Riding for Ladies

In 1891, a time when women were discouraged from most forms of vigorous physical exercise, W.A. Kerr made a bold argument: horseback riding was not only appropriate for women but essential to their health and development. This Victorian-era manual captures a pivotal moment when women were beginning to claim space in the public sphere, one saddle at a time. Kerr covers everything from selecting the right horse and proper mounting technique to the debate over sidesaddles versus astride riding (radical for the era). He addresses riding attire, the psychological bond between woman and horse, and the physiological considerations unique to female riders. Throughout, Kerr advocates for serious training rather than mere pleasure riding, insisting that proper technique elevates riding from recreation to art. For readers interested in women's history, equestrian culture, or Victorian society, this manual offers a fascinating window into an era when learning to ride represented a small revolution in what women were permitted to do with their bodies.