Ridings

I need a history lesson. This happens every year in Musselburgh and I have failed to educate myself. Again.

Ridings. Folk on ponies cross the river at the Ford. There is cheering and hurrahs from the Roman Bridge and the riverbanks.

There were pleasing pipes and drumming. The ponies were very pretty. Esk bank smelt all horsey and actual horse manure did actual splatering up my trouser leg (oh yes).

But why?

Oh Lordy, please don't make me google it.