Side Saddle

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robcl

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Am starting to show side saddle this year but need some advice on everything i and my horse need to wear -
all help and tips apreaciated
Thanks
 
Try contacting a lady named Liz Turner via the SSA. She is the only person I could find who would lease saddles and travel to fit them. None of this is comes cheap and it cost me quite a lot to get kitted out even without buying a saddle.

If you join the SSA the yearbook has all the rules on what to wear and fixtures, but get prepared for a lengthy shopping list!
 
I think I am going to do equitation and showing althoguh not sure under which rules yet - I have a clinic tomorrow so hopefully i can pick some stuff there
 
Even though hunters should be shown in tweed, you will find that most people can only afford one habit. I just had a navy one, and used that for showing and equitation. It needs to be well fitting and the correct length. Some of the Sidesaddle Association instructors make it up as they go along with regard to showing turnout for hunters and riding horses, so make doubly sure before you spend any money!
 
Thank you, I have got a navy habit which was my mums which fits, but was just wondering what coulour gloves and waistcoat i should get?
I had heard that the waistcoat should not be checked??
 
If you are doing Sidesaddle Equitation they are not keen on anything too bright - they didn't seem to like red ones when I used to do the classes. Yellow seems t obe the order of the day. Brown gloves and brown sidesaddle cane. You will also need a bowler and a top hat (not a dressage one) plus a veil etc.
 
Navy habit is fine for most things and more feminine than black but it must fit you. A bowler will also take you most places except championship classes but must be worn with a collar and tie, not a stock, that goes with a top hat.

Turnout for equitation is really plain and subdued. Brown gloves are always a safe bet, never black, dates back to Victorian times when only ladies in mourning wore black gloves and would never have been seen enjoying themselves riding a horse!

For equitation you need a plain flat bridle, no bling here, and I think you can use a snaffle or pelham/double depending on the level.

Anything else? It's a mine field believe me but if you like dressing up you'll enjoy it.
 
I've just joined the side saddle association, and 'Ride to the Side' are also very helpful. I'm having my grans old side saddle restored as it fits my horse. It will do for a few months but it's too long for me, so I will sell it on eventually to buy one thats suits both of us. I'm very new to it all but from what I understand you have to show with double reins. I could have it completely wrong. Whereabout are you? Send me a private message if you like, my instructor is very good.

Good luck...there's so much to get your head around.
 
Thank you very much, am bringing all the bits and pieces together, went to a clinic today and got lots to think about so have a long shopping list
 
Basics that are correct for all types of sidesaddle are (assuming you have a horse and a sidesaddle!) :

veil, long cane, single spur, habit, waistcoat, gloves

Then options for
bowler, top hat, snaffle, double bridle
 
Double reins not essential unless wearing a top hat, altough a horse that goes nicely in a double/pelham is easier to ride and makes a better 'picture'.

A cream or tattersall check waistcoat is a good bet; you also need a shirt with a collar which really fits...children's school shirts might be the answer, or I used to wear a Mrs Candy one which was very nice.

You can use a schooling whip if your horse doesn't go forward from a cane, but it needs to be smart, no bright coloured lash, leather covered is ideal if you can afford it.

Most important is that your saddle fits really well and puts you in the right place...presumably it was checked at your clinic.

Good luck...side saddle can be lots of fun, but you can't be a shrinking violet: EVERYONE looks at you at shows!

PM me as well if you wish - I'm a judge and an instructor who DOES know turnout rules for hunters, having shown one (amused by your comment, not offended FMM!!!!)
 
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