Sidesaddles were not difficult to ride, but
they were more expensive than men's
saddles and they needed careful attention so
that they would not hurt the horse's back.
Some women were glad to put their
sidesaddles in the attic and start using lighter,
cheaper men's saddles.
A few women continued to ride sidesaddles
when hunting and in horse shows throughout
the 20th century. Not many sidesaddles
were made, though, and these tended to be
very expensive.
they were more expensive than men's
saddles and they needed careful attention so
that they would not hurt the horse's back.
Some women were glad to put their
sidesaddles in the attic and start using lighter,
cheaper men's saddles.
A few women continued to ride sidesaddles
when hunting and in horse shows throughout
the 20th century. Not many sidesaddles
were made, though, and these tended to be
very expensive.
SIDESADDLES TODAY
During the 1970s and 1980s, women began to be interested in aside riding once
again. Some women liked riding sidesaddle because it seemed to be a challenge.
Others were attracted to it because it was a uniquely graceful way to ride.
Today, more and more women are riding sidesaddle and new sidesaddles are
being made (although they are still rather expensive.)
During the 1970s and 1980s, women began to be interested in aside riding once
again. Some women liked riding sidesaddle because it seemed to be a challenge.
Others were attracted to it because it was a uniquely graceful way to ride.
Today, more and more women are riding sidesaddle and new sidesaddles are
being made (although they are still rather expensive.)
Many 20th century sidesaddles look somewhat like hunting sidesaddles, but with
wider horns. This is the type of sidesaddle favored today by English-style riders.
Western riders ride Western-style sidesaddles.
Habits have changed, too. Rather than a long, flowing skirt, modern
English-style riders wear an "apron" made of wool fabric that matches their
jacket. The apron is like a backless skirt and is worn over riding breeches. When
the rider is seated in the saddle, the apron covers her legs in front, but there is no
skirt fabric between the rider's legs and the saddle. Western riders may wear an
apron or skirt made of a fabric like suede.
wider horns. This is the type of sidesaddle favored today by English-style riders.
Western riders ride Western-style sidesaddles.
Habits have changed, too. Rather than a long, flowing skirt, modern
English-style riders wear an "apron" made of wool fabric that matches their
jacket. The apron is like a backless skirt and is worn over riding breeches. When
the rider is seated in the saddle, the apron covers her legs in front, but there is no
skirt fabric between the rider's legs and the saddle. Western riders may wear an
apron or skirt made of a fabric like suede.
With improvements in safety and increasing publicity, aside riding has entered
the 21st century as one way a woman can express both her equestrian skill and
her femininity.
the 21st century as one way a woman can express both her equestrian skill and
her femininity.
About the Authoress
I grew up riding cow horses on myfamily farm in North Louisiana and
was always fascinated by my great-grandmother's stories of sidesaddles
and riding aside. In graduate school (after college) I studied sidesaddles
as part of my training to be a museum curator.
Now I'm a full-time mom and animal care-giver. I don't ride sidesaddle
anymore, but I encourage all girls to learn about horses and aside riding.
Happy (and Safe!) Riding
--Shanna Duck
I grew up riding cow horses on myfamily farm in North Louisiana and
was always fascinated by my great-grandmother's stories of sidesaddles
and riding aside. In graduate school (after college) I studied sidesaddles
as part of my training to be a museum curator.
Now I'm a full-time mom and animal care-giver. I don't ride sidesaddle
anymore, but I encourage all girls to learn about horses and aside riding.
Happy (and Safe!) Riding
--Shanna Duck
| Me in my 1870s habit with my sidesaddle. |