Modesty must be preserved at all costs!

One of the most striking exhibits in the Moruya Museum’s current exhibition Highlights of the Moruya Museum is this side saddle. Fran Hassall, one of our volunteers,  chose this striking  object to display and wrote the text, and the title, for the object’s label.

The exhibition, featuring objects ranging from a  ball gown, an 1861 school exercise book, a sealskin handbag and a telegraphic sight to a flat iron,  will be open throughout January. The museum is open every day except for public holidays from 10 am – 12 noon. Don’t miss out!

Side Saddle

Leather, c. 1890

This side saddle was owned by Janet Anderson (1879 – 1960), daughter of Sarah and Robert Anderson of Lakeview, Bingie.It is a wonderful example of late colonial leatherwork protected by a tartan saddle cloth.

Riding side-saddle dates back to 1382 when Princess Anne of Bohemia rode across Europe to marry King Richard II. She rode side-saddle as a way of protecting her virginity.Soon it was thought vulgar for any woman to ride astride. By 1600 riding side-saddle was the only way “decent” women could ride without scorn.

Today there are side saddle associations in South Australia and Victoria keeping this ancient sport alive

500/075,
MDHS collection