Horseback riding?

[Oilverland]

Certainly this must be done, riding a horse in a kilt. I didn't find a direct reference to this doing a forum search. I'm a newbie, have yet to buy a kilt, and I'm researching what features I need. One thing I know, horses and saddles are dirty and smelly, so I'll be getting a washable material.

I'm wondering if the aprons separate a lot when sitting in the saddle. Is this a problem? Using a pin is not an option, nothing sharp should be near you or your horse. Can the kilt be custom fitted with buttons that keep the aprons together?

I will be using a Western saddle as well as an English saddle. The former has a high pommel and horn. Nothing must catch on those parts if the rider is thrown. As far as I can tell there are no cords or the like under a kilt that would lead to that. Am I right?

You can be sure I'll be wearing nylon+lycra gym shorts underneath as much for abrasion protection as modesty. Maybe the Greeks and Romans in their skirt-like tunics had calloused butts and legs but not this wuss!

If there are socks that can be pulled up over the knee, that would complete the abrasion protection. Are there such socks? (Otherwise I have some riding specific knee protectors that I can use, just have to put them on before socks and boots.)

[Tobus]

I believe one of our members, Riverkilt, posted a few years ago about an excursion he did on horseback (at the Grand Canyon or some such) whilst wearing a kilt.

I've done it too - photo evidence below. But the difference is I was wearing a Utilikilt and riding bareback on a huge Percheron. I'll be honest: the mount and dismount were awkward, to say the least! Many giggles were detected from my wife and her friend.

Historically speaking, Scots who were going to be horseback generally wore trews. And I tend to agree that spending a lot of time horseback is best in trousers. I rarely ride my horses any more these days, but if I do, I'm wearing jeans and boots. I find that trying to do it in a kilt is just impractical.

[Father Bill]

Historically, not a particularly traditional combination.

[Taskr]

As above, I'm not sure its practical. Given all the items for abrasion protection, might as well wear trousers.

RE: your earlier thread on kilt use - From the perspective of riding to a trailhead or other location and then walk/hike kilted from that point, there's always the option I use motorcycling. Jeans with the boots, hose, shirt, etc. At destination (away from everyone if possible), wrap the kilt around my waist with first straps and then drop the jeans, replace the footwear. Reverse the order on return to "the mount". I've received a few in fun comments, but not near the reactions to Mr.Bean's bathing suit on the beach skit.

[Oilverland]

... I've received a few in fun comments, but not near the reactions to Mr.Bean's bathing suit on the beach skit.

Oh, my, that is one hilarious skit. On YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWCSQm86UB4

[figheadair]

That's one of the reasons, historically speaking, for trews.

[Riverkilt]

I would caution you to mount carefully...a quick mount sends the kilt flying and the horse sees it as a waving blanket and is likely to bolt out from under you before you land in the saddle....yes, first hand knowledge...landed in the mud with my kilt covering my face and bystanders shocked at the answer to "The Question."

I have collected about 8 other pics of gents riding kilted...feel free to enlist!