08/19/2026
Ask NEA: Were sidesaddles for children ever made? Or was riding that way only for grown-ups?
NEA responds: There is evidence that child-size side saddles were made in the Early American period (1780 to 1840), probably commissioned by families of means. During the Transitional period, (1840-1870), established saddleries began offering "Misses" or "Youth" sized versions in their shops or catalogs. And, by the 20th century, high-end sidesaddles for young ladies became readily available.
