no matter if they are young and green or older and need a re-start. The videos within each course follow my foundation curriculum or program for starting and re-starting horses as well as problem solving tips and strategies. The LIFETIME access also includes BONUS materials, webinars and a discussion forum where we have created an online community where I answer questions each week. Please click here to learn more www.taoacademy-horse-training-courses.com/taomethodcourse. I highly recommend the LIFETIME membership as it gives you 24/7 access, 365 days and forever, not to mention all of the BONUS material that are included . Please visit my website www.riderhorsemanship.com to learn more about my method and the wide array of learning opportunities available, from coaching to assessments, to lessons and immersions to clinics and the online academy. PS...if none of this applies to you please be so kind to share or pass along! Thank you! Thank you and may you always be one with horses! Warmly, Caroline

Hello there how are you doing today hopefully you're doing well....happy New Year to you it's nice to meet you on KZfaq😘😍❤️❤️💚💚💟💟💕💕🌷🌷

Great to hear Al!

Hi Andre and Welcome! My facility is located next to Ocala FL. Please check out my website for details about what I offer www.taoofhorsemanship.com/. You would need to become a Mastery Program student of mine for me to work in person with you and your horse. Please click here for details www.taoofhorsemanship.com/masterymembership/.

@@TaoofHorsemanship Florida is a long way and unfortunately, I'm not able to attend your seminars as much I would love to. Is there another way to learn from you? As a pensioner, my funds are very limited, so I'm strapped that way, but your instructions would be worth it Perhaps your postings will help me along. They are superb in many ways. Thank you for your prompt reply.

@@SymbiosisAndre Hi Andre! I understand. Both my Beginner Rider Course and Mastery program will teach you how to ride this way. The Beginner Course is more affordable, however, it does not include the full curriculum offered in my big program. Click here for details www.taoacademy-horse-training-courses.com/.

Hi LuLu and Welcome! Thank you! When riding in a saddle heels down should only be used with hunt seat, hunter/jumper, disciplines where you are in 2 point position. In all other disciplines you should have a level foot, horizontal position with knees slightly turned in and toe slightly turned in. The foot should also be light and relaxed, not pressing down. When riding bareback, the foot is also relaxed and because so the ankle is relaxed allowing the toe to naturally point down. Warmly, Caroline

Hi CE and Welcome! Great question! I've worked with and ridden thousands of horses in my career, from start to finish, using a bareback pad. Not one ever had a sore back or showed soreness to touch. There are several reasons for this: 1) I am a very balanced rider and sit on my balance point, not my bones; 2. I use my seat to communicate and round the small of my back so my buttocks make the most contact, this offers cushioning and support; 3. I develop the horse's body, muscling and movement BEFORE I ride the movement. This means I am developing their topline muscles to support me as a rider. Bouncing and jarring your body into the horses back is what damages their back and most riders who use a saddle are doing this because they are tense and don't know how to allow the energy of the horses movement to come through them and the horse is tight and jarring to ride for many reasons. I offer online training about how to ride Bitless & Balanced Riding Course: www.taoofhorsemanship.com/bitless-and-balanced-riding-masterclass.

Hello Cheryl and Welcome! Yes and I bring that point up in this video. Preparing our horses for the level of riding we want to achieve is very important. If we cannot put the time into them to make them safer find a lesson horse you trust and learn from him. In the end, you aren't learning if you are constantly worried so set yourself up for success and find a horse you can learn best on!