Why Saddle a Horse?

A saddle needs to distribute the weight of the rider correctly over the horse's back so that the rider's center of gravity becomes one with the horse's center of gravity. The horse will change in conformation over the course of his life due to many influences, least of which are his age and training.

Is it better to ride a horse without a saddle?

Riding a horse bareback is a great way to develop muscle and balance. People used to ride bareback because they did not have saddles, but it's still something that can come in handy. It is warmer in the winter and less cumbersome if you only have a minute for a quick ride around the paddock.

Do horses need a saddle?

Saddles aren't bad for horses but actually benefit horses by dispersing the riders' weight. Saddles are necessary because without a saddle, the rider doesn't have a firm seat, and even a sixteen-year-old could feel three times heavier than her weight without a saddle.