Side saddle ladies- What makes a good side saddle horse?

[nikCscott]

As the title really....

I have wanted to start side saddle since a child but never had a suitable pony. My last horse was just getting to the stage where I thought we would try it when he got sick and had to be PTS

I have a new horse now, and I hope after bonding that it's something we can finally try- I have an instructor locally who I'd have lessons with, but I wonder for those of you who are experienced in it is there a point at which you think the horse is now ready flatwork wise?

This horse is doing decent Prelims and I'll be moving him up to Novice in the spring and I'll want at least 6 months bonding to know his ways 1st...

I'd LOVE to be riding aside at Boxing Day meet this year- maybe a pipe dream but its a goal....

Any advise gratefully received

 

[Ginge Crosby]

bump...
i'm lurking on this one out of interest.... its something i've really wanted to get into after a couple of tasters at college and uni, and have been wondering if my own ned would be up to the job, so following this thread out of interest, hopefully you'll get some responses from people in the know

 

[Cortez]

Now, I am BY NO MEANS an expert, but have ridden a few, started a couple in the sidesaddle and have friends who are very into showing and hunting aside who have helped me in the past. The most important thing is to have the correct saddle that fits both you and the horse; this is even more important sideways than normal. The horse would ideally have a good, pronounced wither, not too short a back, nor too long, and be well muscled. An ideal ladies horse should also be mannerly and have extra smooth paces. I have never had a horse even particularly notice when going sidesaddle for the first time, but obviously it is easier when the horse is very well schooled in the first place.

 

[nikCscott]

Now, I am BY NO MEANS an expert, but have ridden a few, started a couple in the sidesaddle and have friends who are very into showing and hunting aside who have helped me in the past. The most important thing is to have the correct saddle that fits both you and the horse; this is even more important sideways than normal. The horse would ideally have a good, pronounced wither, not too short a back, nor too long, and be well muscled. An ideal ladies horse should also be mannerly and have extra smooth paces. I have never had a horse even particularly notice when going sidesaddle for the first time, but obviously it is easier when the horse is very well schooled in the first place.

Thank you I would hire a saddle from one of the few recommended fitters. Can you really tell by looking at a horse? Can i send you a picture? He has a big, but floaty trot and a lovely smooth canter, he's tb x welsh so has a wither I'd describe him as a middle weight (hack stamp) so fingers crossed!

 

[sidesaddlegirl]

Most of the antique saddles out there were made for Thoroughbreds and TB types so obviously those with that type of horse will have an easier time finding a vintage saddle to fit than those with roly poly cobs. Most horses will take a side saddle without problem but have a decent wither helps loads to keep the saddle in place. My horse goes better side saddle than astride which probably says something about my rubbish astride riding

You do need it to fit properly though. A lot of people get away with riding on rubbish flocked astride saddles but you can't do that on a side saddle as you will DEF notice and your horse won't be happy! There are more and more side saddlers out there now so there is no excuse not to get a saddler fitted properly.

My TB had never done side saddle before or much dressage before I got her but I whacked the saddle on her back on off we went! We compete dressage and do showing now as I don't have the nerve for any hunting or jumping although I have jumped aside and prefer it to jumping astride.

If your horse is doing prelims and is ready for Novice, then you should be fine with side saddle provided he is old enough. I think the age that is recommended to start a horse off side saddle is 7 when they have finished growing. Mine was 13 when she had a side saddle put on her and at 17, we rarely ride astride now and have saddles for riding on both sides.