Explore the Cowgirl Position: 5 Ways to Try Cowgirl Position

The cowgirl position is a sex position that consists of a penetrative partner lying flat on their back, with a receiving partner straddled atop facing them. The receiving partner can control the pace, angle, and depth of penetration as they bounce, gyrate their hips, or otherwise customize the movement in this position.

The sex position is one of the best sex positions for those who require clitoral stimulation to climax because it allows the vulva owner to grind into their partner to stimulate their clitoris. Couples can perform the highly customizable position in reverse, horizontally, and with sex toys. While the term “cowgirl” is widely used to describe the position, it can also be called “cowboy,” “rider,” “cowperson,” or another variation for males or gender non-conforming individuals who ride atop their partner during intercourse.

The cowgirl sex position can be beneficial because:

• The receiving partner can be in control. Since the receiving partner is on top, they can control the speed, depth, and angle of penetration during intercourse. This control is beneficial if the receiving partner wants to tailor the stimulation to their particular desires to achieve orgasm—for instance, bouncing at a specific angle to hit an especially sensitive internal spot.
• It offers more clitoral stimulation than other positions. If the receiving partner is a vulva owner, the cowgirl position can offer much more clitoral stimulation than other positions (and for many vulva owners, clitoral stimulation is the key to orgasm). To achieve this stimulation, vulva owners will grind their clitoris on their partner during cowgirl or use their fingers to stimulate their clitoris.
• It’s very customizable. There are many cowgirl variations, from upright to horizontal to reverse, each offering their own targeted stimulation. Upright and reverse cowgirl stimulate the vaginal canal and g-spot, while horizontal stimulates the g-spot and clitoris. While in the cowgirl position, both partner’s hands are free to stimulate each other’s bodies. Additionally, couples can perform cowgirl variations using anal penetration for a different type of stimulation.

To perform the cowgirl position:

1. 1. The penetrative partner lies on their back. Whether the penetrative partner is a penis owner or uses a strap-on dildo, they should begin by lying on their back with their legs straight.
2. 2. The receiving partner mounts. The receiving partner then straddles the penetrative partner, upright and face-to-face with their partner.
3. 3. Begin stimulation. Once in position, there are many ways to begin stimulation. The receiving partner may bounce or grind against the penetrative partner, or the receiving partner can remain still as the penetrative partner thrusts upward. Couples can perform the cowgirl position vaginally, anally, without penetration, or modify it to suit their individual needs. For example, having the top partner lean back or forward, or the bottom partner sit up or elevate their knees.

Here are some ways to modify the popular sex position:

1. 1. Go horizontal. While the most traditional form of cowgirl has the person on top riding upright on their partner, asking the receiving partner to lean down so that they’re close to, or resting on, their partner’s chest can provide additional pleasure. If the receiving partner is a vulva owner, this is also a great way to increase g-spot stimulation during penetration.
2. 2. Sit up. Instead of lying down, have the penetrative partner sit up during cowgirl, so both partners’ bodies are upright. This angle makes it easier for the penetrative partner to stimulate the receiving partner’s body with their mouth—from lips to neck to chest—and can feel especially intimate, like an embrace.
   
3. 3. Try a squatting position. The most common cowgirl position is when the receiving partner is on their knees while straddling their partner, which is usually most comfortable for the receiving partner. However, if the receiving partner is flexible, they can squat over the penetrative partner with their feet on the bed, allowing for extra power and muscle control while bouncing.
4. 4. Try reverse cowgirl. Reverse cowgirl is a variation in which the top partner faces the penetrative partner’s legs away while bouncing. Depending on the penis or toy’s curvature, they can stimulate different areas inside the top partner—for vulva owners, the g-spot, and for penis owners, the prostate. Reverse cowgirl can also offer a less-stressful position for partners who might feel slightly self-conscious or not interested in being face-to-face with the other during sex.
5. 5. Introduce toys. Couples vibrators and cock rings are great hands-free ways to increase stimulation during cowgirl. It’s also easy to introduce some light bondage by tying the penetrative partner’s wrists or ankles to the bed, giving even more control to the person on top. Pillows are also a great tool: a pillow under the penetrative partner’s glutes will help elevate the penis or toy for deeper penetration, while pillows under the receiving partner’s knees will give them extra control of penetration depth.

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