Where did Elisabeth live out her passion for riding? What happened in Normandy in September 1875? Why did she give up riding? What followed? What were her favorite dogs?
Sisi had a special passion for horses and equestrian sports since childhood. She was extremely sensitive and had a special feeling for horses. Sisi loved dressage riding and hunting rides with challenging cross-country jumps. Sitting sidesaddle, she won all tournaments throughout Europe and was considered one of the best riders in Europe.
Nowadays, we would describe her as a top athlete . She was very successful due to her perseverance and willingness to take risks . She was prepared to invest a great deal in equestrian sport. She bought new horses, the best and most expensive that could be found in Austria-Hungary. She was regarded as the best horsewoman in Europe and was always surrounded by a host of admirers.
When rheumatic complaints increased and critical reports about her appeared in the English media in 1882, she abruptly gave up horseback hunting. She sold all the horses from her English stables.
In order to satisfy her urge to move, forced marches of 10 km or more a day were the order of the day in future. Much to the chagrin of her ladies-in-waiting, who had to accompany Sisi according to protocol, but were unable to keep up.
Sisi on one of her favorite horses, the thoroughbred gelding Merry Andrew
Sisi always rode side-saddle
In later years, she always had a fan with
Serious riding accident in Normandy
Sept. 1875 – Serious riding accident in Normandy
When Sisi was no longer satisfied with riding on the Hungarian plains, she turned to fox hunting in England. To this end, she practiced show jumping for several hours a day in Vienna’s Freudenau. At full gallop, she glided over high obstacles and had many spectators.
She preferred to prepare in Normandy, where she rented the French castle of Sassetot. In September 1875, she had a serious riding accident there and was briefly unconscious. Nevertheless, she did not let it get her down and continued to train.
Her hunting trips took her to England and Ireland. Her horsemanship was greatly admired. Her official companion was Bay Middleton, the best hunting rider at the time. A deep friendship developed between the two. Some thought there was more, even her own sister Marie spread rumors about this, which caused her to fall out with her.
When Middleton married his fiancée of many years, he was no longer able to accompany Sisi. Sisi finally gave up riding in 1882 for health reasons.
Sisi and her favorite dogs
Empress Elisabeth appreciated dogs as man’s best friend. She had a particular fondness for large dogs. She is said to have once said to her reader Ida Ferenczy: “I almost fear that a dog as big as the one I want doesn’t even exist”.
Sisi with her gray mastiff
Empress Elisabeth with her black poodle called Plato
Empress Elisabeth with her wolfhound Houseguard
Empress Elisabeth with St. Bernard dog
Tip from Sisi’s Amazing Journey: To indulge in equestrian sports in Vienna, visit the historic Krieau harness racing facility or the Freudenau racecourse, where Sisi once trained.
More info: Freudenau1 Vienna Trotting Club – Trotting Park Krieau – Homepage