Riding side saddle, an equestrian art once practiced enthusiastically by well-bred ladies around the world, is the topic of an exceptional symposium scheduled for 9 a.m. to late afternoon March 15th at the National Sporting Library & Museum in Middleburg. No longer regarded as a "quaint anachronism," some modern riders are devoted to side saddle riding and competition.

Riding aside rather than astride dates back to antiquity and developed in European countries in the Middle Ages as a way for women in skirts to ride a horse in a modest fashion while also wearing fine clothing. It has retained a specialty equestrian niche in the modern world.

Anne of Bohemia (1366–1394) is credited with the creation of the side saddle, although it has evolved in both comfort and grace through the ages. A more practical design, developed in the 16th century, has been attributed to Catherine de' Medici.

Women such as Diane de Poitiers (mistress to Henry II of France) and Marie Antoinette were known to ride aside. Catherine the Great of Russia went so far as to commission a portrait showing her riding aside wearing a male officer's uniform.

The NSLM Side Saddle Symposium will open with Michelle "Shelly" Liggett's presentation, "Women on Horseback through the Ages." During the weekend speakers and panelists will explore many aspects of side saddle riding in presentations and conversations led by experts from around the world.

The associated exhibit, "Riding Aside by the Book," that opens March 8th and continues through August 1st, will portray the art and practice of riding aside in books, paintings, illustrations, photographs and ephemera.

Rare book expert Richard Hooper will provide an overview of sidesaddle literature and NSLM John H. Daniels Fellow Professor Alison L. Goodrum from Manchester Metropolitan University in Manchester, England will interpret the extensive sidesaddle literature in the NSLM collections.

Goodrum, who was appointed Professor of Apparel at her university in 2013 earned her Ph.D. in the cultural geography of "Britishness" in 2001. She developed her interest in rural clothing, pursuing archive work on the history of sporting and occupational dress. Her most current writing explores the clothing worn by spectators at equestrian events, focusing on American sportswear during the 1930s and the designer, Elizabeth Hawes. Goodrum is editor of the Understanding Fashion book series (published by Bloomsbury) and sits on the editorial boards of a number of scholarly journals.

Her topic, "Mad Caps and Mannequins: Equestrian Fashion in the NSLM," is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

Additional topics during the symposium will include 10:30 "Mad Caps and Mannequins: Equestrian Fashion in the NSLM Collection"; "Velvet, Veils and Lace: What They Really Wore Aside," by Jeanne Whited; "Critiquing Style - Judging Aside," by Mark G. Thompson; "Riding Side Saddle," by Devon Zebrovious; and Tradition and "Tradition and Horsemanship: Riding Aside," by Penny Denegre.

Moderator Lorian Peeralta-Ramos will ensure that there is plenty of time for questions from the audience after each presentation and during a reception in the Mellon Foyer that will conclude the day. Participants will join Guest of Honor, Rose Marie Bogley, retired side saddle competitor and champion (1967—2009) for conversation along with retired side saddle judge Jimmy Hatcher.

Guests will receive private tours of two NSLM exhibits during the Side Saddle Symposium: "Riding Aside by the Book," and "Foxcroft School: The Art of Women and The Sporting Life."

Registration for the Riding Side Saddle Symposium is $150; $95 for NSLM members. For reservations, please telephone 540-687-6542 ext.10.