Side saddle habit!!! Help

[Stressage1234]

Hi all, taken up side saddle for this years county shows, hoping to do some equitation classes as well as ladies riding/hunter, depending on show she could fit into either most probably, she's a lovely dapple light grey, ISH, I'm a size 10-12 5'3 can anyone help in regards to what colours/type of habit I'd need, think just a plain black to be safe side? Also can't seem to find any forsale if any one can help? P.s. modest budget but cheaper the better

Many tanks

Stressage

 

[Karsumatra]

I think navy looks very nice with a grey and it is softer too. I am guessing you have joined the Sidesaddle Association if you are planning to do equitation? They usually have classifieds, although not many. Loads of stuff gets bought on sold on facebook and ebay though, try sidesaddle riders FB group Also, whereabouts do you live? Many areas have somebody who can hire you a habit which is great for starting out (in our area its about £75 for the season)

 

[Stressage1234]

Hi there, thank you for your reply, yes I emailed asking for their up to date list but nothing there, well not in my price range lol!! There was a beautiful habit navy but £800 and I just can't justify until I really get into it, I think I fall into area 5, warwickshire? I'll take a look on fb now, thanks again

 

[ArcticFox]

I have a navy one on a grey and it looks really nice.


as well as contacting your local SS area to try and find one to hire, it might also be worth joining a locally horsey facebook group (if you aren't already on one) or if there is a BSJA or showing page. When I started SS I met several people who had nothing to do with SS anymore but had a habit stuffed in the back of a cupboard somewhere.

Always worth asking isn't it!

 

[arizonahoney]

If you wanted to buy new, Alexander James are having a 10% off sale...have a look at their website?

Or there's this on Preloved - worth a shot?

I think a secondhand habit in decent condition will set you back anything between £300 and £400.

Also try contacting Jan Lines of Headlines or Rosalyn Thompstone of Thompstones Toppers (neither has a website).

 

[ArcticFox]

I have an AJ habit. It's gorgeous. Cx

 

[Jo C]

I think it should be navy as black is considered mourning. I know it's a fair distance from you but try Sandon Saddlery in Herts. Both my habits came from there. Other than that eBay is probably your best bet. Have fun!

 

[wench]

Can you get a sewing pattern for a habit, get the material, and find a local semstress to make it up for you?

 

[arizonahoney]

I think it should be navy as black is considered mourning.

See I read somewhere that black SS habit on the hunting field = married and navy = single Or at least, that's what it used to be.

 

[Angua2]

i made mine

 

[birchave0]

black or navy habit is fine, the reference to black and mourning is for gloves, not habits.
keep an eye on Ebay, FB and other classified sites

the link below is for the lady who looks after the SSA classifieds

http://www.sidesaddleassociation.co.uk/for-sale.htm

http://www.sidesaddles.co.uk/habits.htm

side saddles who sometimes have second hand habits for sale

http://www.fieldandcountryantiques.co.uk/index.php?cPath=110&osCsid=gaeezkiviikbajxc

above link has jackets and separate aprons so you could make up a habit.

The old habits were the best so if you find one like Busvine, Roberts and Carroll don't be put off by a few moth holes lol They will repair

Also the Caldene ones were very good too.
Avoid the polyester ones, they are not cut right and won't have enough weight in the apron for it to hang right

 

[ironhorse]

If you're in Warwickshire go and see Roger Philpot at Pittern Hill - I beliieve he still sells habits or will certainly know what is on the s/h market. If you are a slim build and/or tall a vintage one will look amazing, otherwise modern is a bit more forgiving! Alexander James cut beautifully - even their hacking jackets are stunning. Mine is black, and looked great on black, chesnut and grey horses, but navy is lovely too.
Ebay is worth a look especially if you know someone who is really good at alterations and could make a nice s/h habit fit perfectly.

This is me out hunting a few years back!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=101076556571620&set=t.100000078295506&type=3&theater