A skilled rider and proper training are essential for the health of the horse's back. The specific riding style isn't as important as prioritizing the horse's anatomical and physiological needs.

If an ill-fitting, rigid saddle or a rider sitting too far back disrupts the horse's natural movement, it prevents achieving the goal of proper muscle development and spinal flexibility. The Barefoot saddle addresses this by positioning the rider directly over the horse's center of gravity (vertebrae 9-13) while leaving the back of the thoracic spine (vertebrae 15-16), where the spinous processes converge, unrestricted. This design promotes horse-friendly riding by allowing better movement and comfort for the horse.