Fairy riding (Scottish Gaelic: marcachd shìth/a' mharcachd-shìth/na marcachd-shìth) was a term used for a kind of paralysis found in livestock in Scotland. It occurred in the spine of sheep, cows and horses, and was attributed to fairies riding on them.
It was also in some places where perspiration, due to weakness which comes out in cattle.
It can be compared to elf-shot, where it was thought that animals had been shot by fairies.
Famous quotes containing the words fairy and/or riding:
“We went to Ranelagh. It is a charming place; and the brilliancy of the lights, on my first entrance, made me almost think I was in some enchanted castle or fairy palace, for all looked like magic to me.”
—Frances Burney (1752–1840)
“Oh he
Comes designed to my love to steal not her tide raking
Wound, nor her riding high, nor her eyes, nor kindled hair,
But her faith....”
—Dylan Thomas (1914–1953)