After doing some digging around on the internet and with the help of the textbook, there were at least two common riding positions. Those positions were sidesaddle and traditional seated position. Some characteristics of the more traditional riding style involved strataling the horse's back with the legs on either side of the horse. At the time period of Joan of Arc, this kind of style was traditional in hunting and travel (Herbolsheimer 2001). However in the 15th century, women began to sit in a style called sidesaddle. This is where the woman sits on the specially shaped saddle and let both of her legs rest on one side of the horse. This kind of riding can be seen in events that involved ceremonial elements (Herbolsheimer 2001). Based on this knowledge, we know that Joan rode her horse the traditional way. This could have been an attest to the fact that with Joan's gender change, her riding styles would have had to change from something feminine to something masculine (Herbolshiemer 2001).
Work Cited:
"Medieval Women Riding and Hunting." Medieval Women Riding and Hunting. Web. 11 Sept. 2014.
Pernoud, Re. Joan of Arc by Herself and Her Witnesses. New York: Stein and Day, 1982. 44-45. Print.
I cant imagine our brave Joan riding her horse in a sidesaddle position. I would have to agree with you that she probably rode a horse in the traditional way. Especially since shes a peasant... i have only seen royal women ride their horses in a sidesaddle position.
ReplyDeleteI believe she rode the traditional way because it was more practical rather than to look masculine. When riding into battle it would be rather difficult to swing a sword or turn sharply to give orders when sitting in a sidesaddle manner.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Joan rode in the traditional way simply because it makes more sense. In this position she has more mobility and in the end it was probably more comfortable when she was in armor.
ReplyDeleteChris-
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you chose to write about this. I myself have been wondering this exact question! I assumed that sidesaddle would have been traditional for women in the Middle Ages, but I was not sure. I too agree that the position in which one could be successful in battle would almost require a traditional riding position. Just out of curiosity, did your research happen to yield when sidesaddle emerged as a typical female riding position?
Rachel
Here's an interesting blog on the idea of astride/or on side: http://www.sarahwoodbury.com/women-and-riding/
ReplyDelete(cut and paste); apparently women have been doing this since ancient times. There was an idea between professional/noble-riding and the type of riding Joan would have done on a farm to get a horse out to a field. Did you notice the source on WED about Joan tilting a lance and riding. No doubt Joan picked up her riding skills quickly, which does suggest she had some experience before Chinon and Orleans.
It makes complete sense for Joan to ride the traditional way. Not only does it seem more practical, but it also makes sense to fit in with the masculine crowd.
ReplyDelete