THE earliest side saddle can be traced back to the 1300s but back then it resembled a chair. The lady rode sitting sideways (could only walk) so it is believed the lady was a passenger and that the horse was led, therefore the lady herself had very little control over the horse.

It was considered very unbecoming for a lady to ride astride in those days. Women of upper society had to ride to keep up with their gentlemen partners so a saddle was needed that would allow the lady to control the horse, travel at more than a walk and to maintain their modesty.

A saddle was deigned that allowed the lady to sit facing forward with a horn on the nearside of the pommel. This adaptation (credited to Catherine de Medici) allowed ladies to walk, trot and canter. The only difficulty ladies experienced was when galloping or jumping.

This led to Jules Pellier (1830s) designing a new side saddle with a leaping head below the pommel horn which gave ladies more security when jumping/galloping. In the early 20th century it became more sociably acceptable for ladies to ride astride. This was mainly due to the suffragette movement, as riding side saddle was seen as a symbol of male domination.

In recent years there has been a resurgence in riding side saddle. This resurgence has taken place for a number of reasons including the popularity of the ‘Lady Mary’ character in Downton Abbey. Ladies may see side saddle as a way in which to appear elegant and to dress up in a habit and top hat. Let’s hope it remains popular for many more years as it would be a shame to lose a part of our history.

HUNTING SIDE SADDLE

Side saddle hunting is proving more and more popular with ladies (and the odd gentleman) as it is a new challenge, great conversation starter and it’s something to tick off the bucket list. There’s nothing like the buzz at the end of a day’s hunting when you’ve crossed some serious country on your steed and have lived to tell the tale especially when you are going side saddle.

An essential part of hunting side saddle is a good hunter. A good temperament is essential, A lady’s horse must be quick on his/her feet, have a strong back with good withers. A well-mannered horse is a big help, ladies’ hunters should wait calmly, stand still when asked, calmly approach obstacles such as tricky ditches/drains. There is no particular type or breed that stands out, you just need a horse that suits you as a rider and is suited to the land you’re hunting i.e. a big thoroughbred type for jumping hedges/galloping or a smaller horse for trappy country so you don’t lose your head in tree branches.

Hunts are now running special side saddle days (usually ties in with their hunt ball), which encourages visitors from near and far to come and visit their hunt, meet with the locals and have great fun. Hosting these types of events is not only good for the local hunt but also good for the local community, B&Bs, pubs and salons all benefit.

Traditionally unmarried ladies wore a navy habit with a bowler hat. Married ladies wore a black habit with a silk top hat if they were subscribers. They wore a bowler hat for normal meets or if visiting another hunt pack. Navy, black or tweed habits are all acceptable when hunting nowadays. A white stock and shirt should be worn under a navy/black habit and a collared shirt and tie should be worn if you are wearing a tweed habit. Ladies can be seen wearing any of the following out hunting: a top hat measuring between 4.75- 5.25” in height, a bowler or a riding helmet. This is completely down to the rider’s preference, no one is going to judge you for wearing a helmet and back protector - you only have one life. If you choose to wear a bowler or top hat a veil should also be worn. Neat and tidy hair tied back in a bun is a must.

Cream or brown gloves are acceptable, black gloves are a major faux pas - they signify that you are in mourning and therefore you shouldn’t be riding at all. Black boots should be worn with a navy/black habit (black hat to match black boots) and brown boots can be worn with a tweed habit, but then you should have a brown bowler. No jewellery should be worn.

Note: It is recommended that you carry a straw in your pocket to drink from, if wearing a veil - the veil should not be lifted and there is nothing worse than a sticky veil.

THE ASSOCIATION

You don’t need to be a member of the Side Saddle Association of Ireland (SSAI) to go hunting side saddle. If you have a side saddle and wish to go that is up to you.

However, joining the SSAI has many benefits:

  • We run training days throughout the year such as ‘Give it a Go’ days or side saddle clinics with the side saddle legends, like Jonah Wragg or Susan Oakes, to prepare riders for the upcoming hunting or show seasons.
  • Members gain points throughout the hunting season for days hunting side saddle and at the end of the season the overall winner is awarded the Marjorie Kennedy Hunting Cup.
  • With the help of the SSAI, hunts run special hunts for ladies to hunt side saddle. These days are great for people who are new to hunting side saddle and want to gain confidence. Hunting on a regular day is a great way to test yourself and the horse.

    • For more information, check out the SSAI website (www.ssaireland.com). Membership forms are available online.

    TIPS FOR THE GENTLEMEN

    1. Gentlemen should never approach a lady on the near side – only on the offside. It is alleged (not verified) that horses were taught to kick out on the near side if approached.

    2. Gentlemen should always open gates for ladies and allow her to pass through without jostling.