Pirates Side Saddle |
The King's Rifles became well known during the Napoleonic wars. Muskets were the usual firearm, but the rifle had just been invented - it was, to put it mildly, in the right hands a lethal, accurate weapon (unlike the musket which was highly inaccurate)
Later, the Kings Rifles became the King's Royal Rifles Corps - The KRRC. My grandad was in this regiment, so being a Sharpe fan, falling for that rich green velvet colour and my family connection - I had to get the costume.
It fitted well, although I had the jacket altered a bit snugger around the shoulders, to stop it bunching up. When I compete I also wear my Granddad's regimental badge - I think he would have been proud of me.
The costume is not historically accurate - but the classes I compete in are all about elegance, not accuracy. I describe it as "Imagine the wife of a King's Rifles' Officer tagging along with the army through Portugal. She would, perhaps, adopt the unique "Green Jackets" style, but adapt it for something more feminine and elegant."
I took the championship Concours d'elegance historical costume class at the Side Saddle Association National Show in 2014. A very proud moment!
I took the championship Concours d'elegance historical costume class at the Side Saddle Association National Show in 2014. A very proud moment!
It is a Blue and White Vintage fabric, drop front, laced and boned cut to a pattern of circa 1760/80. The pattern is of stylized tulips and other flowers - perfect for the period of the American Colonies which were heavily influenced by Dutch design. The hat is of genuine Colonial style - and actually comes from Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia USA.
The Kerchief is a simple lawn style, with blue ribbon for lacing the "stomacher" (the front part of the gown)
The lace on the sleeves and for the hat is called needle or tatted lace and is of an open type lacework which gives a delicacy to compliment the gown, and is in character with the period. Lace, in the 1700's was a highly prized commodity and was one of the items often smuggled as contraband.
The gloves are genuine Victorian hand crotched lace. Although of a later period, the style did not change all that much, so they are perfectly in keeping. I find it exhilarating to actually be wearing something that was hand made well over 100 years ago!
Underneath I wear Victorian style ankle-length bloomers and a Victorian style white cotton petticoat. My boots are black leather lace-up riding boots.
Side saddle can also be fun
- especially the Fancy Dress Class!
Click here for a (not very good)
Video Clip
of the show
Scroll down for my diary on learning
to ride side saddle!
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