We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases.
It ain’t hard to see they’ll be the death of me
They’re gonna drive my little heart insane
I love it when they let their hair down
And dance real close to you
You know I’m a sucker, babe, for what the cowgirls do
— Vince Gill
Ride ‘em, cowgirl! The cowgirl sex position is a lot of fun for everyone involved, since the receiving partner gets to control the angle, depth, and rhythm of penetration and the penetrating partner gets a great ride and a great view. Read on for tips, tricks, and insight from our staff of sex educators.
What Is the Cowgirl Sex Position?
The cowgirl sex position is when the receiving partner “rides” the penetrating partner’s penis or strap-on dildo. In the classic cowgirl position, the penetrating partner lies on their back and the receiving partner kneels on top — but there are numerous variations.
We’ve written about how sex toys have been around since humans have been around, and we can say the same about the cowgirl sex position (and erotic content!). A painting of a couple enjoying the cowgirl position was discovered in the ruins of Pompeii (Rome, 79 CE), and the cowgirl position was featured heavily in the Kama Sutra (India, third century CE).
But What Are The Benefits?
Mechanically, the cowgirl sex position gives the receiving partner a lot of control over the depth and angle of penetration, and allows the receiving partner to set the pace. At certain angles and with certain anatomies, the penetrating partner’s penis can line up with the receiving partner’s G-spot. With other angles and other anatomies, the receiving partner’s clitoris can grind against the penetrating partner’s pubic mound.
This position, and other women-on-top positions, also keep weight off the receiving partner’s chest and stomach, which can allow for deeper breathing. Even better, it gives greater access to the receiving partner’s nipples and clitoris for additional targeted stimulation.
For the penetrating partner, they get to lie back and enjoy, which can be a refreshing change of pace if they are usually the more physically active partner (missionary, doggy). They also get a great view of their partner’s face and breasts.
For both partners, this can be a very intimate position with a lot of eye contact and potential for verbal and non-verbal communication. Both partners usually have their hands free to caress each other’s faces and bodies.
How to Do the Cowgirl Sex Position
There’s really no wrong way to enjoy sex with your partner (aside from issues of safety and consent, of course), so everything we write here is simply suggestions based on commonly recognized terms. If you and your partner want to choreograph “cowgirl” a little differently, please do!
The classic cowgirl position starts with the penetrating partner lying on their back with an erect penis or strap-on dildo pointing upwards. The receiving partner kneels over or straddles the penetrating partner. Partners will be facing each other.
When both partners are ready, the receiving partner can lower themself carefully onto the penis (or dildo), using their legs and core to control the movement. “Carefully” is the key word here; it is very rare for a penis to break during sex but it can happen. The penetrating partner can also use their hand to brace the penis as the receiving partner lowers themself down on it.
Now, it’s the receiving partner’s game! They can lean forward or backwards to adjust the angle of penetration or use their thigh and core muscles to control the depth and pace (is this enough motivation to ramp up gym time?). They can also switch between grinding and thrusting for different sensations.
Both partners can use their hands and mouths to caress and stimulate each other. And as always, they can and should also use those hands and mouths to communicate with each other throughout the experience.
Cowgirl Sex Position Variations
Classic cowgirl is great, but it’s not the only way to get your ride on.
Reverse Cowgirl Position
This is pretty much what it sounds like — instead of partners facing each other, the receiving partner faces the penetrating partner’s feet. The penetrating partner gets a different but equally tantalizing view, and the receiving partner has even more control over the angle and depth of penetration. The penetrating partner can (gently) pull apart the receiving partner’s buttocks to get even deeper if desired.
Face-Sitting Reverse Cowgirl Position
Same as the above, just a couple of feet higher! In this, the receiving partner straddles or kneels over the giving partner’s face for oral sex. This variation on the cowgirl position still offers many of the same advantages: great control for the receiving partner and great access for the giving partner.
Squatting Cowgirl Position
This is also sometimes known as “Asian cowgirl.” It’s similar to the classic cowgirl, but the receiving partner will be squatting instead of kneeling. This allows for deeper penetration (and possibly G-spot stimulation) and even more control over the pace, but it is harder on the legs.
It may be easier — and safer for the penetrating partner — to start in the classic cowgirl position. When the receiving partner is ready, they can position their feet flat on the bed and move from a kneeling position to a squatting one. We recommend trying this on a very firm mattress. This also works for reverse cowgirl!
Cowgirl Position in a Chair
This is a fun and different variation on the cowgirl position. It works best with face-to-face cowgirl, but if you are smaller people with a bigger chair, you may also be able to make reverse cowgirl happen in a chair. Keep in mind that while classic cowgirl and reverse cowgirl are good positions when the penetrating partner has a larger body, this variation usually is not.
You will want to make sure that the chair is sturdy enough to hold both your weights and then some (because when you are moving, you will exert higher pressure and increase the force on the chair), and stable and evenly balanced.
It is a very intimate position because your bodies and faces will be in very close contact throughout, and it also requires communication and cooperation. If you can make it work, though, it is very much worth it!
Happy vibing!
Maggie
- 8 Best Sex Pillow Positions, For All Body Types & Genders - August 18, 2026
- STIMULATE Sexual Wellness Show 2026: Purpose to Pleasure - August 17, 2026
- 7 Best Spooning Sex Positions, Ranked by a Sex Educator - August 11, 2026
