Why is the left side of horse called near side?

The left side of a horse is called the near side because, historically, riders would mount their horses from the left side. This was done for several reasons:

* Safety: The left side is usually the weaker side for most people, making it easier to mount without losing balance.

* Swords: Right-handed riders would typically carry their swords on the left side, making it easier to draw the sword while mounted.

* Convenience: Most horses are trained to respond to commands from the left side, making it the "working" side for a rider.

Therefore, the term "near side" originates from the fact that the left side of the horse was the side that was "near" to the rider during mounting and everyday use.