Riding a horse without a saddle, or doing something with an unprotected or exposed back.
From 'bare' (Old English 'bær,' uncovered) + 'backed' (past participle of 'back'). The compound emerged in the 16th century to describe the specific act of riding without saddle covering.
Bareback riding is actually harder than it looks—you have to develop incredible balance and use your legs and weight in ways saddle riding doesn't require, which is why it's an entirely different skill.
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