Saddle p0rn of the sideyways variety

arizonahoney

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Raaaaaaaaaaather excited about this, which I had a first ride on last night...can't wait to have a play again this evening, fits pony and myself beautifully! :D
 
It's a Champion and Wilton that has been completely refurbished by Barrie Swain. I do like the pig skin, bit nervous about the upkeep of that pale doeskin!
 
Sidesaddle is one of the things I'd love to try. That's inspired me to find out more for when horsey is back in work!

Lovely birthday prezzie, C. Been meaning to ask, what drew you to riding side-saddle? Joey's saddle is a Barrie Swain and very comfy it is too :)

Second career for pony...gentler than the jumping he loves...plus who could pass up the excuse to dress up like a lady and do lady things? :p

I am spending the summer showing and generally getting used to it, but the plan is to hunt this winter...
 
I am spending the summer showing and generally getting used to it, but the plan is to hunt this winter...

:eek: are you going to go hunting sidesaddle? I don't think i could even ride a walk sidesaddle! it all seems very different, seriously how do you find riding sidesaddle?
 
It starts off being a bit counter-intuitive...but just like when you are learning to ride normally, the more you do and the more your muscles get accustomed, the easier it becomes.

Pretty much every side saddle lesson I have has a bit of a lightbulb moment, where I go 'aha' and many of these moments are transferable to my normal riding. Bonus!
 
:) you have most utmost admiration - it looks very elegant (unlike me)

I look forward to seeing pics of you aside! very soon, and the saddle looks beautiful by the way, i think i would be worried about the upkeep of it also.

Good Luck x
 
Very jealous :P I'm learning the art of sidewaysness at the moment and Im loving it! I totally agree on the lightbulb moments and it really does help your normal riding a lot!
 
Looks like a very good refurb Arizona Honey - you'll have lots fun doing side saddle.
Some tips if you are planning to hunt - you need to hack out side saddle LOTS in preparation. And do some roadwork. If you can persuade your horse to canter slowly on a narrow strip of verge when the others are trotting you'll be a lot more comfortable.
Make sure that your breeches and boots are extremely well worn in and there is nothing that can rub; and if it is going to be cold (although your habit will keep you warmer than the astride riders) I found an all in one undergarment (they used to be called a 'body' not sure what they are called now), underwired unless you've got tiny boobs, the most comfortable thing to wear.
And be prepared for LOTS of attention - you will get chatted up by every male member of the hunt, the foot followers and any passers-by. You'll never have to open a gate for yourself, and people will get out of your way to let you jump just so that they can watch.
I had two wonderful side saddle hunters - my friend's 15hh PBA who was just fab but sadly really too small for me.
And one of my horses of a lifetime, a maxi cob who was the lightest on his feet, unbelievably comfortable and so surefooted.
Enjoy!
 
Beautiful saddle.

I have got a jump saddle with a very light colored doe skin seat, was really worried about how it would wear and how to look after it. It has been brilliant, just darkened with age and has never been cleaned, it gives excellent grip as well. Have been using it constantly for nearly six years
 
Wow! We have a very old sidesaddle in the tackroom and we keep threatening Reg with it but haven't dared yet. That saddle is beautiful, we must have reports of how your sidesaddle stuff is coming along :D With more saddle pics, obviously.
 
My friend has hunted side saddle, and competed in the Diana of the chase side saddle race.
She does quite a bit of showing and her next aim is to jump tandem side saddle, oh she's totally mad!!
 
Looks like a very good refurb Arizona Honey - you'll have lots fun doing side saddle.
Some tips if you are planning to hunt - you need to hack out side saddle LOTS in preparation. And do some roadwork. If you can persuade your horse to canter slowly on a narrow strip of verge when the others are trotting you'll be a lot more comfortable.
Make sure that your breeches and boots are extremely well worn in and there is nothing that can rub; and if it is going to be cold (although your habit will keep you warmer than the astride riders) I found an all in one undergarment (they used to be called a 'body' not sure what they are called now), underwired unless you've got tiny boobs, the most comfortable thing to wear.

This is all excellent advice... I have suffered from The Wrong Pants out hunting astride, so imagine it could be so much worse aside when you are not posting to the trot for long periods.
 
where is Deefa and that mental picture of her jumping a whopping hedge side saddle?

How exciting. \can't wait to see a piccy of you in it :)
 
where is Deefa and that mental picture of her jumping a whopping hedge side saddle?

How exciting. \can't wait to see a piccy of you in it :)

Yes, where is Deefa...? I want to pick her brains about SSA Nationals.

Going showing this weekend, so there should be some pics of po' in the new saddle :D
 
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