Expert advice from leading show horse producers Kate Moore and Lynn Russell on riding and showing side-saddle
There are certain showing classes which are only open to horses ridden side-saddlesuch as ladies’ hunter classes. These are organised by Sports Horse Breeding (GB) and are open to registered show hunters.
Ladies’ side-saddle classes are organised by British Show Hack, Cob and Riding Horse Association and are open to registered hacks, cobs and riding horses.
You can show a horse side-saddle, in open ridden classes, but you must provide an astride saddle for the judge to ride on.
You may compete side-saddle under British Show Jumping Association and British Dressage rules, but it is not permitted to ride side- saddle in events affiliated to British Eventing.
Finding a suitable horse
Lynn Russell, who rode side-saddle to win Royal Windsor’s overall Horse & Hound British Isles Championship, says:
“Any type of horse can be ridden side-saddle provided it has adequate conformation. It should have a good front and shoulder, but not be too short-coupled or you won’t have enough room for your saddle, which sits further back than an astride saddle.
“You do not want something with a short, choppy or bouncy stride. It must be comfortable because you sit to the trot.
“Your biggest problem with a broad horse, especially a cob, will be fitting a saddle, because they wereoriginally made for narrower Thoroughbred types.
“Never put a side-saddle on a horse which is known to rear because if the horse goes up and goes over backwards, you could be trapped.”
Rider’s dress and turnout
A bowler hat and collar and tie is correct dress for preliminary judging and a tweed side-saddle habit is required for this stage of a ladies’ hunter class.
For final judging and classes held in the main ring of a larger show, a silk top hat and hunting tie is required, but must be worn with a black or navy habit. Black gloves should never be worn.
Lynn advises: “Don’t forget how you look: if you’re broad in the beam, you’ll be wider than the saddle, so it might be an incentive to lose weight. And if you’re well endowed, you’ll need a good sports bra.”
For more information on side-saddle riding and to find instructors and saddle fitters, contact the Side-Saddle Association, Woodlands, Broadbury, Oakhampton, Devon EX20 4NH (tel: 01837 871313) or email HonSec@thessa.freeserve.co.uk
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