Side Saddle Training

[Kylara]

Had a ss lesson tuesday and loved it, so going to keep it up. Did walk, trot and canter, oddly finding left rein easier than right. Did feel my upper core/rib muscles working but not sore or burning (that being said, it has been many years since I felt my core burn!) and I felt a good bit of stretch through the right thigh/hip area (side and rear area) which was interesting, again not painful, but could feel the muscles working. Yesterday my right calf muscle was a bit stiff and sore from all the keeping leg in the right place and pointy toe etc (and remembering not to kick with it!). All this has led me to wonder what exercises/training I can do off horse to help with the riding ss.

I'd be interested to hear of any hints and tips for ss as well as any strengthening exercises for various bits of me that will hurt more as I do another ss lesson and probably do more strenuous stuff!

As a competent astride rider, how quickly would you think I'd be able to progress ss? Or is astride a negative experience to have and means I'll find it harder to adapt? All very exciting, and I'm getting very tempted to see if I could get mother's new pony going ss (once I know what I'm doing and can reliably get into my corners!) as he looks the right sort of shape.

Oh and boot wise, I wore my usual long boots for the first lesson, but don't know if I should try short boots and chaps for the next? Not really sure on clothing etiquette!

 

[druid]

Pilates/Yoga works well...and invest in a corset, most of us showing SS wear one!!!

One lady who I started off SS this year rode SS exactly 6 times before going to her first show....on a horse who started SS at the same time as her! They've won and been placed several times this season. If the horse is well schooled before it is put under a SS it should pick it up quickly.

I've never worn anything but long boots but short boots may be more comfortable for you.

 

[Kylara]

I did think a corset would be handy - supportive and attractive but where do you get ones suitable for riding in? I assume they need a higher cut hip than a normal corset?

It's all very exciting! Only had mothers new pony for a week so still getting to grips with his level of schooling but he seems the right sort of type. I'm looking forward to my next lesson in a couple of weeks (on their horses!) and had an interesting chat about habit length.

Long boots were fine and no digging in, but I wasn't sure if I should be wearing short ones or not!

I'd love to get good at aside and maybe go to a couple of shows, but know nothing about the clothing for each class, or who holds ss classes! I may have to just turn up at an unaff dressage comp aside instead

I already do a bit of pilates and yoga - I have a hyperflexible spine and it seems to be beneficial for ss which makes a change as it's usually something that misbehaves.

I'm based Berks/Wilts if that helps with places to go out ss showing. Not that I have a trained ss horse or any habits!

 

[spacefaer]

http://www.sidesaddleassociation.co.uk

These guys will have all the answers to all your questions!

Friend of mine does a lot of sidesaddle - she hunts, shows and escorts the racehorses at Aintree so you can do anything you want ss that you can do astride! She also runs an online shop selling all things ss and has just designed her own habit to sell.

 

[druid]

I'm based in Ireland but Ebay and a few online stores are the way to go for shopping. SS needs to be fitted very correctly, don't be tempted to cut corners there. Your instructors should be able to help with shows etc?

Most corsets designed as support wear will work, my mot recent ones came off amazon!

Spacefaer -n did your friend judge at Dublin this year by any chance?

 

[spacefaer]

Druid -

 

[spacefaer]

Druid - yes she did!

 

[Kylara]

Yes, I'd be chatting to instructor and ss saddler if new pony is deemed suitable for ss training!

Thanks for the ss association link - helpful list of shows! Instructor is about 45 mins away (I don't mind though, lovely place) and probably in another area.

I've seen AJ do ss habits (bet they're expensive!) but I'll keep an eye out for some second hand stuff.

I'm so pleased I decided to give it a go - I think it will really suit me and I had so much fun - I'm very competitive and it's been a while since I tried a new sport I instantly fell in love with and I have a burning desire to improve as fast as possible and become a proper ss rider!

 

[spacefaer]

An inspiration to spend money ......

http://www.theoldhuntinghabit.co.uk/

 

[Darkly_Dreaming_Dex]

Hiya,
I do 3 hours of core power classes a week plus a strong cotton waspie style corset with steel bones best thing is get a well fitting SS (not cheap, SS cost more than the horse...) then loads of hacking out, i'll do upto 4 hours SS when hunting in winter so fitness is important Do join the association as each area has clinics etc. for example me & OH have just done our SS stages, he did 1&2 and i did 1-3, like the BHS ones but ridden side saddle! we have also done unmounted training days, saddle fitting sessions & costume making so lots to learn!

Highly recommend the lovely Phyllie at www.sidesaddles.co.uk for all your SS needs and she is our side of Reading, close to the M4 and is so very helpful with advice and a massive selection of secondhand for most budgets

The 2 cobs in my avatar are loving switching sports, the dark bay won the cobs at this years Nationals 4th in dressage 5th in equitation jumping even a 3rd in the versatile (handy) Horse

 

[druid]

Spacefaer - Well cone to her, some the fairest and open judging I have seen in a very long time. She had no issues with reshuffling her lineup after rides/individual shows which was nice to see.

Both the websites linked and Nicola Watson Leatherwork are our usual suppliers of all the gear! Habits are easily got on ebay for a fraction of the new price. Saddles are a personal preference; I like Mayhews and a new custom one we have but others prefer different brands just like astride saddles.

And as DD says, lots and lots of hacking is key!

 

[FfionWinnie]

Girl I know hasn't been doing it long at all and has already done a prelim dressage test SS with her own pony, who also hadn't done it before. She's riding her SS to her wedding this year as well!

 

[sidewaysonacob]

OP - you are in SSA Area 10 - contact details here http://www.sidesaddleassociation.co.uk/areas.asp and their facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/groups/51367472991/?fref=ts

Get in touch with them - all SSA Areas are friendly and will be happy to point you in the direction of advice and support