Posted by Barbara on May 08, 1997 at 18:18:49:
While reading all about Mary Crawford learning to ride etc., and especially after seeing last week's episode of the Buccaneers, I was wondering whether these ladies would likely have been riding side-saddle? The picture on the cover of this group read board looks like a woman riding side-saddle. Is that the only way women rode at that time, or did they ever ride astride like men?
Perhaps some equestrians might know also how does a woman get onto a side saddle? It is necessary to be lifted on, or is there a way to get on yourself?
Are side saddles always to the same side---with legs over the left of the horse, for example?
I've seen a side saddle, but never ridden one--does the leg hangs down (not the one that goes over the hook) have a stirrup?
And finally, wouldn't this actually be a lot more dangerous than riding like men?
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