Sidesaddle is one of the oldest ways of riding a horse. Women of the Greek and Celts era used to ride on their horse in this way. European tradition allowed women to ride horses, but not astride. Hence, sidesaddles became more popular. In the 11th century, sidesaddles used to be similar to armchairs, where it was possible to rest the feet on a wooden plank. Then in the 15th century, reformations were made in the design of a sidesaddle. 15th century sidesaddles were comfortable and safe to ride upon.
A sidesaddle has two handles. It is tough to ride sidesaddle. You need proper training for this purpose.
Following is an overview on how to ride sidesaddle:
- If you want to ride sidesaddle, first of all you need to train your horse for sidesaddle. Usually people sit in such a way that both legs are on the opposite sides of the horse. However, in sidesaddle, you bring both the legs together on the left hand side of the horse. You can hire trainers in order to train the horse for sidesaddle.
- Once your horse is well trained, find a proper saddle. A sidesaddle is different from the ordinary saddles. Sidesaddle has a second pommel so as to support the thigh. There is also a safety bar attached for safety of the rider when the rider is about to fall.
- There are many popular brands of saddles and sidesaddles. Some of the popular brands are Wilton, Hermes, Knoud and Champion. Try to buy one of these brands only.
- You can also attach a harness to the sidesaddle. You will have to get a longer harness for sidesaddles than the normal saddles. Fix the horse’s head properly in a correct angle.
- Now you need to dress appropriately to ride sidesaddle. You can wear a skirt or an apron along with breech or pantaloons. Or if you are trying an English riding, wear similar costume to a fox hunt.
Now what you need to know is the exact way of actually riding sidesaddle.
To sit and ride sidesaddle, following instructions will help you:
- Sit on the horse with both the legs on the left side. Make sure that your hips and shoulders are even and your back is straight. Sit in a normal way, the same way when you sit on a normal saddle.
- While sitting, adjust your weight. Don’t lean on either side. See to it that the weight is balanced on both the sides. If you lean on any one side, there are chances of falling down from the horse. If your weight is not balanced properly, it may cause injury to the back of the horse and the back will become sore. Also, don’t hang the right knee much. This will create imbalance.
- See to it that your right hip and shoulder are not further to the left ones. While riding, you may shift your right hip and shoulder forward. However, it is necessary to be alert all the time. Keep both the shoulders and hips close to make a perfect balance.
- Don’t forget to hold both sides of the harness evenly. This will help you to ride properly. You can nudge the horse by using your left leg to show him the right way and instruct accordingly.
- If you are learning try to turn the horse to right. In the position which you are sitting, it will be comfortable for you to maintain proper balance when you turn to right. Your body is positioned in such a way that you are more comfortable while turning right.
- If you want to stop the horse, pull the harness little more on the right hand side. This is another way of maintaining the balance properly on the sidesaddle.
- When you are comfortable and confident enough, try riding the horse towards left side. Learn the exact technique of riding sidesaddle from experts.
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