Horseback Riding

**Shay** · 29th December 05, 09:57 AM

Well, to answer your question Sherry, it's John Crawford, who is obviously a male.

Sometimes a sidesaddle is easier for people with less mobility who still want to ride - I've heard it's used more and more in physical therapy, and found this article about a man who made it his own after an injury.

Also, some men show their horses sidesaddle. (At least, one would infer that from the fact that man's clothing options are included in this list of acceptable attire.)

**Sherry** · 29th December 05, 01:45 PM

Very interesting! Thanks.

**michael steinrok** · 29th December 05, 02:55 PM

Originally Posted by Shay

Well, to answer your question Sherry, it's John Crawford, who is obviously a male.

Sometimes a sidesaddle is easier for people with less mobility who still want to ride - I've heard it's used more and more in physical therapy, and found this article about a man who made it his own after an injury.

Also, some men show their horses sidesaddle. (At least, one would infer that from the fact that man's clothing options are included in this list of acceptable attire.)

Granted in my limited experience I've never seen a guy side saddle until now. And limited mobility I'll not bar anyones right to ride. It's a personal choice for me no criticisms here.
I'm still very interested in any historical footnote or evidence in ancient kilted riding practices :eek:

**Aggie** · 2nd January 06, 02:07 PM

I ride in a kilt once a week and use a western saddle. The saddle is well padded. The only problem I find is remembering to pull the apron to you when mounting. I have found it to be more comfortable without the pants. My riding is for pleasure and I don't do a lot of Light Brigade charges, but with the apron tucked between your legs a brisk pace isn't much of a problem. They do indeed make saddles for Clydesdales and I've heard they are a smooth ride similar to the smooth gate of a T. Walker. I've never had the chance to ride a Clydesdale. I did ride a Percheron once bareback and they are a little wider in the chest than Clydesdales. I would still recommend a saddled Clyde unless you have a very mellow horse or experience.

**cormacmacguardhe** · 2nd January 06, 02:58 PM

I have never ridden kilted, but did on a regular basis ride a Belgian. My wife and I owned a blonde belgian gelding, he was my ride whenever we went out riding. Very smooth ride even at a good gallop, which was not often, he just wasn't made to run that way too often. If I still had him I would love to ride in my kilt. I can just imagine the attention we would get. Used to get a lot just being on his back.

**Aggie** · 3rd January 06, 07:54 AM

In my last post I spelled "gate" wrong. It should be "gait" and I should know better. My subconscious must have been working on it because a couple of hours later while driving down the road it dawned on me.

**MacConnachie** · 4th January 06, 05:27 PM

Originally Posted by Aggie

I ride in a kilt once a week and use a western saddle. The saddle is well padded. The only problem I find is remembering to pull the apron to you when mounting. I have found it to be more comfortable without the pants. My riding is for pleasure and I don't do a lot of Light Brigade charges, but with the apron tucked between your legs a brisk pace isn't much of a problem. They do indeed make saddles for Clydesdales and I've heard they are a smooth ride similar to the smooth gate of a T. Walker. I've never had the chance to ride a Clydesdale. I did ride a Percheron once bareback and they are a little wider in the chest than Clydesdales. I would still recommend a saddled Clyde unless you have a very mellow horse or experience.

Can't imagine riding kilted, given my "reggie" manner of wearin' the kilt. As a boy and young man growing up on a ranch (I may have been weaned on horseback because my mother never rode, but I don't remember), I spent uncountable hours astride a horse. Mostly it was in a saddle, sometimes bareback. ALLLLL of those experiences were while wearing jeans and undergarments, and I still have emotional pain when recalling the times I was severely "racked" upon sudden stops, jumps, crow-hopping and other unexpected movements on the part of one horse or another. As I said, I can't imagine riding kilted, and goin' "reggie."

However, if the kilt is cut the right way, perhaps the under-apron could be tucked back between one's legs, and would provide some containment and protection if the gait were measured. The thought of trotting any distance beyond a quarter mile or so still makes my teeth ache. . .

Good luck to you, mr. steinrok. If you do succeed in riding kilted in regimental "dress," I hope you don't suffer from anything resembling the testicular follies.

**michael steinrok** · 4th January 06, 09:12 PM

Now it's getting interesting not to mention technical. I'm an intermediate rider and it's been several years. I've ridden thoroughbreds and quarter horses. I would love to ride a draft horse of any persuasion. I'm equal opportunity rider.
I don't anticipate going full tilt but maybe an athletic supporter might be in order?

**royce52** · 5th January 06, 07:19 AM

Originally Posted by michael steinrok

Now it's getting interesting not to mention technical. I'm an intermediate rider and it's been several years. I've ridden thoroughbreds and quarter horses. I would love to ride a draft horse of any persuasion. I'm equal opportunity rider.
I don't anticipate going full tilt but maybe an athletic supporter might be in order?

Don't remember if anyone has mentioned it, but the Native Americans rode bareback or with only a blanket. Might check with any of them you know to see what their experence has been. They were afer all, some of the best little calvalry of their time.
R