Elegant and Timeless: Riding a Horse Side Saddle

History of Side Saddles

The use of side saddles for horse riding dates back to antiquity, with depictions of women riding with both legs on the same side of the horse seen in Greek vases, sculptures, and Celtic stones.

Medieval Side Saddle

Medieval depictions show women seated aside with the horse being led by a man, or seated on a small padded seat (a pillion) behind a male rider. However, cultural norms in Europe considered it unbecoming for a woman to straddle a horse while riding, and the long skirts worn by women made riding astride impractical and awkward.

Side Saddle In The Middle Ages

Anne of Bohemia made the side saddle more popular during the Middle Ages, using a chair-like affair where the woman sat sideways on the horse with her feet on a small footrest. However, the insecure design of the early side saddle contributed to the popularity of the Palfrey, a smaller horse with smooth ambling gaits, as a suitable mount for women.

In the 16th century, Catherine de' Medici developed a more practical design, in which the rider sat facing forward, hooking her right leg around the pommel of the saddle, with a horn added to the near side of the saddle to secure the rider's right knee.

The footrest was replaced with a "slipper stirrup", a leather-covered stirrup iron into which the rider's left foot was placed. This design allowed the rider both to stay on and to control her own horse, at least at slower speeds.

However, not all women adopted the side saddle at all times, with some such as Diane de Poitiers and Marie Antoinette being known to ride astride.

Side Saddles In The 1800's

In the 1830s, Jules Pellier invented a side saddle design with a second, lower pommel to the side saddle, which is still in use today. The impact of the second pommel was revolutionary, as it gave women increased security and additional freedom of movement when riding sidesaddle, allowing them to stay on at a gallop and even to jump fences while fox hunting and show jumping.

With this design, nearly all recreational equestrian pursuits were opened to women, yet they could also conform to expectations of modesty. The leaping horn was the last major technological innovation for the side saddle and remains the core of the basic design. Today, side saddle riding remains a niche practice, but it has an important historical and cultural significance.

How To Ride a Horse Side Saddle

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to ride your horse side saddle.

Find a properly fitted side saddle

Side saddles come in various shapes and sizes, so it is important to ensure that the saddle fits both you and your horse correctly. The saddle should be level, secure, and balanced on the horse's back.

Mount your horse

Mounting a horse in a side saddle can be a little tricky, especially for beginners. It is best to start by standing next to your horse, facing its tail. Take the reins in your left hand and place your left foot into the stirrup. Swing your right leg up and over the saddle, positioning it along the horse's right side. Hook your right foot into the stirrup on the left side of the saddle.

Position yourself correctly

Sit in the saddle with your right hip against the upright pommel and your right leg draped over the top of the saddle. Your left leg should be bent and tucked behind the second pommel (also known as the leaping head or leaping horn). Keep your back straight and your shoulders level.

Balance yourself

Maintaining balance while riding side saddle is essential. To help with this, you can use your left hand to hold the reins and your right hand to hold onto the pommel. Keep your core engaged and your weight centered over your horse's spine.

Practice your aids

Aids are the cues you give your horse to direct it where to go. In side saddle, your aids are given primarily with your seat and legs. To ask your horse to go forward, squeeze gently with your legs. To stop or slow down, relax your legs and sit deeper into the saddle. Use the reins to steer your horse and give it direction.

Practice trotting and cantering

Trotting and cantering are more challenging in a side saddle, but with practice, you can master these gaits. To trot, rise up and down in the saddle with the horse's movements. To canter, sit deep into the saddle and follow the horse's movement with your hips.

Practice jumping

With a properly fitted side saddle, you can even jump fences. Start with small jumps and work your way up as you gain confidence and skill. Remember to keep your weight centered and your legs secure.

Final Thoughts

Riding side saddle can be a unique and rewarding experience, but it requires practice and patience to master. By finding a properly fitted saddle, mounting your horse correctly, positioning yourself in the saddle, balancing yourself, practicing your aids, and trying different gaits and jumps, you can become a skilled side saddle rider.

Always remember to prioritize your safety and the well-being of your horse, and never hesitate to seek guidance from experienced riders or instructors. With dedication and hard work, you can enjoy the art of side saddle riding and create unforgettable memories with your horse.

Richard Sutherland

RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.org

Richard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.