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We are also proud to announce that Michelle has obtained her sidesaddle instructor's certification and judges card from the World Sidesaddle Federation, Inc. She is the only instructor currently in south central USA. If you are lucky enough to have one of these treasures (sidesaddles) collecting dust in your closet, now is the time to blow the dust off and just do it. Contact Michelle for more information: Michelle@rightlead.com. A Little History on the Sidesaddle.... Many variations of the side saddle have taken
place throughout the ages. The original side saddle was more A major new development arose in the 16th century in which Catherine de Medici discovered that she would have more security by hooking her right leg around the horn on the saddle front. Then, a 2nd horn was added and this style of side saddle remained constant for approximately 200 years. Now with two pommels on the side saddle, women made more of an attempt to sit facing forward on the horse. Queen Elizabeth I enjoyed many years of hunting on horseback. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the side saddle began to show two other changes: A velvet lined slipper stirrup, and a side rail on the right side of the saddle. Gradually the side rail disappeared from use. A riding master, Jules Charles Pellier, is supposed to have invented the "leaping head" in 1830. This added pommel curved downward over the left thigh for added security while jumping, or..."leaping", as it was called in those days. Around the middle of the 19th century, various forms of safety stirrups came into use, replacing the closed slipper stirrup. In 1875, a cutback head was introduced to the tree of the sides addle, enabling the rider to sit more level upon the saddle. In 1880, the addition of the "balance strap", a form of rear girth, helped to secure the saddle even more. These structural changes throughout the centuries have led to the present day side saddle, in use in many countries, and making a popular comeback today. Due to the increased popularity of reviving this style of riding, there are also some companies that manufacture new side saddles. Check out the Side Saddle Association (part of British Horse Society), NEA Sidesaddle Association, World Sidesaddle Federation, and Ridding Side-Saddle websites for more information. |
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or less a padded
seat in which the women sat completely sideways, shown by paintings on Greek
vases and on Celtic sculptured stones. The horses appeared to be small, and
often led by a servant. By the 9th century AD, a "planchette'" was
added which was a little board for the rider's feet to rest upon. This type of
saddle was also used by Anne of Bohemia, wife of Richard II, introduced to
England in 1382. Finally by the 15th century, a horn was developed in front and
a cantle in back, but the planchette was still in use for the feet to rest upon.
