Split Riding Skirts Anyone?

[REDesign]

I did a search for this and didn’t find anything so I apologize if this has been posted before.

So I am wondering, has anyone out there ever ridden in a split riding skirt? I am referring to the simple western ones you see in mounted-shooting competitions or in breed (Andalusion) shows, not the frilly, costume kind.

I am thinking about doing some western dressage classes and instead of wearing jeans, I was thinking about trying out a riding skirt. I checked the rules, which are a little vague, so at this point, I think I can get away with it.

So, if you have ridden in a riding skirt, are they comfortable? Are they practical? Do you wear anything special under them? I am assuming western boots go up high enough so leg doesn’t show when sitting in the saddle? (I am tall so this is an important concern.)

Any input welcome!

[Cindyg]

Man! I thought I had it for you! But, no; this is not quite what you want. Sorry!

[REDesign]

Oh, no, I don’t have any trouble finding a split riding skirt on the web, I just want to know if they are comfortable/practical to ride in. I am primarily wondering if they “ride up.”

Here’s an example of what I am referring to: http://www.westernbootsales.com/prodimages/scully/apparel/RW503-BUR.jpg

[goodhors]

Too bad Dale Evans died, she was stuck riding in those split skirts for YEARS as Roy’s female lead. She probably had a LOT of stories on the good and bad of wearing split skirts.

Sorry, can’t help you with experience using them. You could get a practice one and try it out, see how it goes. Depending on horse movement, your leg steadiness, weight of fabric, you could have something that rubbed holes in you or a nice comfortable garment. Lot of the Hall of Fame Cowgirls used split skirts to compete in, so they were fashionable for a while. Never heard of them being dangerous, though they were not made with tons of fabric either, that would hang up on things. Many of those women made their own clothing.

Looking at your link, I would HATE riding in something with a dropped crotch like is pictured. Looks like a sure way to sore yourself up.

Tell us how it goes for you.

[goodhors]

Too bad Dale Evans died, she was stuck riding in those split skirts for YEARS as Roy’s female lead. She probably had a LOT of stories on the good and bad of wearing split skirts.

Sorry, can’t help you with experience using them. You could get a practice one and try it out, see how it goes. Depending on horse movement, your leg steadiness, weight of fabric, you could have something that rubbed holes in you or a nice comfortable garment. Lot of the Hall of Fame Cowgirls used split skirts to compete in, so they were fashionable for a while. Never heard of them being dangerous, though they were not made with tons of fabric either, that would hang up on things. Many of those women made their own clothing.

Tell us how it goes for you.

[Telca]

I love riding in a split skirt!
I’m a mounted shooter, and the split skirt is more comfortable than jeans & chaps, easier to manage than riding astride in full skirt. I don’t have any issues with the split skirt riding up on me and I usually wear compression shorts or long underwear (depending on the weather) underneath. If the length is down to your ankles, beware of stepping on your hem while mounting. If the hem is only a few inches below the knee, expect your socks to show above your cowboy boots.

[REDesign]

[QUOTE=Telca;6831567]
I love riding in a split skirt!
I’m a mounted shooter, and the split skirt is more comfortable than jeans & chaps, easier to manage than riding astride in full skirt. I don’t have any issues with the split skirt riding up on me and I usually wear compression shorts or long underwear (depending on the weather) underneath. If the length is down to your ankles, beware of stepping on your hem while mounting. If the hem is only a few inches below the knee, expect your socks to show above your cowboy boots.[/QUOTE]

Thank you! This has been most helpful. I’ll look for a skirt that is a bit longer then. I have a pair of the SmartPak SmartSlims so that should work great underneath. Thanks again.

[equinekingdom]

ooooo fun! do you guys that ride sidesaddle ride in a split skirt, or just a regular one?

[paulaedwina]

You don’t ride sidesaddle in a skirt -the risk for getting hung up is too high. You’re actually riding in breeches and an apron.

http://www.hellotrade.com/alexander-james/ladies-side-saddle-habit.html

Paula

[CA_ASB]

I ride sidesaddle both in an apron and in a skirt. Not a split skirt. A sidesaddle skirt is made a bit differently so that it drapes correctly, and since it is under your bum, there’s no greater opportunity to get hung up, IMO, than in riding with an apron.

Also, the under pinnings are appropriate to the style of riding, so you would wear jods for saddle seat and jeans or western pants for side saddle Western. I don’t own a pair of breeches, and I’ve always been properly turned out

The only time I’ve worn a split skirt was in parades/parade classes. Didn’t bunch and soreness could be attributed to parade saddles (which aren’t very comfortable as it is).