Yup, it happens. I think the very first Quilty 30 years ago was won by a guy
riding bareback. I also think a couple of times at the Shazada (5 day 400km
marathon ride) people have ridden the last day or last few days sans saddle
because of girth galls or some such. It's not common, but it happens now and
again. I'd do it if I thought I could get on and off without assistance
after 60 or 70kms! :-) I prefer to ride bareback, but my feet seem to lose
their "spring" after a few hours :-), and my horse doesn't need me hauling
myself up onto his back. Otherwise the pair of us are *more* comfortable
without the saddle - I have *never* rubbed bareback (well, once on a
high-withered, rake for a spine TB, but never on a "real" horse :-), I ride
more balanced, and my horse is cooler and much happier. But then I learnt to
ride that way, and I broke him that way, so we could just be used to it.
What makes *me* cringe is the guy who recently completed our State
Championship 160km (100miler) Ride wearing *boxer* shorts in a saddle!!!
Shorts bareback I can handle, but in a saddle! No thanks!
Nik & the Gang (Taaj, Saki & Dippa) in Australia
Nikki Ward
nikkiw@agrecon.canberra.edu.au
Canberra, AUSTRALIA