side saddle?

E

emmilou

Well-Known Member
Joined
24 January 2006
Messages
230
Visit site
Hi all, thinking of looking into side saddle.
has anyone tried it? how do they 'do up'? the balancing strap....
did your horse adjust well to it?
thanks
 
Tried it once, hundreds of years ago on a horse that was used to being ridden side-saddle. It felt very strange and the thought of jumping . . . aarrghh . . but I was assured that it is very secure. Hmm, I wasn't so sure but, got up in the proper habit and everything, doesn't it ever look fantastic and SMART!!!!
 
maybe i will try it!
im very tempted but i just dont want to make a mistake.
what about all the straps? is it self explainitary?
thanks
 
You would need to have a side saddle fitted correctly as they are quite difficult to fit properly. Once the straps have been explained to you they are fairly self explanatory. If you contact the sidesaddle association they can tell you of qualifies instructors in your area, some will have horses you can try it out on. My Connemara doeasn't bat an eyelid at carrying a sidesaddle, most don't mind at all I'm told.
 
As Jo C says it is best to get the sadlle fitted correctly, as side saddles are very different and can cause problems if not fitted correctly. Once you have a saddles that fits correctly get some lessons and you will be flying. I have shown side saddle and love it.

Well worthwhile contacting the side saddle association, and you maybe able to rent/lease a saddle (def do this in the winter as they maybe not availabe in the summer during the showing season.
 
We do sidesaddle (although currently on the hunt for a better fitting saddle, so not doing any at the moment). Went to nationals last year. It is very elegant and I actually think I ride a lot straighter side saddle as I'm really aware of what I'm doing. Mind you, it took my boy a while to work out the canter aid (he only goes off the inside leg, not the outside) and I must be the only person who has managed to fall off jumping side saddle on a first attempt!
It is hard to find the right saddle though and it depends where you are as to how many instructors are around
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top