RESCHEDULED DUE TO HEAVY RAIN FORECAST TO SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2025
Join the Society of Sidesaddle Storytellers (SSST) and Mabry Hazen House on Saturday, March 22, 2025 from 1-4pm for Ride Like a Lady: Side Saddle Horseback Riding, a living history program on sidesaddle riding. Hear about the history and practice of the riding technique and see a demonstration of sidesaddle riding on the Wanda Moody Lawn atop Mabry’s Hill!
Side saddle riding is a traditional and elegant equestrian practice where the rider sits with both legs on one side of the horse. Riding aside has its origins as far back as antiquity and was primarily used by women whose skirts and dresses were often impractical or opened her to accusations of immodesty for riding astride. But history is rarely simple. Some women perceived sidesaddle as a form of oppression as they were forced to conform to societal norms. While others saw it as a means to express themselves. Despite its historical association with cultural norms of modesty, side saddle riding requires significant skill, balance, and strength. The sidesaddle can be seen today as a reminder that many women have fought diligently to expand the liberties for women.
Anne Hatfield will share the stories of fascinating women who broke the mold of society, performed incredible acts of courage, and were known for their formidable equestrian skills. Then watch as she and other riders from SSST demonstrate the form astride their horses.
The program will consist of an educational talk and a short riding demonstration. The talk will start at 1:30 pm and the riding demonstration will begin shortly after 2:00 pm. After the demonstration, you will be more than welcome to come up, ask questions, say hello to the horse, and maybe feed them a carrot or two! A display will also be set up with historic equestrian equipment and objects, period dresses from different eras, and photos of famous women equestrians. The historic house museum will be open for self-guided tours.
Start times are subject to change. There is no admission cost to attend, but a suggested donation of $5 is encouraged to support the mission of Mabry-Hazen House.
The program occurs outside so please dress accordingly. In case of the inclement weather, the program will be rescheduled for the following Saturday, March 22, 2025
We hope you can join us!
More information:
The Society of Sidesaddle Storytellers is Knoxville based group of women and equestrians who are devoted to all things sidesaddle, horses, history, and fashion.
The Mabry-Hazen House Museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is located atop Mabry's Hill in Knoxville, Tennessee. Built in 1858, three generations of the same family resided in the Italianate-style home overlooking downtown Knoxville, the Tennessee River, and Great Smoky Mountains. Furnished and decorated in the style of several decades, Mabry-Hazen gives a rare view into 130 years of Knoxville history. The museum showcases one of the largest original family collections in America with over 2,500 original artifacts on display. Learn about the origins of Knoxville's iconic Market Square, the bitter divisions of the Civil War, the infamous 1882 Gunfight on Gay Street, a mountain city in the New South, the scandalous 1934 breach of promise and seduction trial, and much more through the rich, colorful lives of the Mabry and Hazen families.
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