Mike Clinton
The Fascinating History of Left-Side Horse Riding
Horse riding has been a beloved pastime for thousands of years, with evidence of domesticated horses dating back to 4000 BCE. But have you ever wondered why we mount horses from the left side? The answer lies in history and tradition.
In ancient times, soldiers rode horses into battle and carried swords on their left side, leaving their right arm free to attack. Mounting from the left side ensured that the sword wouldn’t get in the way. This tradition continued even after the use of swords became less common, and it eventually became the standard practice for all horse riding.
Interestingly, the British military played a significant role in popularizing left-side horse riding. In the 1800s, they introduced a standardized method of training and riding horses, which included mounting from the left side. This method was adopted by many other countries, and the tradition has carried on to this day.
Saddle Up and Discover the Quirky Reason Why!
Now that we know why we mount horses from the left side, let’s dive into the quirky reason behind it. It turns out that horses have a preference for being mounted from the left!
According to experts, horses are often trained from the left side, which means they become accustomed to being approached, groomed, and saddled from that direction. This familiarity makes them more comfortable and less likely to spook when a rider approaches from the left side to mount.
In addition, mounting from the left side also helps distribute the rider’s weight evenly across the horse’s back. This is because the horse’s spine curves slightly to the right, so mounting from the left side ensures that the rider’s weight is spread over the horse’s stronger left side.
In conclusion, the tradition of left-side horse riding has a fascinating history that dates back to ancient times. And while the quirky reason behind it may seem strange at first, it’s a testament to the special bond between horses and their riders. So the next time you saddle up, remember to mount from the left side and appreciate the rich history and unique reasons behind this beloved tradition!