Bareback riding is a form of riding which is performed without a saddle, maximizing contact between the rider and the back of the horse. This style of riding requires some special skills, and it is usually only performed by advanced riders. Some riders cheat, using a pad rather than going purely bareback, and bareback pads can also be used in teaching a rider how to ride bareback safely and successfully.
There are a number of reasons for riders to choose to go bareback. Sometimes, riders simply need to move a horse to a new location, and riding bareback is quicker, especially if the horse is only going a short distance. It also means that the rider only has to carry a bridle back to the tack room, rather than a saddle and a bridle. On small farms, riding bareback is the quickest way to get between paddocks or fields, and some riders even eschew the bridle altogether.
Riding bareback is also sometimes convenient when horses need to be waded or swum across a river, because tack could be damaged by the water. Some riders simply enjoy the experience of bareback riding, because it feels more natural to them. In the long term, bareback riding can actually be dangerous for horses, because saddles don't just provide padding and protection for riders; they also protect the back of the horse from strain.
People who want to learn bareback riding typically start by taking the stirrups off their saddles, so that they can learn to control a horse with their legs while holding their seats. Once they are comfortable with this, they can take the saddle off and ride on a saddle or bareback pad. Eventually, the pad is removed, and the rider goes entirely bareback, sometimes having someone else lead the horse the first few times so that they can concentrate on finding and holding their seat.
Once a rider is comfortable with bareback riding at the walk, he or she can try trotting, cantering, and galloping. Riding is much more dangerous when bareback, however, so riders should be careful. Without a saddle, riders can fall more easily, and they have less control over their horses. A helmet should always be worn when riding, along with appropriate gear such as thick pants and heavy boots. It's also a good idea to ride with a buddy so that someone can go for help if something happens to a rider or a horse.