When I was a kid we used to ride bareback now and then. Most of the time I thought it was pretty uncomfortable. Do you ever ride bareback? What do you think are the pros or cons of doing so?

I've ridden bareback mostly for cooling off horses. I don't find it terribly safe or encouraging of a good riding position (which vaguely relates to safety as well). I didn't find it uncomfortable, but I did alot of dressage and thus had fat, round horses who you could sit easily.

I see alot of teens with horses posting pictures in shorts and bathing suits without shoes, helmets, and only halters and leadropes riding bareback and it makes me cringe.

Yes, the times I've done it as an adult have been so uncomfortable that I never do it anymore! My saddle is too comfy. :)

Bareback in shorts? O_o owie