Gossip!

Here's a description of a 'safety skirt' for lady horse riders from the Launceston's 'Colonist' newspaper in 1889. I think I kind of get how it was supposed to work, but pants seem a lot easier.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/200356786

#HorseRiding #HorseWomen #Trove

On our next podcast episode we delve into the newspaper archives and talk to a pelvic floor physiotherapist to answer the question:

Should women ride side-saddle or astride?

#Trove #NewspaperArchives #HorseRiding #HorseWomen

I've just had a minor revelation.

I always thought that when women rode side-saddle they just sat sideways on a normal saddle. But turns out there's a special pommel to hook one leg over. It was hidden by the skirts so I never realised. This made it easier to control the horse and go fast without wearing pants.

I think this is what started the rot that led to women riding astride and then driving cars and having opinions.

https://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/Riding-SideSaddle/

#HorseWomen #HorseRiding #HorseHistory