Silver Sidesaddle Stirrup

This unique piece – created in Latin America – is typical of the style of Sidesaddle stirrups of this time and provenance. However, what makes this item unusual is the fine level of craftsmanship and the superior material in which it has been made- often these stirrups were fashioned in leather or brass. The value of such an item being made in sterling silver certainly alludes to the affluence of its original owner, this would have been emphasized by the fact that horse riding was exclusively for the upper classes during the nineteenth century. The rarity of this item is not to be underestimated, and this example is especially beautiful for its kind and type.

The History of the Sidesaddle Stirrup

It is a relatively new concept for women to ride a horse with a leg on either side, with the earliest portrayals of women riding side saddle being discovered on the ceramics of the ancient Greek civilizations.

Side saddle was considered to be an appropriate method of horse riding for a woman because it was deemed too masculine to sit astride a horse. Alongside the social constructs which informed this idea, the physical difficulty of riding astride a horse with long, full skirts which were common until the early twentieth century meant that women who wished to ride had little choice but to ride side saddle.

Horse riding has a rich tradition in many parts of the world, but the regions which are still known for their proud history of equestrian sport are the United Kingdom and the south Americas. These areas continue to cultivate a high concentration of involvement in equestrian sports to this day.

Anne of Bohemia (1366–1394) is credited with introducing the first functioning sidesaddle to Europe- which was more akin to a small chair, even going to the lengths of featuring a footrest. The development of a more practical design is attributed to Catherine de Medici, in this case the footrest was replaced with an open heeled slipper stirrup. This advancement meant that women – or others riding side saddle – could control the horse they were riding – albeit in a limited capacity – whereas former sidesaddle riders had to rely on a gentleman leading them or controlling their horse on their behalf.

This new style of slipper stirrup increased in popularity within the affluent and upper classes within Europe and America during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The safety stirrup became more widely used in Europe, however, the traditional slipper continued to be used until the late nineteenth century. This may explain the reason that of the few surviving slipper stirrups, most are dated from the nineteenth century and were created in South America, where the pageantry of equestrian sports is still celebrated today. Furthermore, the South American proclivity for ornate decoration may have resulted in a greater likelihood of these items being created in silver and brass, rather than the more simple leather forms.