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History Of The Side Saddle

For hundreds of years women were not only told to ride side saddle – but also told that they could not control the horse. It was the job of the man to ride either in front of the horse with the woman on the back sitting on a pillow or guiding the horse for the woman while the woman rode on top. As time progressed women were allowed to control the horse on their own – but the idea of straddling the horse like a man was viewed as unbecoming of a woman.

Many people of that time also believed that when a woman straddled a horse they would lose their virginity or would prevent her from bearing any children. Of course many women found it was naturally easier to ride side saddle because of the long skirts that they would wear. Over years the saddle that women rode on changed in shape. It was re-designed to allow women more comfort and allow them to ride and control the animal at the same time.
Not all women chose to adhere to the rule of riding side saddle. Famous women of nobility like Marie Antoinette and Catherine the Great of Russia were known to ride astride the horse like men would.

Although some still practice to ride side saddle – In this day and age it is no longer required of women. Straddling the horse has become the normal way to ride for both men and women.

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