Democratic Sentinel, Volume 4, Number 16, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 May 1880 — On Which Side? [ARTICLE]

On Which Side?

A correspondent writes to the I’hila delphia Tinies for an answer to that question which has long puzzled the beaux—on which side should a gentleman ride when escorting a lady on horseback? The editor says: “This is a point on which usage is not sharply defined. It was formerly the general custom for the man to ride on the off side of the lady, for the reason that he could thus bring his horse much closer to hors without inconvenience to her, and would avoid the danger of entangling bis stirrup or spur in her habit. The shorter and less voluminous skirts now worn make this last consideration of less importance. Though a man riding on a. lady’s left must still keep a respectful distance, there is a very strong argument in favor of this position, that he lias his right hand toward her, disengaged and ready to aid her in ease of accident, to catch her bridle, or herself should she fall other saddle-girth {slip. And this is not. all. It is probable find, the custom of riding on the lady’s right really arose from the fact that in England you take the left of the road, and the man should always be next the passers-by. But with us the law of flu* road is reversed, and the num should therefore ride upon the near side, that he may be between his companion and those whom they may meet. The practical arrangements seem thus in favor of the near side, and it will be founcl that custom tends increasingly in that direction.