The connection between humans and horses dates back to the Neolithic Age, when horses were hunted by humans. As civilization progressed, the roles of horses expanded significantly—used for pulling carts, transporting goods, and delivering messages, which boosted work efficiency, shortened distances, and accelerated the evolution of civilization. Even today, horses still hold a place in human life, and the history of women and horses weaves through this shared journey.
When it comes to horseback riding, you might first picture a strikingly handsome man on horseback. But what about delicate women—how could they possibly manage such large and powerful creatures? In reality, the relationship between women and horses has matured alongside the times. From 19th-century women riding side-saddle in their fight for equality, to the many formidable female equestrians in competitive arenas, and the growing number of women engaging in equestrian life, the brilliance of women has become yet another beautiful facet of the human-horse connection.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many upper-class women fought for the equal right to ride horses just like men. As a revolutionary move, they chose to ride side-saddle. This was because women’s fashion at the time still favored long skirts, and no woman dared to break convention by wearing trousers like men did to ride astride. However, mounting a saddle while wearing a skirt was nearly impossible, and doing so also went against the era’s standards of ladylike decorum.
As a result, women—especially those from high society—had to sit deep in the saddle with their bodies turned sideways, securing one foot in the stirrup while bending the other knee and pressing it slightly against the edge of the saddle for balance. Generally speaking, it was nearly impossible for women to ride at high speeds. On one hand, galloping could cause too much jolting and vibration, increasing the risk of slipping off the saddle and getting injured. On the other hand, maintaining an elegant demeanor meant that horses were usually ridden at slower paces. Today, this once symbolic act of women’s struggle for status has evolved into a form of equestrian performance. In their own way, these riders remind us: women have been riding horses for ages.
As a result, women—especially those from high society—had to sit deep in the saddle with their bodies turned sideways, securing one foot in the stirrup while bending the other knee and pressing it slightly against the edge of the saddle for balance. Generally speaking, it was nearly impossible for women to ride at high speeds. On one hand, galloping could cause too much jolting and vibration, increasing the risk of slipping off the saddle and getting injured. On the other hand, maintaining an elegant demeanor meant that horses were usually ridden at slower paces. Today, this once symbolic act of women’s struggle for status has evolved into a form of equestrian performance. In their own way, these riders remind us: women have been riding horses for ages.
Physically speaking, it’s not easy for women to control horses weighing several hundred kilograms. Perhaps due to women’s sensitivity and attentiveness—as devotees of extraordinary perception—the unique bond between women and horses is often built through heart-to-heart communication. There’s a saying: if you see a little girl riding a particularly obedient horse and think of buying it, think twice. That young rider likely already has decent riding skills, but without a natural “horse-whispering” talent, how could the horse be so unusually calm? Not everyone possesses that innate gift. Even in the movie *Avatar*, there’s a scene where the heroine tames a six-legged Pandoran horse (the Direhorse) by using her neural hair braids to connect with the creature’s spirit. Through this emotional bond, the fierce (as “dire” implies) Direhorse willingly fights alongside her against invaders. Movies are inspired by life—if not for real-life experiences, the communication between the heroine and her horse might have played out very differently.
Today, women are just as skilled at riding horses as their male counterparts. In the Olympics, equestrian sports remain the only event where men and women compete on equal footing. In the 2009 world rankings for show jumping, the top spot was held by a female rider named Beerbaum・Michaels・Meredith. She maintained that position for quite some time, standing out among a field dominated by male riders. In dressage, China’s top rider Liu Lina is also a trailblazing heroine. And in barrel racing, female riders’ performances are nearly on par with those of male competitors. Looking back, equestrian sports help women maintain great posture and physique, which is why around 80% of participants in entry-level equestrian activities are women.
Today, horseback riding has become a way of life, and women riding horses is no longer a revolution—it represents a healthy, positive attitude toward life and a longing for nature. Women and horses isn’t just a topic—it’s a beautiful painting.
