Bareback riding

They must rest their legs more forward, along the crease between the barrel and the shoulder muscles to have a secure position without excessive gripping.

If riders lose their balance, it is common to grab the mane to prevent jerking the horse in the mouth with the reins of the bridle, though ideally a rider can maintain proper balance by correct placement and use of their thigh and upper calf muscles.

Though some people begin riding bareback before they learn with a saddle, it is usually recommended to first learn in a saddle without stirrups, as the rider is still helped in obtaining correct position by the pommel and cantle, but is not able to use the stirrups as a crutch for poor balance or position.

It is also easier on the horse's back to have the support of a saddle to cushion the action of an unbalanced rider.

Cowboys ride the bucking horse one-handed and cannot touch or hang onto anything with their free hand.

They use a leather rigging that includes a handle that resembles that of a suitcase, where riders place their hand.

To make the event more difficult for the rider, they are required to lean back and spur in a highly stylised manner that was never historically used in actual practice.