This is my sharp kopis from @greatgurkhakhukuri .
I am riding stirrupless on a pad. Now I use my reproduction stirrupless Scythian saddle.
I use pool noodles for a couple of reasons. They won’t damage the blade, and they can be hard to cut unless you cut just right.
Using a sharp sword to cut from horseback is something that shouldn’t be approached lightly. First and foremost is the safety of your mount. I can guarantee that there has been years of training to get to this point.