Late 1800s Collector's Item Seat Size 18" USED Excellent English Side Saddle

• Model = Late 1800s
• Seat Size = 18"
• Condition = USED Good

This english sidesaddle dates back to the late 1800s and is selling as a collector’s item. It will not fit most modern day horses, and we do not advise usage.

Per the American Sidesaddle Association (ASA), “…this saddle is [likely] from the very late 1800s. There were lots of cool things being patented then. The style is just prior to the modern fox hunting sidesaddles that were seen starting around 1900.”

The leaping horn was invented around 1830, with the ASA citing Jules Pellier as the inventor. It was introduced to enable women to stay on better at the gallop and gave them more freedom of movement (ASA). After the invention there were a lot of new technologies being patented. This “rotary dial,” leaping horn socket is extremely rare. It is most likely “one of less than a dozen with that feature,” per communications with the ASA.

Jeannie Whited, a sidesaddle historian and author of a book on American sidesaddle patents says: “It's definitely got the cool factor ... [in] my experience with saddles this age is that they just are not shaped for modern horses. They tend to be very upright at the top of the arch.” Again, this saddle is selling as a collector’s item and will not suit modern day horses. We do not recommend using this saddle on your horse.

The saddle, in accordance with the attached diagram (last photo), measures: AB: 18”, CD: 12” It was most likely used by a short thighed, slim rider and/or possibly a child. It has some wear and damage shown as in the photos, it is in excellent shape considering its age and history. The panels are most likely not original. No brand markings are visible. 

Please contact us with any questions or for requests of more photos.

Sources:

American Sidesaddle Association (ASA). “History of The Sidesaddle Timeline.” https://americansidesaddleassociation.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Sidesaddle-Timeline-1.pdf

Jeanie Whitehead. Treasurer of National Sidesaddle Association. Sidesaddle Historian.

NEA Side Saddle Association. Measuring Sidesaddle & Rider. Measuring Guide. http://www.sidesaddleinfo.com/saddles_fitting/measuring.html.

The Tack Room at American Sidesaddle Association. Facebook Page. Communications through messaging.

Item Number: 8756-21

Item ID: 156464

Category: English Side Saddle