Riding bareback with the security of a saddle?

Scaequestrian over at Tacky Tack of the Day posted yesterday on bareback pads. I love riding bareback, but it's difficult on Panama because he's so slap-sided, still being young. Plus, my bareback pad tends to move around a lot, so I have to ride without it — and I'm not yet comfortable doing anything more than a walk while sitting on slippery fur!

Scaequestrian's post gave a good rundown on what to look for in a bareback pad. Breast collar: good. Stirrups: not good. But what I found especially interesting was the last item, the Natural Ride: a combination bareback pad/saddle with stirrups and a half-tree in the front to support them. (It also helps that the company is a Colorado company. I love supporting local businesses!)

Despite the fact that this glorified bareback pad has the same price tag as my regular saddle (okay, I got it used and cheap, but still), I think I'm in love. Luckily my birthday is coming up in a couple of months... (Hint, hint, hubby!)