Stupid question, why do side-saddle?

[aimeejay]

By no means do I mean this offensively but why do side-saddle? Sorry about my ignorance towards it but never done it. Is there any reasons(e.g balance?) or is it just another style, why not just ride normally?

Sorry if its a really stupid q!
Thanks

 

[Aoibhin]

im looking long term for a nice steady cob type to put to sidesaddle as i cannot ride astride (medical problems with hips) so for me its the only way i am likley to ride again unless Physiotherepist does wonders (have been struggling to ride for 3 years & slowly admitting it hurts too much)

some friends do it for their hobby (as it was the only civil way to ride many years ago if you were female)

 

[noblesteed]

Historically, it was deemed inappropriate for ladies to wear trousers. Therefore they were unable to sit 'astride' a horse. So they developed side saddle so ladies could ride elegantly in their long skirts. More recently it has become acceptable for ladies to wear jodphurs but some people enjoy keeping the tradition alive and still choose side-saddle.

Personally I would love my horse to be able to be ridden side-saddle, as I would be able to ride him to my wedding in my wedding dress!

 

[Serenity087]

I love side-saddle - but I feel much the same way as you do about SS about StockSaddles (NOT western, slightly different shape, very bizarre!)

It's a more fun and novel way of going hunting, so I hear, and I'd like to bring Dorey into it for showing, as then we can be marked on overall appearance and not how popular we are *cough cough*.

And yes, women had no choice but to ride sidesaddle. The medieval side saddles are lethal looking though!

 

[Spudlet]

I had a go once, and it was fun. Really different but I felt very secure - I would do it again

It also did feel very elegant and ladylike, which makes a nice change for me

 

[dominobrown]

I would love to have a go but none of my horses would be suitable, is there anywhere/anyone who could me lessons on a trained horse? In north/scotland. I have always wanted to try it.

 

[Pally]

I too have always wanted to try Side saddle but like many others did not have a suitable horse, far too spooky! It is still on my wish list though so maybe one day.

 

[FMM]

Erm. Well, why would you jump round a course of show jumps. Or go round a cross country course? It is just a different equestrian discipline!!!

 

[aimeejay]

Erm. Well, why would you jump round a course of show jumps. Or go round a cross country course? It is just a different equestrian discipline!!!

Didnt mean it in any way nastily just genuinely curious?..
Thanks for everyone whos answered.

 

[Spudlet]

OP, in your area if you fancy a go, head over to Wrea Green Riding School - that's where I went to have a go

Here is me - no comments on the Godawful hair please, it was a long time ago

 

[sidesaddlegirl]

I do it because I've always wanted to do it since I was 10 (I bought my first side saddle 2 years ago so it took me 23 years to get one!!) but for the past month, I've only been riding side saddle due to the arthritis in my back and hips getting worse. I don't hurt so much aside so I think I'm going to give up astride riding for good now. Besides, I can do all the things side saddle, I did riding "normal", we even tried a jump on Sunday! LOL, now we have a clear round show next weekend so we'll be doing that side saddle for the first time

Besides, my riding habit covers up my blubbery belly!

 

[Cedars]

doesnt it bugger up the horses back? putting all your weight on one side? xxxx

 

[somethingorother]

I had a go once and felt very unstable up there. It was good fun though and we even popped a small jump. Actually canter was lovely sidesaddle, but the jumping made me go EEP! It was a long time ago though and i would love another go now. Spudlet, is that the Wrea green near Preston?? Didn't know they did sidesaddle, may have to have another go!

Out of curiosity for those who do it a lot, is it not bad for the horses back since most of the weight is on one side?

ETS: Crossposted with flamehead!

 

[sidesaddlegirl]

Not if you ride correctly and your saddle fits properly. You should actually be sitting square and center like as if you are riding normal but it's just your legs "dangling" to one side. Your breeches seam should be center over the horses back as if you are riding astride.

LOL, I would even venture to say that Hattie prefers me riding side saddle rather than astride as I tend to sit crooked when riding astride due to my wonky spine. With side saddle, you HAVE TO keep your right shoulder and your right hip back thereby squaring you up or else you fall off

 

[Angua2]

I am planning on introducing my current horse to sidesaddle. but this picture is my old lad. I even made my own habit,

 

[GLEEK]

I have a mare tht would be perfect for it. Are the saddles very expensive? Iv never done it or thought about it to be honest. What else do you need for side saddle?

 

[humblepie]

I have had a couple of side saddle lessons in the past and loved it and think it actually helped with my astride position. I think it is so elegant and love to see ladies hunting side saddle and would definitely consider showing side saddle in the future.

 

[Aoibhin]

I am planning on introducing my current horse to sidesaddle. but this picture is my old lad. I even made my own habit,

and that pic brought a tear to the eye.

 

[Orangehorse]

I knew an old lady when I was a teenager and she said she was sent home by the Master when she turned up for a meet riding astride. It was considered unlady-like to ride astride and if you have read Molly Keane's books you will see that one heroine was in trouble for walking around in breeches with no skirt covering her legs - and she was writing from her own life.

I have a lovey book written by Jack Hance, with pictures of his daughters galloping and jumping side-saddle, and there is a chapter on whether ladies should ride astride or side saddle. He maintained that if a lady was just an occasional rider she should ride side saddle as it was more secure and she was less likely to damage the horse's mouth. However, given sufficient practice and instruction a lady could ride astride.

Also dealers would sometimes ride a bucking horse in a side saddle as it is harder to be thrown off. On the other hand that is how some women met their deaths in the hunting field because if a horse fell it tended to fall on top of the rider who is not thrown clear.

 

[Spudlet]

Yep Wrea Green near Preston.

It can look one sided but actually you sit very central, so if the saddle fits properly and you are sitting right the horse's back should be fine

I believe saddles can be quite expensive and they do fit a bit differently to normal saddles, so probably the best thing to do would be to find a local instructor. Some will hire saddles out as well so you can have a go without spending a lot of money to start with

ETA wounded war veterans would also sometimes hunt side-saddle

 

[Gingerwitch]

I love riding side saddle - i am much better at it than i am riding astride.... you really do learn what the aids are all about - and you soon realise how sensative your horse really can be - I have just done the intro A test's and the two half circles in trot are to die for side saddle and i ride these much better than i do astride. As soon as the side saddle goes on my lad - he goes all haughty and flicky toes - so i am sure it must be something to do with the extra freedom he feels through his back.

The only downside to side saddle is the tacking up - and tbh this it the bit that puts me off - my boy is 17hh - so its a bit of a lift and my saddle is an antique Champion and Wilton...and it is heavy.

Now everyone that is saying.... would love to do that but my horse.... rot -any well schooled horse that does not rear - will carry a side saddle and go very nicely in it to.... I seriously wont ride side saddle for months - tack up at a show get my daft dress thing on (habit) scramble up and win...... - if only i could do that astride (aghghghg) BUT i always feel very self concious and think that people think that i am "up myself" the last show the only thing you could hear was my breathing - i nearly passed out after the halt! especially after i heard a load of folks - saying "look at that pratt - hope she falls off" "snob" "