1st Side Saddle lesson!!!

[nikCscott]

Well ..... fulfilled a life long dream yesterday and had a lesson aside!

Arrived a bit early and met 'my' horse, he was pulling the most evil faces i've ever seen and threatening to take chunks out of those trying to tack him up- to say I was a little concerned was an understatement

Assured that 'he's fine once you're on' we proceeded to mount and adjust my seat and stirrup length etc.

So we got moving reminding myself constantly right shoulder back, right toe down, hands either side of the thigh, and whip down at his side but walking a long with a HUGE on my face!

Rather quickly she suggested we trot- well smile disappeared rapidly as I bounced around- automatic pilot had kicked forcing my left heal down weight shifted I feel so insecure and so I just took a pull to walk slight freaked out! Once it was pointed out that i needed to push my right leg and toe down more we tried again and much better! Got the hang of that both reins, changing reins and going up and down transition we had a canter too It was far from elegant but certainly improved by the end!

Its is odd though- I liken it to learning to reverse the trailer- I had to get my head around it 1st, learn from the mistakes quickly and try again.

So enjoyed it, booked next one already and can't wait! I have a goal to hunt boxing day aside- wish me luck!

Also my Abs are on fire today!!!

Yes he's not round in any of these pictures but it was my 1st time and the poor sod did a great job with me (although very strong!)

Having a trot

And just chilling at the end

 

[BlairandAzria]

How fab! It's something I've always wanted to have a go at, might have to look up and see if there is anywhere local!

Boxing day hunt sidesaddle - youre brave (or mad !)

 

[Fetherston]

I hada go once and really hated it - but it does look so very elegant. Good luck with it.

 

[Archangel]

You look great sounds like a fab time. I have always wanted to ride sidesaddle it looks so elegant and ladylike (two things I am not ).

 

[FfionWinnie]

Gosh you are brave. Are you planning to hunt on your own horse side saddle?

 

[nikCscott]

Gosh you are brave. Are you planning to hunt on your own horse side saddle?

Its a 'goal' which may turn into a pipe dream, but I like to set goals for myself.

Horse is just coming back into work, needs lots of top line and re establish his flat work before I'd even consider trying him (under expert instruction). He's not ready so I'm thinking try and get a handle on it myself and give him a better chance when he's ready. And the way my core feels today its better than a gym work out!

I probably wouldn't jump and our Boxing Day meet is all in the woods and open country so no miles of trotting on lanes so - like I said may be a pipe dream but something to focus on (as well as better dressage scores, hopefully some qualifications showing, affiliate SJ and a couple of 80 BE's in the summer- if we get one)

 

[gillianfleming]

Well done, looks fab, i've had 4 side saddle lessons and really enjoyed them.

A very good friend of mine did the Diane's of the Chase side saddle hunt race yesterday. She has hunted a couple of times but is totally and utterly mad lol

 

[FfionWinnie]

Its a 'goal' which may turn into a pipe dream, but I like to set goals for myself.

Horse is just coming back into work, needs lots of top line and re establish his flat work before I'd even consider trying him (under expert instruction). He's not ready so I'm thinking try and get a handle on it myself and give him a better chance when he's ready. And the way my core feels today its better than a gym work out!

I probably wouldn't jump and our Boxing Day meet is all in the woods and open country so no miles of trotting on lanes so - like I said may be a pipe dream but something to focus on (as well as better dressage scores, hopefully some qualifications showing, affiliate SJ and a couple of 80 BE's in the summer- if we get one)

Brilliant. I am really impressed.

 

[Tobiano]

well done - you look great - fabulous to be brave enough to try something new!

 

[Bobby Boy]

It looks great fun, my daughter had her first side saddle lesson last weekend and loves it, I think this is going to be expensive as she now wants her connie to do it !

Picture of daughter and Jeff the horse

 

[sidesaddlegirl]

Well done on your first lesson!!

Be warned that it is a VERY expensive and addictive thing- ask me how I know!

 

[nikCscott]

Brilliant. I am really impressed.

Thank you- lets see how it pans out!

It looks great fun, my daughter had her first side saddle lesson last weekend and loves it, I think this is going to be expensive as she now wants her connie to do it !

Picture of daughter and Jeff the horse

Awww she looks fab!

Well done on your first lesson!!

Be warned that it is a VERY expensive and addictive thing- ask me how I know!

Looking into it a bit I realise how expensive it is- my mums a tailer and has made a couple of habits in varying styles so she's making me one (lucky girl! ), I'll only hire a saddle as I won't get the use out of one enough to buy one at mega bucks- so hoping to do it on 'relative' shoestring!