Benefits of no stirrup riding

I would say its helpful for core stablitly and balance.

Sometimes riders can rely on the stirrups for balance and not thier seat/position.

I also think bareback is useful, as some people use the saddle too much as a crutch to cling on too.

Basic bareback or no stirrup riding can do wonders for someones position and balance.

If your find it very difficult and painful, then there is maybe an underlying issue your instructor should detect for you.
 
I find it useful for dressage, to help the rider to get 'deep' into the saddle as well as ensuring that legs are long and stretched, which I find helps me to follow the horses movement :)
 
In the very novice or unbalanced rider I feel its generally counterproductive as all it does is cause tension and pain for both rider and horse. For those who need/want to refine their position then yes it is very beneficial.

I fail to understand why many BHS type establishments insist on beginers/ novices being subjected to it as part of their training. Either teach a rider right from day one to sit correctly with no stirrups and then allow them once core stability and balance are established or wait until they have enough strength to begin to cope with the change from stirrups to no stirrups in the lesson.
 
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