Should Women Ride Like Men?

Waikato Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1797, 12 January 1884, Page 2 (Supplement)

Should Women Ride Like M en?

The above subject having created considerable discussion in the English newspapers, the Lancet (London) now takes it up and concludes that it would be as well to leavo the determination of the question to those whom it principally concerns. We fancy they have no wish to change the custom. As a matter of fact, although it may not appear to be the case, the writer continues, the seat which a woman enjoys on a side-saddle is fully as secure, and. not nearly as irksome, as that whioh a man has to maintain, unless he simply balances himself and does not gripe the sides of his horse either with the knee or the side of the leg. It is curious to note the different ways in which the legs of men who * pass much time in the saddle are affected. Eiding with a straight leg and a long stirrup almost invariably produces what are popularly called knocked-knees. Nearly all the mounted soldiers of the British army suffer from this deformity, as any one who will take the trouble to notioe the men of the Life Guards and Blues walking may satisfy himself. On the other hand, riding with a short stirrup produces bowed-legs. Jockeys, grooms, and most hunting men who ride very frequently are more or less bow-legged. The long stirrup rider gripes his horse with the knee, while the short stirrup rider gripes him with the inner side of the leg below the knee. This difference of action explains the difference of result. No deformity necessarily follows the use of the side-saddle if the precaution be taken with growing girls to change sides on alternate days, riding on the left side one day and the rignt on the next. The purpose of this change is to count 3ract the tendency to lean over to the side opposite that on which the leg is swung.