How to Ride a Horse Sidesaddle

Women have ridden horses sidesaddle since the days of the ancient Greeks and Celts. Art has depicted them riding sidesaddle behind men or riding aside on horses led by men. While women are independent enough today to ride the same style as a man, some still choose to ride sidesaddle, and such riding has grown in popularity since the 1970s.

Instructions

Preparing to Ride

1. Train the horse to be accustomed to a sidesaddle rider. Because both legs are on the same side of the horse, only one leg can be used to issue commands, and sidesaddle riders need to carry a whip or romal to compensate. (The whip is used only to cue, not to punish.)

2. Get the right kind of saddle. Saddles for sidesaddle riding typically have a second pommel placed sideways to support the thigh, as well as either a safety bar or safety stirrup designed to let go in case the rider falls off the horse. Sidesaddles are available for both English and Western riding, but riders must often buy their saddles used. The Eldonian brand is considered best by many riders, but other good brands include Knoud, Hermes, and Champion and Wilton.

3. Adapt the reins for sidesaddle riding, if necessary. Most reins are designed for riding astride a horse; sidesaddle riding may require longer reins. You may also need a bit with curb pressure to keep the horse's head at a proper angle.

4. Dress for riding sidesaddle. For English riding, wear an outfit similar to that worn on a fox hunt; while for Western riding, Western wear is appropriate. Wear an apron or skirt over riding pantaloons or breeches. You may wear a spur on the left leg.

Riding Sidesaddle

1. Maintain correct posture when riding. Sit squarely on the horse with your shoulders and hips square to the horse and your spine aligned with its spine.

2. Carry both legs with the ankle flexed and heels below the toe. The left heel is down for contact with the horse's side and placement in the stirrup, while the right heel is down solely for balance. In this position, you can squeeze the saddle with your legs to maintain your grip on the saddle if necessary, but maintaining correct posture is the best way to stay seated.

3. Hold the reins evenly.

4. Cue the horse by nudging it with the left leg, spurred or not, and with the whip or romal.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider what kind of sidesaddle riding you'll be doing when you shop for a saddle. Jump riders need a different kind of saddle than do pleasure riders.