Sidesaddle - how who where etc....???

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Gingernags

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Obviously we have a poster called Sidesaddle whom i assume does it - but does anyone ride sidesaddle? How difficult is it to learn? How difficult is it to teach your own horse etc? How difficult is it to get and fit a saddle?

I have a cunning plan to work on, and it involves me and nag learning sidesaddle at some point... not in the immediate future though - would be next year...

Any info would be great!
 
Go for it! Have a look on http://www.sidesaddleassociation.co.uk/ should be a list of instructors on there, be warned it makes muscles ache that you didn't know existed but is great. Patrick took to it like he'd been carrying one for years.
Edited to say that you can hire saddles but they are around to buy also, be warned it is addictive and pricey! My instructor fitted my saddle for me.
 
It may just involve something like that...
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I always said I'd drive myself to my own wedding... then started thinking hmmmm why not just ride?

Especially when the venue I'm after is half a mile away from the farm where the wee beastie lives... its opposite the end of the farm lane!
 
OOO - fabby idea
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I'm sure it wouldn't be hard to learn - I used to ride side saddle on my mum's mare, but not properly - I just sat sideways
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Mare didn't seem to mind at all.

How cool that you are looking at that venue - pony's could come and watch
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Shame Lily isn't still there - she could be a flower pony
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I love it when you see peoples wedding pictures when their horse is there looking all smart too. When (if) i get married i'd love Cerys to come, although she'd probably eat my bouquet!
 
It is a wonderful way to ride and I did ride that way sometimes in Canada. Always felt secure during sitting trot and found it easier on my back too.
Unfortunately, my current side saddle doesn't fit my ponio and I'm having trouble finding one to fit her (Her: Arab, shortbacked- Me: tall and leggy!) so haven't ridden her side saddle yet!!!

Yes, I agree contact the SSA to find an instructor near you and when it comes time to buy your saddle, make sure you get a good side saddler like Laura Dempsey (http://www.lauradempseysaddler.com)or Robert Jenkins (http://www.saddlethathorse.com) (there are others as well which you can find via the SSA).

Becareful when buying a side saddle off of Ebay though as the seller may not know what they are selling. I bought one last year and when I had Laura Dempsey come out to fit it to my ponio, she checked it, it turned out to have a broken tree!!!!
 
Go for it, check out the instructors on the side saddle website and take their advice on saddle fitting etc. I have lessons on and off as I have no instructors near me. Once you are going try and ride side sadle at least twice a week, the muscles you use are very different but I find it very enjoyable and not too hard to pick up
 
Yep we had really good fun year before last and would have carried on if not for his tendency for self-harm. Willow seemed to really enjoy all the attention it got him! Get lots of good instruction but don't be surprised if you feel as if you 'can't ride' for a while, it's a bit like assuming a skier will be able to snow board and vice versa, the two aren't the same at all.

Would echo the warnings about saddles on ebay, many of the new ones are positively dangerous and will do you your horse a lot of damage. I also I rate Laura Dempsey very highly.

The SSA can put you in touch with a couple of ladies who lease saddles and to start with this is by far the best way IMO. Get saving your pennies though!
 
Hola!

Spanish horses have great temprements and carry all saddles. This is the type you want to learn on! This picture shows our friends mare being ridden sidesaddle in a noisy fiesta. The other is one of our own horses in our arena practising his 'Spanish walk!'

If anyone wants to see more pics just let us know!

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