Nannie Lambert Power O’Donoghue was a renowned Irish writer and equestrienne who authored two books presented in this volume of the Sports She Wrote series, accompanied by 90 illustrations (147,000 words).

Ladies on Horseback (1881) and Riding for Ladies (1887) delve into many aspects of equestrianism, from gaits, equipment and horse care, to style, posture and attire. O'Donoghue's passion for her equine companions shines through as she shares her experiences taming even the most spirited horses and discusses matters that remain relevant to horsewomen today, despite the fact that, like nearly all women in the 1880s, she rode sidesaddle rather than astride.

Ladies on Horseback includes correspondence from her popular newspaper column, addressing her readers’ opinions and engagement on equine subjects. Riding for Ladies garnered widespread acclaim, reflecting O'Donoghue's influence in an era of evolving social acceptance of women on horseback.

After a spinal injury curtailed her riding career at age 37, O’Donoghue extended her writing talents into journalism and advocacy, using her platform to address poverty, women’s education and decrying animal abuse. She was also a poet and novelist. Her legacy in Irish literature and as a humanitarian influencer of public discourse underscores the enduring power of a woman who transcended societal norms to shape history.

Two additional volumes about equestrianism in the Sports She Wrote series are Equestrian Reports and The Horsewoman’s Trilogy. Other volumes with equestrian articles include Diana’s Outdoor Sports; Women on the Hunt; and Adelia Brainerd, The Outdoor Woman of Harper’s Bazar.

Sports She Wrote is a 31-volume time-capsule of primary documents written by more than 500 women in the 19th century.