Reading for the 'Medieval' Horsewoman

This is a suggested reading list for those riders interested in historical (a.k.a.-"classical") horsemanship. Whilst several of the books pertain to the topic of 'side saddle', several others are about horsemanship in general or its equipment. There are also other books listed here regarding archaeological finds that are relevant to the rider and the accessories and textiles that might make up a medieval riding habit.

I have included two pattern books. The first, 'The Medieval Tailor's Assistant', with which I have personal experience. It is a good book and the author does a good job of providing contemporary images to back up her pattern designs. One of the caveats is that you will have to know something about sewing, and the making of muslins, and have the ability to tweak the patterns to fit your body. The other issue is that you have to be good at metric conversion or fluent in working with metrics patterns. (If not, try this conversion tool.)

The second is the 'Tudor Tailor' with which I have no practical experience. However, it seems to have very high reviews. I have provided it solely as a jump point for women seeking to ride in a Tudor Habit.

Side Saddle:

• Side-Saddle by Doreen Archer Houblon, London, Country Life (1938)*
• The Saddle of Queens by Lida Fleitmann Bloodgood, J.A. Allen & Company (1959)
• The Fair Lady Aside Her Saddles and Habits by Mary L. Thomas, Private Printing (1993)

* Mrs. Houblon's book has been reprinted, but I have been told that the later editions of this book are missing some key bits of information and that if the reader can obtain a copy of the 1938 printing, that it is the book that they should acquire before later editions.

Artifacts and Archaeology:

• Textiles and Clothing, 1150 - 1450
• Dress Accessories
• Shoes and Pattens

Horses and Horsemanship:

• The Medieval Horse and its Equipment, 1150 - 1450
• Livro da Ensinana de Bem Cavalgar Toda Sela by Dom Duarte, King of Portugal (1438)
• English Adaptation of Bem Cavalgar, by Antonio Franco Preto, (2006)
  

Pattern Books for Medieval and Renaissance Clothing:

• The Medieval Tailor's Assistant by Sarah Thursfield (2001)
  
• The Tudor Tailor by Ninya Mikhaila (2006)

Some of these books are exceptionally hard to find and their prices reflect this fact. I suggest inter-library loan or one of the following book search engines with which I have had tremendous success.

New and Used Book Search Engines:

• AbeBooks.com
• AddAll.com
  

Bon Chance!