Make sure you are comfortable with all the gaits in a saddle, and in bareback which include the walk, the trot, sitting trot, and canter. You must also be comfortable with your horse.
Make sure your horse is warmed up. Never start off with the canter in the ring. That is just asking for trouble, and for your horse to be overworked.
Get your horse to canter on flat, level ground. Be sure to always inspect the ground for holes, dips, etc. before you canter. Nothing worse than having your horse trip in a hole, and you falling off the horses neck.
When you are relaxed and your horse is collected, ask for the gallop by squeezing with both legs, and keep your legs against the horse so the horse doesn't quit on you. You should be leaning slightly forward and be moving with your horse. If your horse has an uncomfortable gait, it is ok to slightly lean back, almost as if sitting on your pockets (also think of the dressage canter;scoop forward with your pelvis). You'll know he's galloping by the distinct 4-beat thump, thump, thump, thump. He'll also be going very fast, but do not panic. If you panic, the horse will panic too.
Remember not to slam on your horse's back.
Your pelvis should be moving with your horse in a scooping motion. Do not try to go against your horse's motion, or you will fall off! When in doubt, relax, and let your body go with the motion of your horse.
Have fun galloping bareback on your horse!
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