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EQUESTRIAN REPORTS

Women Who Held the Reins in the Side-Saddle Era

This volume contains 61 articles authored by 40 women writers, including many expert equestriennes, and presents a comprehensive exploration of a wide range of equestrian topics from an era when the horse was supreme. More than 90 illustrations accompany the text.

For many centuries horses were primary forms of transportation, engines of agriculture and weapons in warfare—as well as a popular source of sport from ancient chariot racing to jockeys on horseback. Their importance as workhorses waned at the turn of the 20th century when mechanical horsepower outpaced its four-footed namesake.

Chariots evolved into lightweight sulkies pulled by pacers and trotters and harness racing became the first organized sport in mid-19th century America. Famous horses became household names, and their mile-running times were followed like batting averages and scoring leaders today. Thoroughbred racing’s three jewels of the Triple Crown soon followed: the Belmont Stakes in 1867, the Preakness in 1873, and the Kentucky Derby in 1875.

By the end of the century the reign of the horse was on the wane. Railroads replaced stagecoaches. Mechanized farm machinery replaced horse-drawn plows. Electric trolleys were more efficient in urban areas than buggies and traps. Bicycles had an even greater impact on short jaunts and were less expensive to obtain and maintain. And the automobile removed horses from most thoroughfares and relegated them to racing, rodeos, cross-country hunting, dressage sports and pleasure riding.

In the pre-automobile era, “driving” referred to reined horses pulling buggies, wagons, coaches, carts and phaetons. Men usually held the reins but many women took pride in driving, and the most adept prided themselves on piloting a “four-in-hand,”—four horses linked together pulling a single vehicle. Several articles in this volume describe how to drive and highlight the women who mastered the art.

Women on horseback nearly always rode sidesaddle. Several articles in this volume include debates over whether women should ride “aside” or “astride,” also called “man-fashion.” Comfort and safety for the rider were primary issues for advocates of riding astride, although critics called the style unladylike and mannish. History clearly shows which side prevailed in that debate. Not long after the turn of the 20th century very few women rode sidesaddle except in exhibitions and historical reenactments.

As in all sports for women, fashion was a central factor. “Habits” were customized for the sidesaddle, with long skirts tailored for sitting sideways, until daring women began wearing riding trousers. The first proponents of wearing pants or tights were circus riders who performed incredible feats on horseback that would have been impossible in skirts. Hats, jackets, boots and other accessories contributed to a woman’s riding appearance. Proper posture, placement of arms, manipulation of reins, angle of carrying a whip, and other minutiae are covered in detail.

Riding a horse is potentially dangerous and most riders have been thrown or bucked off at some point. Articles discuss how to deal with such emergencies and handle difficult horses. Proper care, feeding, shoeing and other stable practices are important subjects. Mounting and dismounting, usually with the help of a man, are illustrated.

The articles reveal a tapestry of horse-related sports—cross-country paper chases, hunting expeditions, tent-pegging, and gymkhanas —showcasing the multifaceted nature of women’s involvement in various equestrian sports.

Beyond the realm of the riding arena, the volume paints a vivid picture of women in the American West venturing on horseback, often astride, and free from the judgmental constraints of Eastern gossip—an emblematic expression of their independence. Delving into the world of horse racing, the collection explores narratives of women who engaged in the unconventional practice of gambling on horse races, challenging societal norms of the time.

Articles guide readers on how to buy a horse and recognize its quality—an indispensable resource for aspiring equestrians. The global scope of the collection is evident as it transports readers to iconic events such as the famous Derby in England, providing a nuanced perspective on the international equestrian landscape. From the picturesque landscapes of Japan and Ireland to the varied regions of the United States, the narratives capture the essence of equestrian pursuits across diverse cultural and geographical contexts.

As a scholarly repository, this volume offers a rich tapestry of 19th-century women’s engagement with horses, providing academic insights into the historical, cultural, and social dimensions of this fascinating era, the last generation to be so reliant on the horse.

The volume concludes with twelve monthly installments entitled “Horseback Sketches” penned by poet, novelist, and essayist Jessie Fremont O’Donnell (1860-1897). Only the observational sensitivity of a poet could put into words such appreciation for nature as seen from horseback, inspired by her rides during every month of the year. Her essays published in Outing magazine from October 1891 to September 1892 are beautifully crafted works of art.

Text in bold font in the body of the articles is intended for quick reference and potential points of interest for modern readers and was not printed in bold font in the original articles.

The Sports She Wrote series features three volumes of equestrian collections written by women in the 19th century: (1) Equestrian Reports; (2) The Horsewoman’s Trilogy; and (3) Nannie Lambert O’Donoghue. Additional equestrian articles are contained in the following three volumes: (1) Diana’s Outdoor Sports; (2) Adelia Brainerd: The Outdoor Woman of Harper’s Bazar; and (3) Women on the Hunt.

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NANNIE LAMBERT O’DONOGHUE

Hints on Horseback Riding From an Expert Side-Saddle Equestrienne

Nannie Lambert Power O’Donoghue (1843-1940) was a prolific Irish writer and expert equestrienne. Her two most important books are presented in this volume of the Sports She Wrote series—Ladies on Horseback, originally published in 1881, and Riding for Ladies, released in 1887.

Through these works, O’Donoghue shares her wisdom of the intricate world of women’s equestrianism, leaving no stone unturned in her exploration of learning to ride. Her insights encompass a vast array of topics, from proper treatment and care of horses to training techniques, jumping, mounting, dismounting, trotting, hunting, riding posture, and the appropriate costume for a woman rider.

O’Donoghue’s works reveal a woman with an undeniable passion for horses. Her expertise extended beyond the conventional, as she formed exemplary relationships with even the most rambunctious equine companions, earning a reputation for taming horses others deemed unrideable.

Ladies on Horseback, not only imparts valuable knowledge but also includes a collection of correspondence during her stint as a newspaper columnist in The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News. The letters she received, and her thoughtful responses, offer a unique glimpse into the engagement of readers with her column and their respect for her expertise.

Riding for Ladies is adorned with numerous illustrations, providing a visual accompaniment to O’Donoghue’s detailed descriptions. This book gained remarkable acclaim, selling over 94,000 copies in five languages—a testament to O’Donoghue’s influence in an era where the social acceptance of women riding and hunting was gaining momentum.

It was the era of the side-saddle for women. O’Donoghue was one of many women critical of those who advocated riding astride, which she considered unladylike. Her opinion was shared by most women riders at the time. Her legacy, while containing elements that may now be deemed contentious, serves as a poignant reminder of the evolving landscape of women in equestrian pursuits in the 19th century.

Life took an unexpected turn for O’Donoghue in 1880 when, at the age of 37, a fall led to a spinal injury, curtailing her ability to ride. Undeterred, she redirected her creative energies, expanding her writing horizons to encompass diverse subjects. Articles for Lady’s Pictorial showcased her versatility, while her freelance work under various pen names allowed her to explore topics ranging from art critique to covering shows and race meetings.

Beyond her equestrian pursuits, O’Donoghue was a woman of many talents. As a journalist, she contributed significantly to discussions on social welfare and animal well-being, using her pen to advocate for the voiceless. Her literary prowess extended beyond journalism, encompassing poetry and novels that added layers to her creative repertoire.

A humanitarian at heart, O’Donoghue’s writing became a catalyst for social reforms. Whether addressing poverty, advocating for women’s education, or decrying animal abuse, she fearlessly used her platform to shed light on pressing issues. Her contributions extended to editorial roles at prominent publications, such as the Irish Times and the Irish Society, where she continued to shape public discourse.

O’Donoghue’s prolific career extended into the 1920s, solidifying her status as a prominent and influential figure within Irish literature. Her legacy is a testament to the enduring power of a woman who transcended societal constraints to leave an indelible mark on history.

The Sports She Wrote series features three volumes of equestrian collections written by women in the 19th century: (1) Equestrian Reports; (2) The Horsewoman’s Trilogy; and (3) Nannie Lambert O’Donoghue. Additional equestrian articles are contained in the following three volumes: (1) Diana’s Outdoor Sports; (2) Adelia Brainerd: The Outdoor Woman of Harper’s Bazar; and (3) Women on the Hunt.

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THE HORSEWOMAN’S TRILOGY

Horseback Riding Wisdom From Expert Equestriennes

This volume of the Sports She Wrote series presents a trilogy of historically significant books specifically written for women, offering readers a glimpse into the world of 19th-century equestrianism. With over 100 illustrations, these three books encapsulate the essence of horsemanship as seen through the eyes of three remarkable authors between 1884 and 1893.

The trilogy commences with The American Horsewoman, written by Elizabeth Karr in 1884. In this pioneering work, Karr proudly declares her book to be the first exclusively dedicated to instructing lady riders written by an American woman. She states her goal is to write in plain comprehensive language a concise and clear understanding of all that she deems essential for a horsewoman to know. She was an experienced rider with both the two-pommeled saddle and the English saddle. She writes knowledgably about the care and feeding of horses, a woman’s riding habit, the saddle and bridle, mounting and dismounting, proper seating, holding the reins, managing the horse, the various gaits, jumping and how to treat the horse. She concludes with 34 fundamental points she considers necessary to be learned and well understood by equestriennes, and a handy glossary of terms. Karr’s contribution lays the foundation for understanding the nuances of equestrianism.

Following in the hoofprints of Karr, C. De Hurst takes the reins with How Women Should Ride, published in 1892. In contrast to elaborate technical essays, De Hurst opts for fundamental lessons of practical riding. The book does not identify her gender but reviews and other sources refer to her as a woman. Addressing notes to parents, she guides readers through the basics of riding for their daughters, the proper seating position and posture on horseback, choosing appropriate attire, horse selection, and dealing with emergencies. Despite its antiquated perspectives, the book remains relevant for modern equestrians, both as an historical artifact and providing enduring valuable insights into horse grooming and treatment at the tail end of the sidesaddle era.

Englishwoman Alice M. Hayes takes readers on an exhilarating ride in The Horsewoman, published in 1893. Hayes transcends the boundaries of a typical how-to-ride book, intertwining her equestrian adventures with personal anecdotes and horseback exhibitions in India. Accompanied by newspaper reports praising her prowess, she even rode a zebra, immortalized in a photograph within the text. The book, edited by her husband who was also a notable horseman, not only guides aspiring riders but also provides a glimpse into the vibrant life and accomplishments of a 19th-century horsewoman.

Page number references within Alice Hayes’s book reflect the pagination in the paperback version of this volume and do not conform to ebook formatting, which does not have fixed pagination formatting.

All three books within this trilogy depict women riding side-saddle, capturing a moment in history when the debate over women riding astride was in its infancy. The side-saddle, symbolic of femininity during this era, adds an intriguing layer to the narratives, showcasing the evolving role of women in the equestrian world.

The Sports She Wrote series features three volumes of equestrian collections written by women in the 19th century: (1) Equestrian Reports; (2) The Horsewoman’s Trilogy; and (3) Nannie Lambert O’Donoghue. Additional equestrian articles are contained in the following three volumes: (1) Diana’s Outdoor Sports; (2) Adelia Brainerd: The Outdoor Woman of Harper’s Bazar; and (3) Women on the Hunt.

Click Here to see the paperback book on Amazon

Click Here to see the ebook on Google Play

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