First published in 1893, this isn't a novel with a plot in the traditional sense. Think of it as the ultimate guidebook to a lost art. Alice M. Hayes lays out everything a woman of her era needed to know to ride side-saddle with confidence, safety, and style. She covers it all: choosing the right horse and habit, mastering the unique balance of the side-saddle, handling everything from a gentle hack to jumping fences. But woven through the practical advice is a clear, firm voice advocating for women's equestrian independence.

Why You Should Read It

What grabbed me wasn't just the historical detail—though the descriptions of riding habits are fantastic. It's Hayes's voice. She's witty, sharply intelligent, and refuses to talk down to her reader. You can feel her passion for horses and her frustration with the limitations placed on women riders. Reading her careful arguments for why women can and should ride well is like listening to a clever friend patiently dismantle outdated ideas. It turns a manual into a personal conversation across time.

Final Verdict

Don't pick this up expecting a thrilling adventure yarn. This is for the curious reader who loves social history, for anyone who rides horses today and wants to understand the roots of their sport, or for someone who just enjoys finding strength in unexpected places. It's a quiet, compelling look at a woman mastering her craft and, in doing so, carving out a space for herself in history. A real hidden gem for the right reader.