Horseback riding...

**Mattg** · 1st July 06, 08:27 AM

So I have the opportunity to be the site manager of a youth camp that offers horseback riding, and I was wondering how many of you guys have gone riding in a kilt?
If I take the job then I will be doing a lot of riding, and I wanna know if it's something you can do in a kilt. Now I did see a picture on the internet somewhere of a guy riding side saddle while wearing a kilt, and I just can't imagine that's the "proper" way to do it.
Any thoughts?

**Southern Breeze** · 1st July 06, 08:35 AM

Check this thread before you go any further:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ght=sidesaddle

**davedove** · 1st July 06, 08:35 AM

While you certainly CAN go riding in a kilt, I don't believe I would want to do so. I can't imagine the leather of the saddle rubbing against the inside of my legs for too long without some material there.

Remember, trouser were originally designed to facilitate horseback riding.

**Mattg** · 1st July 06, 08:37 AM

Originally Posted by Southern Breeze

Check this thread before you go any further:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ght=sidesaddle

That's the thread I was looking for! I couldn't find it.

**Mattg** · 1st July 06, 08:40 AM

Originally Posted by davedove

While you certainly CAN go riding in a kilt, I don't believe I would want to do so. I can't imagine the leather of the saddle rubbing against the inside of my legs for too long without some material there.

Remember, trouser were originally designed to facilitate horseback riding.

I agree, I don't think it would be too comfortable, but I can't imagine that the average Scotsman had trousers for riding. I wonder if they would tuck the kilt under for protection, or something like that....

**davedove** · 1st July 06, 09:24 AM

Originally Posted by Mattg

I agree, I don't think it would be too comfortable, but I can't imagine that the average Scotsman had trousers for riding. I wonder if they would tuck the kilt under for protection, or something like that....

The average Scotsman didn't, but then the average Scotsman didn't ride. Horses were expensive and generally only the wealthier Scots had them. If you were wealthy enough for a horse, you could afford the trousers.

And of course we're only talking highlanders here. The lowland Scots didn't wear kilts.

**macwilkin** · 1st July 06, 01:20 PM

Originally Posted by Mattg

I agree, I don't think it would be too comfortable, but I can't imagine that the average Scotsman had trousers for riding. I wonder if they would tuck the kilt under for protection, or something like that....

The Highland gentry did wear trousers, or trews, for riding. There is a reason why you do not see kilted cavalry.

I have seen riding trousers in Government Sett being worn by a Canadian Army officer in the First World War, though.

Cheers,

Todd

**cessna152towser** · 1st July 06, 01:24 PM

There is a strong horse riding tradition here in Hawick, with many events throughout the season but I've never seen anyone riding kilted. Personally its something I wouldn't want to try.