Side Saddle

[Beth]

Hi, does anyone on here do side saddle? either have lessons or have their own? I find that very few people know much about side saddle and where to go for lessons. Also does anyone on here show in side saddle?

I have had two lessons in side saddle and read all i can about it but i am now looking for a class around gloucester. I would love anyone on here to share their knowledge of side saddle.

[CityLights]

One of the few things i havent really done, sat in one once about three years ago at pony club camp but other than that not much experience with it, im sure someone on here does though im sure i remeber seening pictures of someone in side saddle

side saddles are very tricky to get hold of apparently and also very difficult to fit to the horse due to being sat on the side the balance is very tricky to get right, must be very interesting to try and get one to fit

[piccolo]

Ooo, i'd love to have a go! Could you not google something like the "side saddle organisation", they might have a list of places.

[XenaWarriorPrincess]

Ive ridden side saddle once, found it killed my back but i have bad posture anyway so that was probably why! Im also not very elegant So felt awkward!!
The haffy i was riding kept bucking though and i found it very secure, i barely moved!!

[Beth]

There is The Side Saddle Assosiation but that is mostly for people who compete i believe and I dont have my own horse yet just ride other peoples and at the moment im just looking into riding schools that do side saddle, which is proving very hard to find one as the one i went to was quite far away.

[sidesaddlevic]

Hi Beth, I ride side saddle regularly. Have lessons once a week with Roger Phiillpot - he is based in Kineton, Warwickshire and runs a riding school there specialising in side saddle, however he also teaches a lot away from the yard - ie. people with their own horses.

Been riding side saddle a little undr a year and LOVE it. I have done some competitions and was lucky enough to go to the national side saddle show at Addington this summer with one of Roger's horses. However, i'm not bit into competing, i jusy enjoy riding side saddle and doing something a bit different.

You are true, there are not a lot of people around who do sidce saddle and there are many misconceptions about side saddle, however i have been lucky enough to spend a lot of time (probably way too much) on the yard with Roger and also Liz Rogers (5 times side saddle rider of the year) and heave learnt sooo much.

Please shout if you have any questions - probably wont be able to answer them myself but am more than happy to ask at the yard. I have recently got a new horse of my own who i am hoping to break to side saddle after christmas so will be asking 1000's questions myself!!

vic

[Westy]

There's another Beth ('Bess') on here who rides side saddle, I'll point her this way. I think she's done some local level shows in the past. It looks good fun and very elegant.

I've had lessons with one of the Urchinwood instructors who teaches side-saddle there (may be the only one, not sure) and she's very good for the normal stuff so I can second the recommendation for Urchinwood. Nice place, but you'll want a car if coming down from Glos - it's a mission by public transport.

Side Saddle Assoc isn't just for competitive types, and if you make contact with your local area then I'm sure they'll be able to suggest places around Gloucester that you can go to. I'd hope there's somewhere a tad closer than Bristol. What you might find is that there are freelance instructors who operate out of different riding schools as and when they can, rather than a school having a dedicated set up. I think Urchinwood is a bit of an exception - seem to recall my instructor saying they had 2 saddles but only 2 horses that they fitted and could do it.

Smile & Wave: I've found sidesaddles *too* easy to get hold of. For some bizarre reason I own one of the blinking things! Despite not riding sideways (well,intentionally at least...) nor owning a horse!! I blame my OH... ()

[Bess]

Hello Beth!

Only just seen this, I learnt to ride side saddle about 4 years ago ish...and love it! I no longer have a horse but my old seemed very happy with a side saddle and relaxed alot more with one than an astride saddle.

I've competed in a few local shows, nothing fancy but it was lots of good fun. I've never competed against anyone else side saddle, everyone else was astride so I received alot of funny looks and glares. I've never ridden in the full habit either. I just ride side saddle to have fun, we use to hack out that way and never had any problems. With my old side saddle I always had to ask some random stranger on a hack to do my girth up (looks of worried looks off blokes). Luckily with my new one, it's an outside girthing system so won't have that problem.

I think one of the misconceptions of riding side saddle is you have to be very keen on showing and competing. I would like to do the whole hog one day, but I enjoy just hacking about and my instructor was quite happy to teach us with no major aims...apart from being able to get my old horse to leg yield (she was a stubborn, lazy girl, bless her).

The Side Saddle Association isn't just for those serious about competing. It's for anyone interested. I'm a member and you get to know other people who ride side saddle local to you. It's also good for when you want to find a saddle and a habit. You'll be able to find a freelance instructor through them too.

I'm moving to Bristol at the end of this year (I live in Shropshire at the mo) so intend to go to Urchinwood Stables at some point. I might even see you there. Like Vic I've been to Pittern Hill for a lesson with Roger and it was brilliant.

I've never had a problem finding side saddles, if anything it's been too easy lol. I currently have 3 (just been donated a pony's side saddle). My lastest addition is a 3 year old Rob Jenkins saddle which is lovely (on loan at the mo). I think the reason why I've never had a problem finding them is because I like Irish Draughts and the majority of old saddles were made for these horses for hunting. Side saddles for ponies, cobs and horses without a good broad wither are a bit more difficult to get hold of. You just have to make sure you get a saddler who knows what they are talking about with a side saddle, they fitting is vital to the horse and rider. Rob Jenkins is in Worcestershie (I think) so he would be the closet to you!

Sorry I've rambled on and on! Keep us updated how you get on, I'm missing riding side saddle. Also if you look at the website Ride 2 the Side they are brilliant for advice and info.

Have fun!