I post a picture of something that I do not have enough information about to do a blog post on. I give you the questions I have been trying to get an answer to and see if any of my educated astute readers have the key to expose the mystery. Please comment if you have any information about today's mystery item!
Okay - Are you ready to play? Here we go!!
All I know about this, is that it is called a Christie Sidesaddle Stirrup...
.. So, do any of you know more about it? What type of metal is it made of? When was it manufactured? What brand of sidesaddle (if any) was in manufactured with? Did it have a specific purpose for it's interesting design?
2 comments:
I think one of my books has some photos of a Christie's stirrup. I'll look it up and see if there's more info.
They're very interesting, almost medieval looking.
This stirrup was promoted by E.V.A. Christite as a sidesaddle safety stirrup; I don't if she actually invented it, but she does recommend it in her book, Modern Sidesaddle Riding in 1907.
The stirrup can be used with any saddle providing the leather can fit through the slot. One of the advantages of the stirrup is that the stirrup leather can lie flat against the saddle rather than having to twist around the leg as most stirrup leathers do. Obviously, you don't have to worry about the foot sliding through the iron and getting wedged. The stirrup does give more bearing area to the foot, and it is easier to find your stirrup if you lose it since the stirrup hangs parallel to the horse's side. Also, the additional weight of the stirrup makes it hang steady which also makes it easier to find with your foot.
They are reminiscent of medieval stirrups, and they can be found on some modern day french, portuguese, and camargue saddles. I use a pair for medieval reenacting, since period footwear is long and narrow and lacks heels, a definite invite to get your foot stuck through a standard iron. But they are heavy, and if they swing and bang you in the ankle you will not soon forget the experience!
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