A lot of people always saddle up their horses, but bareback develops a rider's leg strength and balance.  Personally, I love riding bareback.  The horse can really feel your cues and its the best exercise I can get on my horse. I post bareback and try to do most of the things I'd do saddled. Today I even practiced poles at a canter bareback. Funny.  Thunder actually did better with me on him saddle-less.  I wonder why.  Hmm

Also,  I am going insane not going to any barrel races.  I moved out here in Arizona in May and I do not have a truck.  So I haven't been to a show since last October.  I'm itching to go and I probably have to wait until March to purchase a truck.   And then I'll probably be going back to school, so I won't have tons of time to compete.  One day, I'm going to hit some rodeos, darn it!