Welcome to my little corner of the internet where we can relish in all things sidesaddle. Click below to shop Black Diamond Designs’ sidesaddle line or to read my blog, “Musings on the Side”. I welcome questions on the products and information here and strongly encourage you to join the conversation on my Facebook page. If you aren’t sure about sidesaddle terminology check out my blog post – I hope it will help you to enjoy “all things aside” as much as I do!
My Favorite SS Resources:
- USEF Rulebook for Competing the in the Ladies Sidesaddle Divison
- International Sidesaddle Organization
- “Riding Side-Saddle”, by Janet W. Macdonald
- Art of Side-Saddle: by Rosamund Owen
A VERY Brief History on Sidesaddle
The formal idea of riding in a sidesaddle (or riding astride) starts making an appearance in the history books during the 15th century.
Anne of Bohemia is often credited as the driving force behind the first sidesaddle. While vastly different than what we see today, it allowed women to sit upon the horse without assistance, however, they were unable to stay mounted AND steer, so male assistance would have been necessary.
Another female force contributed to the evolution of the sidesaddle when Catherine de Medici modified her sidesaddle so she could sit and steer simultaneously. It is not clear when the first “horn”, or what we call the fixed head, was added, however, history shows us many examples of sidesaddles with a singular fixed head. While far from impossible, these saddles forced women to have great skill when riding beyond a controlled pace in good footing.
In the 1830s a version of what we call the leaping head was introduced. This lower “horn” allowed riders to stabilize themselves in trappy conditions, giving women the opportunity to keep up with men at pace and over terrain.
Through the 1930’s riding aside flourished as a means for women to safely travel via horseback. World War 2 was devastating for the art form, as many timeless saddle designs by renowned master saddlers were lost. Many argue there has not been a comparable saddle made since the greats at Owen, Champion & Wilton, Martin & Martin, and a few others stopped manufacturing saddles.
Today ladies of all ages, and sometimes men, mount up aside to compete in hunters, dressage, eventing, western, saddle seat, costume classes, and steeplechase races; as well as enjoy the sport of fox hunting and Escaramuza Charra.
Unlike many other equestrian disciplines, the sidesaddle community clings desperately to its roots – from wearing vintage habits, putting TLC into accessories passed down for generations, and restoring saddles that are considered working antiques. They typically showcase, with pride, preserved history mixed with touches of modern safety.