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.