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Sidesaddle was good enough for Belle Starr!Who rides sidesaddle anymore? To ask such a question, you’ve never heard of the Shady Ladies, Bustles and Beaus, and a few other popular horseback riding groups. Consider this . . . Belle Starr, the notorious bank robber, cattle rustler of yester-year, rode in this style. At least she was lady-like!
Pam’s love for horses and competition began as a teenager. She competed in various gymkhana events, specializing in barrel racing. After many successful appearances, she was invited to participate as a barrel racer for a team representing the State of California. Her father transported her team around the Southeast in a remodeled trailer/van. It became sleeping quarters for the horses and the team. (Now, that’s togetherness!) Along the way, Pam met Rita Lane, an elegant woman who rode "from the side". This style of riding, coupled with Rita’s grace and dignity, easily won over Pam. Rita eagerly taught Pam dressage, the art of controlling the horse with leg and hip cues. Though graceful, Pam was more interested in the speed events; like barrel racing, poles, and rescue. Pam and her good friend, Sandy Costa, rode together at many of these events.
Today, you’ll still find Pam in the fast lane, though not barrel racing as much. She raises Missouri Fox Trotters, trains young riders, teaches riding in this unique style, runs her own old western costume business (The Mad Hatter), belongs to various horse related organizations and is a hairstylist. Not so many years ago, she’s even ridden with the honor guard at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. Her next goal, is to learn to drive a team of horses. Now, that’s a full plate!
Greg, her husband of 38 years, took a job that brought them to Tuolumne County over 30 years ago. Pam credits Greg with taking care of the horses’ medical needs around the ranch. After a busy week, they try to spend time trail riding at Peoria Flat or up the hill at Clark’s Fork or Eagle Meadows. She says with changing weather conditions and the time of year, you can see something new every trip.
Pam’s other love these days is in costume design. Her interest in period costumes and sidesaddle riding with the Shady Ladies riding group, lead to her establishing her own costume business. Pam enjoys researching into the clothing styles of 1865-1910. Her customers rent clothing for weddings and other special events. There’s an obvious gleam in her eye as she describes the excitement of bringing back the past in grace and form. In Pam’s world of horses, there’s nothing more satisfying than demonstrating the bond with a horse, the grace of the period and pride of the rider.If you want to experience the fascination of riding in this style or just enjoy good company, please click on the link below.
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Meet Pam Taylor, a not so notorious sidesaddle enthusiast. However, you say that you’ve never seen the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, CA . . . from the back of a horse? Pam Taylor has seen it and ridden in it, sidesaddle, eight times! Her close friend Pam Junette was usually her companion in those parades and other events. There's quite an application process but with Pam’s resume, she could have been the grand marshal!
