Side Saddle Clinic

[TheBigIrishGrey]

I have my very first side saddle clinic on Sunday, I’m really nervous but excited at the same time. I am a disabled rider so it is going to be a little different for me than able bodied riders due to my physical anomalies. I know I will be able to do in the looses sense of the word and I have great faith in my horse and in my teacher who sounds incredible (provided I can get my big bottom up and on!) I was just wondering what people’s experiences of side saddle were like, of their very first time? I’d be really interested to know what and how people felt in comparison to astride, other than a bit wonky hehe! I am sure I will find it difficult and unusual and I know the saddle won’t be fitted to my horse or myself but I am just very interested in this taster session which sounds brilliant to “have a go” and then hopefully more lessons like it in future. Wish us luck!
Picture of Coco and I at a recent fun ride to show us astride!
Caroline and Coco xxx
www.facebook.com/TheBigIrishGrey

 

[tda]

Haven't done it, but hoping to try a mechanical horse side saddle soon. I have a useless right leg/wonky balance so it might be better up out of the way 😁
Please report back x

 

[TheBigIrishGrey]

Haven't done it, but hoping to try a mechanical horse side saddle soon. I have a useless right leg/wonky balance so it might be better up out of the way 😁
Please report back x

Same here, my balance is awful! I think I’ll be okay on one rein and shocking on the other haha! Will get Mum to take pics and videos xxx

 

[Donkey66]

I had a go when I was in my early twenties and it was fine, i walked trotted and cantered in the school. Once you have learnt to trust the pommels it's easy; just sit evenly on both seat bones. I did have a very cooperative horse - but when we were unsaddling the owner/instructor said it was the first time she had carried a side saddle.
I didn't jump.

 

[JFTDWS]

I keep meaning to take one of my ponies for a lesson. It looks good fun - enjoy it!

 

[TheBigIrishGrey]

I had a go when I was in my early twenties and it was fine, i walked trotted and cantered in the school. Once you have learnt to trust the pommels it's easy; just sit evenly on both seat bones. I did have a very cooperative horse - but when we were unsaddling the owner/instructor said it was the first time she had carried a side saddle.
I didn't jump.

That’s what I need to remember to sit evenly, I’m really worried I won’t be able to but will try extra hard. It is my horse we are using and it is her first time but she’s a really good girl. Going to warm her up astride before I try xxx

 

[Shay]

It was one of the things I tried when I was coming back to riding after breaking my back. Because of the way you have to hold hips, spine and shoulders square it was easier on my back (once I got the hang of it) than astride. It also felt more natural (if that is the right word for it) to accomodate the rather bulky brace thing I was having to ride in at the time. I never got as far as jumping side saddle though.

 

[spacefaer]

I'm going to the same clinic. What time are you on?

There's a useful article in this week's H&H about how to balance when riding side saddle - perfect timing!

I have ridden s/s before but not for about 25 years so I'm hoping I'll remember some of it!

 

[FFAQ]

Hi! I've been riding side saddle for about a year as riding astride has become too uncomfortable for me. My biggest issue is getting a dead leg after a while if I don't ride regularly! Welcome to the gang! Have you joined the side saddle association yet?

 

[TheBigIrishGrey]

I'm going to the same clinic. What time are you on?

There's a useful article in this week's H&H about how to balance when riding side saddle - perfect timing!

I have ridden s/s before but not for about 25 years so I'm hoping I'll remember some of it!

I was the last to go at 5:30, on the big grey in the pics hehe. Which are you? Xxx

 

[TheBigIrishGrey]

Well WOW what a day! I took to it so quickly as did Coco and we had the best time! Walk, trot AND canter! Rachel joked that we will be jumping next haha! I don’t think so... it’s really different isn’t it but somehow I felt more comfortable than astride? Weird! I really really enjoyed it! I had a more confident rein which weirdly for me was my left rein as I think others are more comfortable on right but yes I loved it! Thank you all for your comments here is us! Xxx

 

[TheBigIrishGrey]

Videos at www.facebook.com/thebigirishgrey

 

[Meowy Catkin]

Well done! It looks like you had a great time.

 

[TheBigIrishGrey]

Well done! It looks like you had a great time.

Thank you we really did! Now to buy one! Xxx

 

[tda]

Thats fab, well done x