Super excited- first ever side-saddle lesson booked

[kezz86]

Yep the photo worked, you look very comfortable up there on that big hoss!

I'm definitely going to give it a go - just hope I don't get hooked though as the saddles are frighteningly expensive I just had a look! Eeek! Are you having another lesson? Sorry if you've already said and I've missed that post.

Hmm... I know they aren't cheap...!

It's so fun I really am hooked...

Ha ha for a big horse he had a very joggy trot and the instructor even appologised for not giving me a horse with smoother paces...

 

[sidesaddlegirl]

Well done on your 1st lesson!!

 

[sidewaysonacob]

I started with a lesson for fun a few years ago and got HOOKED. I now have a lovely side saddle dating back to around 1900 and a habit that cost more than any other piece of clothing I've ever bought

But I retired my cob last year so I'm currently short of an actual horse to ride sideways *trawls ads yet again*

If anyone wants to find a local side saddle instructor, get in touch with The Side Saddle Association http://www.sidesaddleassociation.co.uk

 

[sidesaddlegirl]

Yeah, but doesn't a habit look better on than ANY piece of clothing you could buy? No one believes I'm a size 16 in mine as it goes in at the waist and gives you a figure! I wish i could wear my habit everyday as it's the only flattering thing I own. My cheap £14 Asda jeans don't do that so I think forking out £££'s for a habit is money well spent

 

[kezz86]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGu6NYS3-lM&feature=youtu.be

Well my horse Izzy and I have had our very first go at side-saddle together, she was a true pro!

I was a little nervous as she had never done it before so didn't know what she would do...

Here's a little clip of us together please excuse my position those are my nervous arms... lol

 

[kezz86]

So now I need to sell a kidney and a lung (any offers) to be able to buy this saddle and a habit!

I'm addicted!

 

[sidewaysonacob]

So now I need to sell a kidney and a lung (any offers) to be able to buy this saddle and a habit!

I've decided that since my side saddle dates back to about 1900 it's an antique, i.e. an investment, not a cost

 

[kezz86]

I've decided that since my side saddle dates back to about 1900 it's an antique, i.e. an investment, not a cost

Ooo good idea... right now to use this as a "reason" to "invest"...

Thing is it wouldn't be a lie either these antique saddles aren't getting any younger!

My OH just keeps asking me why side-saddle is so different and why I NEED 2 saddles?!

My Mum is just horrified at the cost of it all I'm going to beg all family etc and see if I can use up my birthday allowance on a side-saddle lol (I sound like a spoilt 5 year old don't I?)

The saddle in the video is a beautiful 16" Wide Owen I am so in love with it!

 

[sidewaysonacob]

Kezz86 - I've PM'd you with some saddle buying tips

 

[Capriole]

Kezz86 - I've PM'd you with some saddle buying tips

Id like some saddle buying tips if youre giving out advice

Im saving for my first saddle too. Obsessed much?

 

[sidewaysonacob]

Capriole - I'm sure sidesaddlegirl will lots of my-first-side-saddle buying tips, here are mine (and apologies if you already know all this):

The big 4 makes of side saddle from Ye Olde Days to look out for are Owen, Champion & Wilton, Mayhew and Whippy. If you can find a good condition saddle from one of these names that fits you and your horse, try not to wince at the price tag and consider it as an investment instead - they seem to be going up in value as demand exceeds supply.

The other option is to buy an old side saddle in need of some cosmetic work – but make sure you take it to a specialist side saddler as standard saddlers generally don’t understand how to repair and flock them properly.

There are a few saddlers now making new side saddles, including Zaldi http://www.hold-your-horses.com/Zaldi-saddles and Sattlerei http://www.sattlerei-sve.de/english/ , but again for considerably more than most astride saddles.

The Side Saddle Association has a For Sale list that is regularly updated, details here http://www.sidesaddleassociation.co.uk/for-sale.htm. There are also good quality vintage saddles for sale on ebay fairly regularly.

Whatever happens please DON’T be tempted by one of the suprisingly cheap side saddles for sale on ebay. They’re generally based on a GP tree which is totally different to a side saddle tree and means the saddle will never sit straight, you’ll never feel secure and you could hurt your horse's back.

Your local side saddle area group may also know of saddles for sale in your area http://www.sidesaddleassociation.co.uk/localcontacts.htm#data

You can also lease side saddles from a lady called Liz Turner (Kezz86 has already spoken to her I think) - all the details are currently in a thread in fb on the sidesaddle riders group page - which is full of very experienced side saddlers who are happy to give advice.

 

[Capriole]

Thanks Some really good advice. Im soaking in the knowledge at the moment, reading comments on a facebook groups and studying photos. Definitely NOT tempted by the dodgy looking ones Ive seen in some ebay ads. Fast learner and bit of a snob!
My general plan is to get one of the old ones, and in the possible future have one made for me (I got the price list already )

I hadnt really considered hiring, but I will look into that.

 

[kezz86]

Capriole - I'm sure sidesaddlegirl will lots of my-first-side-saddle buying tips, here are mine (and apologies if you already know all this):

The big 4 makes of side saddle from Ye Olde Days to look out for are Owen, Champion & Wilton, Mayhew and Whippy. If you can find a good condition saddle from one of these names that fits you and your horse, try not to wince at the price tag and consider it as an investment instead - they seem to be going up in value as demand exceeds supply.

The other option is to buy an old side saddle in need of some cosmetic work – but make sure you take it to a specialist side saddler as standard saddlers generally don’t understand how to repair and flock them properly.

There are a few saddlers now making new side saddles, including Zaldi http://www.hold-your-horses.com/Zaldi-saddles and Sattlerei http://www.sattlerei-sve.de/english/ , but again for considerably more than most astride saddles.

The Side Saddle Association has a For Sale list that is regularly updated, details here http://www.sidesaddleassociation.co.uk/for-sale.htm. There are also good quality vintage saddles for sale on ebay fairly regularly.

Whatever happens please DON’T be tempted by one of the suprisingly cheap side saddles for sale on ebay. They’re generally based on a GP tree which is totally different to a side saddle tree and means the saddle will never sit straight, you’ll never feel secure and you could hurt your horse's back.

Your local side saddle area group may also know of saddles for sale in your area http://www.sidesaddleassociation.co.uk/localcontacts.htm#data

You can also lease side saddles from a lady called Liz Turner (Kezz86 has already spoken to her I think) - all the details are currently in a thread in fb on the sidesaddle riders group page - which is full of very experienced side saddlers who are happy to give advice.

Thank you all for your help- I'm hoping to buy the saddle I've now had a couple of goes on my horse in! OH despite his negativity has said he'd help (quite a lot!)

We believe this saddle fits my horse nicely or rather can be flocked to fit her better than it already does and it fits my bum too so smiles all round... Of course before commiting I would have this properly checked! I do still need to sell my soul mind you!

I knew it was dangerous having a lesson!

Here are a few photos to remind me why I NEED the saddle!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/399329_10151077731287065_1990605875_n.jpg

Here's us having a go at a side-saddle gymkhana Victorian style (without the pretty out fit though... next on the shopping list perhaps!)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/539794_10151077859882065_496818491_n.jpg

 

[kezz86]

Thanks Some really good advice. Im soaking in the knowledge at the moment, reading comments on a facebook groups and studying photos. Definitely NOT tempted by the dodgy looking ones Ive seen in some ebay ads. Fast learner and bit of a snob!
My general plan is to get one of the old ones, and in the possible future have one made for me (I got the price list already )

I hadnt really considered hiring, but I will look into that.

Hi Capriole here's Liz Turner's number well worth a chat to her she's lovely and has many many saddles - 01752842351

Also someone I know has a few side-saddles for sale if you like PM me what you're looking for... you never know she might have something!

 

[kezz86]

Oh gosh... I've made an offer on the saddle I'm nervous as hell right now as I know I'll be one lucky so and so if I get it for what I've offered!

I just don't want to miss out on it as it fits us both so nicely...

If I do I guess I just have to get saving or see if Liz Turner has anything that might suit us... I just would rather save than pay out £275+ for rental!