Sidesaddle facts for kids

Woman riding in a modern English sidesaddle class.

Riding sidesaddle is a special way to ride a horse. It uses a unique saddle that lets the rider sit with both legs on one side of the horse. This is different from riding "astride," where your legs are on both sides of the horse.

Most often, girls and women ride sidesaddle. It was a way to ride horses while keeping a modest look, especially when wearing long skirts or fancy riding clothes. Today, sidesaddle riding is still popular in horse shows. Riders can compete in different groups, like Junior and Senior classes.

History of Sidesaddle Riding

Catherine the Great riding sidesaddle.

People have ridden horses sidesaddle for a very long time. It started in ancient history. This style of riding became very popular in European countries during the Middle Ages.

Back then, women often wore long, full skirts. Riding sidesaddle allowed them to ride a horse without having to change their clothes or sit in a way that was considered improper. It was a way to be both fashionable and practical. Even today, some riders enjoy keeping this historical tradition alive.

How a Sidesaddle Works

A sidesaddle looks different from a regular saddle. It has special parts that help the rider stay safe and balanced.

• Pommel: A sidesaddle has two main parts that stick up, called pommels. One pommel is fixed, and the other is often adjustable. These help hold the rider's legs in place.
• Leaping Horn: Some sidesaddles have a "leaping horn." This is a smaller, curved part that helps the rider stay secure, especially when the horse moves fast or jumps.
• Stirrup: Unlike a regular saddle with two stirrups, a sidesaddle usually has only one. The rider places their left foot in this stirrup.
• Balance: Riders use their core muscles and a special whip (called a "sidesaddle whip") to help balance and guide the horse. The whip acts like the missing right leg.

Sidesaddle Competitions Today

Sidesaddle riding is not just for history books. Many people still ride sidesaddle for fun and in competitions. These events often feature riders dressed in beautiful, traditional riding clothes called "riding habits."

Riders show off their skills in different areas:

• Flat Classes: Here, riders show how well they can control their horse at different speeds, like walking, trotting, and cantering. They are judged on their posture and how smooth their ride is.
• Jumping Classes: Some sidesaddle riders also jump fences! This takes great skill and balance to clear obstacles while sitting aside.
• Dressage: This involves performing a series of planned movements. It shows how well the horse and rider work together.

Riding sidesaddle is a unique and elegant way to connect with horses. It celebrates history while still being a challenging and rewarding sport today.

Images for kids

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  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

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  An antique two pommel sidesaddle.

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  Off-side view of a two pommel sidesaddle with double rigging and an overgirth strap

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  Modern English sidesaddle riding habit.

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  Lateral movement. Left hand holds the reins while the right hand gently uses the whip in place of the missing right leg.

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  Ideal position in the saddle, the rider's spine aligns with that of the horse

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  Correct leg position. Toe of right foot is up, heel down

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  Queen Elizabeth II, riding sidesaddle, Trooping the Colour, 1986

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  Rider jumping in a sidesaddle.

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  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.

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  The sidesaddle tree must be fitted to the horse

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  A sidesaddle is measured by length and two width measurements, "neck" and "seat"

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  A chess queen of walrus tusk, used in Sweden from about 1250