Side Horse, Men

Each competitor performed three optional exercises, which were judged by three judges on a 0-5 scale, giving a maximum of 15 points for each exercise, and an overall maximum of 45 points. Full results are not available and only three scores are known in this event. John Bissinger had won the AAU Championship on side horse in 1899-1901 and 1903. He competed in July at the Olympic Turnverein Gymnastics competition but does not appear to have been in St. Louis for the October Swedish Gymnastics events. In his absence Anton Heida easily defeated George Eyser, with both well ahead of third-placed William Merz. Eyser competed despite a wooden leg, having lost the limb as a youth.