Talk:Sidesaddle

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[edit] Why is it "unbecoming"

The article does not explain why it was unbecoming for women to ride astride. I can certainly understand the problems which would come from the large dresses, but it seems like there is more to this. Could someone please elaborate? Thanks. Jimaginator 00:27, 3 May 2006 (UTC)

I addded one pic to the article which explains somewhat (in its own way). Churchh 19:54, 18 July 2006 (UTC)

[edit] "Farm women"

Farm women in nineteenth century Europe sometimes were placed on top of donkeys, ponies, or worn-out farm animals, but they didn't normally "ride" in the sense that middle- and upper-class women did (atop large strong horses). Churchh 19:54, 18 July 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Advice

I have removed the below to talk since it is not within the purview of wikipedia articles to give "advice (legal, medical, or otherwise)" WP:NOT#INDISCRIMINATE. It could probably be edited into a description of old saddles and re-intergrated. 69.72.2.72 03:57, 6 February 2007 (UTC)

Warning: If you find an old sidesaddle in an attic or barn, do not attempt to ride it unless you have it reconditioned. Sidesaddle riding places great stress on the underpinnings of the saddle. If the wood tree has become rotten the horn can break off from the saddle and result in a fall. This weakness will not be visible from the outside. Sidesaddle reconditioning requires complete removal of the leather and examination of the tree. A visual inspection is not enough to determine its safety. If you are a Civil War re-enactor and are interested in riding in a 'real' single pommel or "U" pommel sidesaddle typical of the mid-1860's in the US, be advised that this saddle is regarded by most modern sidesaddle riders as too dangerous to ride. The single horn saddles make attractive decorations, but should not be used on horseback.

During edit I re-integrated most of this information into article in a "descriptive" form. Fountains of Bryn Mawr 18:49, 7 February 2007 (UTC)