Horse Riding photos

In the early 20th century horses were put to a variety of uses transporting people and goods, in agriculture and for leisure. Mechanisation produced a sharp downfall in the number of working horses on the peninsula, but the riding for leisure aspect continued to flourish. In the 1930s six riding stables were listed in Kelly’s Directory of Selsey. Many were located just off the High Street. The Blacksmiths were certainly kept busy. Horse riding was often conducted with little regard to safety with no head protection and often no saddles being used. Horse and donkey rides were to be found on the sands to the delight of visiting children. Gymkhanas were held on the Oval Field and horses featured strongly in carnival processions. The 1932 Derby winner even trained on the sands to assist his recovery from injury after the big race!