How do I get into side saddle?

nicnag

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I have been gifted 3 side saddles from a house clearance, need a little tlc and not been used for some years. They had been destined for a skip before I mentioned I'd like them. I was going to sell them on but the more I look at them the more I'm hankering about having a go lol! Anyone know where in the Scottish Borders/Lothian that I could have a few lessons to see how I enjoy it . If I do what sort of horse is most suited to side saddle and how much introduction is required? Obviously I'm not just going to slap the saddle on and go!
 
Wow lucky you!Do you know what make they are? As ebonyallen has said the side saddle association is a good place to start. Also the bhs has information on instructors with side saddle qualifications through their find an instructor tab on the website. Also sidesaddlegirl has a fab blog with a great list of links including specialist side saddlers, maybe there is one near you who could have a look at saddles and suggest what type of horse would fit? I am just getting into side saddle and from what I have read and heard practically any schooled horse should take well to side saddle but NEVER a known rearer.

Good luck nicnag and let us know how you get on:)
 
Flippin' heck! THREE side saddles!!!! I'm jealous!! Post pictures so we can see!!

I first started riding side saddle a few years back when I had my first loan horse. I read everything I could on the subject, bought a side saddle from Ebay, put it on her back and rode.

Probably best not to take that route but there is Scottish Side Saddles run by Shirley Justice-Vose. She used to have a website where she sold side saddles (she restored them too) and also gave lessons but it has said "under construction" for the past 2-3 years. They seem to be based now at Diplomacy Saddlery, here is the Yell listing: http://www.yell.com/s/saddlers+and+harness+makers-kilmarnock.html

I bet if you contacted Shirley, then she would be able to tell you about your saddles and how much it would be to restore them and give a list of instructors in the Scotland area.
 
Just checked back in! Missed the replies! 2 Mayhew and the third we 'think' is a childs champion and wilton(?) they need some restoration work but one of the mayhews is very ornate but unfortunately also has a,lot of moth damage. So far I've only had them looked at by a friend who is a saddler and she felt a bit daunted by them I think so someone who specialises in them is probably the way to go. Even as ornaments (albeit moth eaten ones!) they are better than in a skip ! Thanks all, will let you know how we get on!
 
Shame you didnt get any of the gladrags to wear with them. Very stilish in my opinion:D. We need more women riding sidesaddle,in posh togs!
 
A normal saddler won't understand panel construction on a side saddle. I saw a side saddle for sale at the Nationals once which had been ballsed up by a normal saddler by putting panels on it which would have been ok for a normal saddle but would have unbalanced a side saddle.

It doesn't matter if the serge is all moth eaten on the saddle, as a side saddler can just cover it all the old stuff (and take out any lumps and bumps) with just new linen. This is what was done with my Whippy side saddle that I ride in and what I plan on doing with my moth eaten Mayhew. You can get the serge replaced as well but lots of people now just get new linen covered over the old.

I'd love to see photos of them, PM me if you can :)
 
Shame you didnt get any of the gladrags to wear with them. Very stilish in my opinion:D. We need more women riding sidesaddle,in posh togs!

LOL, unfortunately, those posh togs cost a fair bit of money and are mostly saved for best! If I had the spare £££, I'd get spare habit or even just an apron to ride in all the time. However, if you are willing to fund the cause of women riding in habits all the time, then I would be more than happy to accept a donation of a habit to ride in daily! :D
 
The most important thing with side saddles is getting them to fit properly. Many side saddles are quite aged and frankly useless, but need to be renovated almost from scratch.

People like Mike Huline-Dickens is probably a good place to start, if you are lucky enough to get hold of him.
 
LOL, unfortunately, those posh togs cost a fair bit of money and are mostly saved for best! If I had the spare £££, I'd get spare habit or even just an apron to ride in all the time. However, if you are willing to fund the cause of women riding in habits all the time, then I would be more than happy to accept a donation of a habit to ride in daily! :D

Dont think I should be supporting your Habit Habit:D:D:D
 
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