Mary and horses

[BettyO]

Young ladies - especially wealthy young women, usually had riding lessons from an early age. It was an important part of their upbringing. Middle class (as well as lower class) country-bred women also usually knew how to ride from an early age. This was an important part of being able to "get around" out in the country if one didn't walk.

English style riding was the ONLY style of riding in the Victorian era on the East coast and primarily all over the US - be it North or South. One only has to take a look at the saddle Lew Powell used which is on exhibit at the Education Center across from Ford's Theatre. It too, is a variation on the English style saddle. It has a high pommel (front of the saddle) and cantle (back of the saddle seat) but it is still English style in variation.

One of the reasons I cringe when movies show JWB, Herold or Powell in a "western style saddle!" And yes, I've seen that....

Of course, Union military rode with McClellan Saddles - no horn but with the "split seat." I learned to ride in my great grandfather's old McClellan Saddle. He had been one of Teddy Roosevelt's "Rough Riders." And I will say that saddle was one of the "roughest rides" you can ever take! It will cut you raw!! One only has to look at the saddle's split seat to know why!

The Western style was popular out west and utilized for handling stock and stock only, hence the Mexican western saddle with the "roping horn." Western gentlemen/Cowboys used the western saddle exclusively and at all times for the most part. Ladies rode sidesaddle out there as well.