Regency Riding?

[cosmoblue]

I am increasingly taken with the idea of creating a riding habit, but I want to be able to wear it riding. Does anyone ride side saddle? It seems so dangerous. Though I don't really ride at all. I have been riding before a few times but not many. It would be fun to be all dressed up and riding.

[Mme de Beaufort]

I've ridden sidesaddle in the past, I even did some dressage competitions and 'carousel' riding sidesaddle when I was overseas. I even owned a saddle for it, but all I have left now is an all purpose and standard dressage. It's not much different than astride, really. You're still sitting full on the seat. The challenge is getting up there.

[cosmoblue]

admin said:

I've ridden sidesaddle in the past, I even did some dressage competitions and 'carousel' riding sidesaddle when I was overseas. I even owned a saddle for it, but all I have left now is an all purpose and standard dressage. It's not much different than astride, really. You're still sitting full on the seat. The challenge is getting up there.

That is rad! Do you ride here side saddle? Do you ever go in costume? Would you take me out with you sometime?

[Mme de Beaufort]

Yikes. I haven't been on a horse since 1997. I sold my mare that year. I still have my tack because I hope that someday I will have the time and money having horses requires. If I ever do, you'll be first on my list.

[cosmoblue]

Are there not stables that let you go and ride other peoples horses? That would be much less than owning your own horse. That is the only way that I was able to go the handful of times that I went.

[Mme de Beaufort]

There are two reasons why I don't lease horses from people: 1) I'm super-possessive. I've always had my own horses, and I cannot bear to work with a horse, and then have someone come along and ruin whatever training I've done. I get attached to the horse, and I get really territorial about them.

I only leased a horse once. It was during my pony to horse transition; and my mother found me this little arab gelding I could ride because they'd just sold my Dales pony, who'd become too small. I don't even like Arabs, but I loved this little guy. He was a gorgeous grey dapple that moved like a ballet dancer. I doted on him. I rode him daily, spent hours grooming him and making him pretty... But when the owner's daughter came along, I would freak out. She was younger and less experienced than I was, and was terrified of him, and she was rough on his mouth, always yanking and pulling. I would come home crying because I'd get to the stable for a ride, and find him caked with dried sweat and his mouth sore. The girl just didn't know how to care for her horse. My parents had to go out and get me my own horse just to calm things down.

Secondly, I'm a full time horse-gal. I can't stay away once I start, so it likely wouldn't cost less at all. I like the freedom to go where I want, with or without a toque, and do what I'd like. I don't like limitations. I'm an extremely experienced english rider who has ridden since early childhood; but no matter how much you prove that to people, they treat you like a liability. I don't like that. It's better for me to remain distanced from it until I can afford the time and money so I can do it the way I want to do it and not how someone else thinks I should. I'm spoiled. I can only really enjoy it if it is my own horse, my own responsibility and my own time.

[cosmoblue]

I can see how it would be difficult to lease if you are such a rider. It is awesome that you were able to ride from such an early age. Being a middle class city girl I don't think I even saw a real horse other than at the state fair until I made my mother let me take a couple of lessons when I was about 13.

[Mme de Beaufort]

You should take up riding again to reestablish your confidence before you try sidesaddle.

[cosmoblue]

That's probably a good idea.

[missjulia]

that is a touching story of the little grey gelding. i have a deeply soft spot in my heart
for animals, horses in particular. as a poor city girl i would have given my right arm
for a horse. but i rode as much as i could at two stables not far from home.

never thought of riding in costume actually. what a fun idea. i always thought
riding habits were just for show. lol!

[Madame Dufour]

Ladies:

I have been to many Civil War events where ladies were wearing riding habits and riding side saddle. It added so much to the events. Have not seen this at any Regency era events, but only because I have not been to as many as Civil War.

And Miss Julia, riding habits would have been worn by women of a class to afford to keep a horse. It was a way to get around and not have to use a carriage or pony cart. Remember in P & P how Mrs. Bennett sends Jane out on horseback (even though it is about ready to pour down rain?) rather than use the carriage?

I have ridden off and on since I was child (Western only), my sister now owns 6 horses and rides all the time.

I agree with our All Seeing Administrator, you must be confident in the saddle before you attempt riding side saddle. And I LOVE to watch dressage presentations, it is like watching the horse and rider dance together.

Madame Dufour