ride tall in the saddle

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ride tall in the saddle (third-person singular simple present rides tall in the saddle, present participle riding tall in the saddle, simple past rode tall in the saddle, past participle ridden tall in the saddle)

1. (of a person) To ride a horse in an erect, imposing manner.
2. (idiomatic, by extension) To act or conduct oneself in a manner that is imposing, impressive, resolute, or manly.
   • 2008 February 27, Conservative Author Buckley Dead at 82, Associated Press:

     His son noted Buckley had died "with his boots on, after a lifetime of riding pretty tall in the saddle."

• in the saddle

• ride high