SADDLE; SIDE

This saddle has a Y shaped balance strap and a handerkerchief pocket on the right or 'off' side. Side saddles were first introduced into England in the 14th century and allowed women to ride a horse independently for the first time. Sitting sideways with feet on a footrest gave little control over the horse being ridden, so the addition in the 16th century of a second pommel (horn) on the saddle allowed the rider to face forward and have more control over the horse. In the 19th century wealthier women who had horses for pleasure riding generally rode side-saddle. It was not until the wearing of trousers was acceptable in the 20th century that well-to-do women started to ride astride, in about the 1920's. They were conisdered very daring at first and many continued to ride side-saddle until about the 1940's. Correspondence (thank you letter from the Shire Clerk) from Visitor Centre files kept in box in museum workshop dated 12 November 1963 notes that the saddle was formerly the property of Lady Mitchell and the Shire received the donation via Mr. KJO Stevenson. Lady Mitchell (1864-1949) was the wife of Sir James Mitchell, Premer of Western Australia on two occasions, 1919 to 1924 and 1930 to 1933.