Best Bareback Pads for Improving Rider Balance and Seat

Bareback riding offers a unique and intimate connection between horse and rider, allowing for better communication and a deeper understanding of the horse’s movements. However, many riders find that bareback riding can be challenging, especially when it comes to maintaining balance and seat stability. This is where bareback pads come in—they provide just enough cushioning to make the ride more comfortable while allowing you to stay in close contact with your horse.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best bareback pads that are designed to improve your rider balance and seat, helping you to enhance your riding experience without the added bulk of a saddle.

Why Use a Bareback Pad?

Bareback pads are ideal for riders who want to feel close to the horse, maintain better posture, and improve their balance. Unlike saddles, which can sometimes separate you from your horse’s movements, a bareback pad offers a more natural feel. The right bareback pad can help you develop better core strength, provide support to your hips, and improve your overall riding technique.

Benefits of Using a Bareback Pad:

Improves Balance and Seat: Offers support to help stabilize your seat without limiting your movement.
Enhanced Communication: Allows the rider to feel the horse’s movements more intimately, improving connection and responsiveness.
Comfortable: Cushions your seat, reducing soreness and friction during longer rides.
Versatile: Can be used for training, casual rides, or as an alternative to a full saddle.

Top Bareback Pads for Rider Balance and Seat Improvement

Below are some of the best bareback pads available that are designed to help improve your balance, seat stability, and overall riding experience:

1. SoftRide Bareback Pad

Price Range: Mid to High

Overview:

The SoftRide Bareback Pad is popular for its comfort and secure fit, designed to help riders maintain proper balance while riding. It features a thick layer of memory foam for extra cushioning, along with adjustable girth straps to ensure a snug fit on the horse.

Why It’s Great for Balance and Seat:

The memory foam not only provides cushioning but also molds to your body shape, helping you stay centered and stable while riding. This is especially beneficial for riders working on their balance or those new to bareback riding. It also offers a non-slip surface, so you won’t feel as though you’re sliding off.

Key Features:

Memory foam for superior comfort.
Adjustable girth for a customizable fit.
Non-slip surface for added stability.
Available in multiple sizes to fit various horse breeds.

2. Equestrian Bareback Pad by Cashel

Price Range: Mid

Overview:

The Cashel Equestrian Bareback Pad is designed with both comfort and balance in mind. Its soft foam padding provides ample cushioning while maintaining a close contact feel with the horse. The pad’s sturdy girth straps ensure it stays in place during your ride, even when performing advanced maneuvers.

Why It’s Great for Balance and Seat:

The pad’s ergonomic design helps distribute the rider’s weight evenly, which improves balance and posture. With a velcro seat saver feature, it helps maintain comfort while allowing you to feel every movement your horse makes.

Key Features:

Thick foam padding for cushioning.
Velcro seat saver for added comfort and security.
Adjustable girth and non-slip design for better seat stability.
Durable and suitable for daily riding or training.

3. Abetta Bareback Pad with Sheepskin

Price Range: Mid to High

Overview:

The Abetta Bareback Pad is renowned for its luxurious sheepskin lining and high-quality synthetic materials. This pad combines comfort, durability, and balance for riders of all levels. The sheepskin offers natural breathability and moisture-wicking properties, making it perfect for longer rides.

Why It’s Great for Balance and Seat:

The sheepskin lining creates a soft, cushioned feel, preventing sore spots while maintaining a secure connection with the horse. The added girth is fully adjustable, allowing for a perfect fit and preventing shifting during the ride.

Key Features:

Sheepskin lining for comfort and breathability.
Adjustable girth straps for a secure fit.
Non-slip surface for rider stability.
Durable, easy-to-clean material suitable for both training and leisure rides.

4. Toklat Bareback Pad with Fleece

Price Range: Mid

Overview:

The Toklat Bareback Pad with Fleece is designed for both comfort and balance, featuring a soft fleece lining that cushions the rider while providing a secure feel. It’s lightweight and easy to use, making it ideal for riders looking to improve their seat without the weight of a traditional saddle.

Why It’s Great for Balance and Seat:

The fleece provides a secure grip without being too restrictive. The pad’s unique shape helps keep the rider centered, which can be especially useful for those working on their balance or trying to stay steady while performing advanced movements.

Key Features:

Fleece lining for comfort and stability.
Adjustable girth ensures a secure fit.
Lightweight and easy to clean.
Non-slip design keeps the rider stable.

5. Professional’s Choice Bareback Pad

Price Range: Mid to High

Overview:

Professional’s Choice Bareback Pad is designed for comfort and stability, offering extra cushioning with memory foam and air flow vents for ventilation. It’s perfect for riders who want to improve their balance while also ensuring comfort on long rides.

Why It’s Great for Balance and Seat:

The pad’s unique design conforms to your body to enhance rider seat and posture. The memory foam layer provides enough cushioning to make bareback riding more comfortable while improving balance. The adjustable girth straps allow the pad to stay secure and minimize slipping.

Key Features:

Memory foam for added comfort and support.
Airflow vents for ventilation.
Adjustable girth to ensure a tight, secure fit.
Non-slip base for balance and comfort.

6. Lettia Bareback Pad with Gel Seat

Price Range: High

Overview:

For those looking for ultimate comfort and seat improvement, the Lettia Bareback Pad with Gel Seat is a premium option. This pad includes a gel seat that cushions the rider while providing stability for better balance during the ride.

Why It’s Great for Balance and Seat:

The gel seat offers an extra layer of comfort, reducing pressure points and making bareback riding more accessible for beginners and advanced riders alike. It helps improve posture by encouraging a more secure and balanced seat.

Key Features:

Gel seat for comfort and stability.
Adjustable girth for a secure fit.
Soft material that enhances balance while maintaining close contact with the horse.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Bareback Pad

When choosing the best bareback pad to improve your balance and seat, consider factors such as comfort, fit, and material. Each of the pads listed above offers unique features tailored to different needs. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, a good bareback pad will help you develop a stronger connection with your horse while maintaining better posture and balance throughout your ride.