11hh Sec a + 6yo girl + side saddle

nikCscott

nikCscott

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Daughter said at end of last showing season that she like to ride side saddle. Like us mums do i said 'wow- well maybe one day darling' hoping it would be forgotten, well it hasn't, and she's pretty blinking set on the idea. :roll eyes:

Out of interest I've been looking for tiny side saddles (he's in a 14 inch M/MW astride) and I'm yet to see one! Found a company which make them for £1200 :eek: but I'm not making that kind of investment on something which she or he may not take too.

Does anyone know of a Side saddle trainer with small ponies to have lessons on in Gloucestershire/Herefordshire/Worcestershire/Somerset/South wales so she can at least have a couple of hours trying it and then lesson on her pony after?

Thank you
 
Contact the side saddle association. They will put you in touch with a qualified instructor in your area and also with someone who may be able to loan you a saddle.
 
It may be a bit optimistic to hope to find a local instructor with a tiny saddle *and* a tiny pony used to side saddle...

...but it would certainly be worth ringing round the Side Saddle Association instructors in your area - PM me your email & I'll send you their details from my Members Handbook, or contact SSA Area 14 who cover South Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire & Gloucestershire http://www.sidesaddleassociationarea14.co.uk
 
Unfortunately, expect to pay big bucks for a tiny pony side saddle in that size. They are in demand not only by kids but also by short statured women and there are not many around.

Most little girls at this age learn to ride in a pilch side saddle which fit a variety of ponies as they only have a front arch in which the pommels are built on, Robert Jenkins makes them (Saddle That Horse) but they often come up on ebay and sell for about £650 used.
 
I'd suggest contacting the Side Saddle Association... That map will give you your closest contact and they might have some suggestions...

I do know of a centre in Wales that give lessons but they're out west on the Gower... If that's not too far for you I'll dig out the link... :)

Just noticed I'm a bit late with my suggestion... :)
 
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Wow, I am impressed that your daughter even knows what side saddle is, well dine to her.

And what a shame that most kit is soo expensive, I hope she realises her dreamxx

Ps I have always wanted to try it
 
You can hire the pilch saddles for £300 a year from Liz Turner I think, she has just been out to fit a side saddle to my pony :)
I really hope your daughter gets to ride side saddle - it is by the far loveliest way to ride in my opinion ;) And I love what we wear :D
 
BringoutheBest said:
You can hire the pilch saddles for £300 a year from Liz Turner I think, she has just been out to fit a side saddle to my pony :)
I really hope your daughter gets to ride side saddle - it is by the far loveliest way to ride in my opinion ;) And I love what we wear :D
Click to expand...

That was the name I was trying to think of!

And, OP, I wouldn't worry about the habit etc to start. Absolutely no reason why your daughter cannot learn whilst wearing her normal riding gear (the only exception being you may have to look at her boots to ensure they will not rub/damage the saddle in any way but joddy boots will be fine. Also any patterns on the seat of her jods which might do the same). If she gets to the point of wanting to compete then she will need to practise in the habit first.
 
I saw a little girl on a welsh pony about that size at a demo in cambridgeshire if your out that way :). Good luck setting her up you must let us know how she gets on.
 
http://www.saddlethathorse.com/pDetails.asp?pgid=5&pTitle=Pony Pilch Side Saddle

Malvern saddle co: Pony Pilch Side Saddle

Lightweight pilch made using a front arch plate for the tree, the rest of the saddle is treeless. Ideal for younger riders to start their side saddle career, the saddle comes complete with 3 fold girth, balance strap and safety stirrup.
The small model will fit Shetlands and the large will fit 13.2 upwards. You can choose traditional flap or show flap on the off side.
Small Pilch has 12" seat, medium Pilch has 14" seat and large Pilch has 16" seat.
These saddles are designed for children and are not recommended for Adults or for jumping.
 
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