Sidesaddle used to be the only way
ladies were encouraged to ride. Riding astride was frowned on as being not ladylike, and usually
difficult with the long skirts woman wore.
To ride sidesaddle, a special saddle is used that has one stirrup and a hook in the front. Riders
must have both legs on the same side (the left) with their left foot in the stirrup and their
right leg hooked on the front of the saddle. The riders must then have their bodies turned to
face front.
Horses must be trained to be ridden sidesaddle, since the rider can only give leg cues on one
side. They must respond to seat cues in order to change gaits or pick up the other canter
lead.
Horses ridden sidesaddle can do most of the same sports as horses ridden astride. Women used
to join fox hunts sidesaddle, including jumping and galloping cross country. Dressage can be
performed sidesaddle up to the highest levels.
Sidesaddle lost a lot of popularity as
women began riding astride. Very few stables offer sidesaddle riding, and very few instructors
teach it. The saddles are often kept as a curiosity and not used. There has been some revival in
interest, but most riders prefer riding astride.
There are very few shows or classes for sidesaddle riders, and many who ride sidesaddle do so
as a secondary type of riding. However, more people are becoming interested and clubs are being
formed to promote this style of riding and keep it from dying out.
Sidesaddle used to be the only way
ladies were encouraged to ride. Riding astride was frowned on as being not ladylike, and usually
difficult with the long skirts woman wore.
Sidesaddle lost a lot of popularity as
women began riding astride. Very few stables offer sidesaddle riding, and very few instructors
teach it. The saddles are often kept as a curiosity and not used. There has been some revival in
interest, but most riders prefer riding astride.