Sidesaddle facts for kids
Riding sidesaddle is a type of horseback riding. Sidesaddle riding uses a special saddle. This saddle allows the rider to sit 'aside' rather than 'astride' a horse. Astride means the rider's legs are opened with one leg on each side of the horse. In sidesaddle, the rider's legs are basically closed and both legs are on the same side of the horse. Girls and women mostly ride sidesaddle. Riding sidesaddle allows them to use a modest posture while showing off their nicest riding habits. There are two categories for competition, Junior and Senior classes.
In history
Women sitting aside a horse to ride began in ancient history. It later became popular in European countries in the Middle Ages. This gave women wearing skirts a way to ride a horse in a modest way while also wearing their fancy clothes. It is still popular with some modern riders.
Images for kids
-
Mrs. Esther Stace riding sidesaddle and clearing 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, 1915, a feat made possible because of the leaping horn
-
An antique two pommel sidesaddle.
-
Off-side view of a two pommel sidesaddle with double rigging and an overgirth strap
-
Modern English sidesaddle riding habit.
-
Lateral movement. Left hand holds the reins while the right hand gently uses the whip in place of the missing right leg.
-
Ideal position in the saddle, the rider's spine aligns with that of the horse
-
Correct leg position. Toe of right foot is up, heel down
-
Queen Elizabeth II, riding sidesaddle, Trooping the Colour, 1986
-
Rider jumping in a sidesaddle.
-
Sidesaddle rider without coat or apron in warm-up ring prior to competition, showing breeches and boots worn under riding apron, plus leg position on a sidesaddle with a leaping horn.
-
The sidesaddle tree must be fitted to the horse
-
A sidesaddle is measured by length and two width measurements, "neck" and "seat"
-
A chess queen of walrus tusk, used in Sweden from about 1250
