Did you ever pretend to ride side saddle when you were a kid? Those times after lessons while you were cooling your horse down or just having fun with your friends?

Side saddle is not as common as it used to be, but organizations like the International Side Saddle Organization keeps the art of riding side saddle alive.

The side saddle was developed in the Middle Ages in Europe. It allowed women to ride horses while also wearing fine dresses. Back in those days it was considered unladylike to sit astride a horse, so the side saddle probably came as a welcome invention so ladies could enjoy riding horses and use them for practical purposes.

Today riding side saddle is almost seen as something from a bygone age. You rarely see it anymore. But side saddles and side saddle riding are still around and there are shows and organizations you can become a part of to learn more about this unique way of riding.

And did you know that Saddle Up gets in a side saddle every now and then? You should come back and check them out if you’re interested in learning more about side saddles!

(photo taken by Saddle Up, Western Saddle & Tack Shop)

~ Saddle Up