Really not an issue once you learn how to ride and develop the right muscles. It's all in how you sit and learn to move with the horse rather than just reacting.

I admittedly did use a jock strap when I was first getting started, but within a few months I found that I was better off without it. Even riding bareback (Without a saddle) is completely doable once you have the right muscle stamina.

I was fortunate to go to Cal Poly (Pomona, not SLO) for college. You were allowed to take Equitation classes to satisfy your General Ed requirement. It's definitely a culture.

Have you ever ridden one?

Not parent poster, but ONCE, and ONLY once, haha.

Yes. I actually have very large balls so it was quite uncomfortable. With training I believe this is less of an issue but I was put off at that point.