Q&A: Finding a side-saddle

Q. I have been borrowing my instructor’s side-saddle during lessons since I began riding “a-side” a few months ago. I want to find out more about investing in my own saddle, but don’t know where to start.

How much does a side-saddle cost new and are second-hand saddles available? In the mean time is there anywhere I can hire one?

A. When trying to find a side-saddle or an instructor the Side Saddle Association (tel: 01858 575300) is a great place to start. They have a list of places which hire saddles.

There are two new types of side-saddle being manufactured at the moment. One is synthetic and costs around £950 (tel: 01258 857821). The other is leather with a doeskin seat and pommels and costs around £2,000 (tel: 01926 640370).

Second hand side-saddles cost from £400 to £1,500, depending on condition. The Side Saddle associationhas a list of second-hand saddles. Adverts for used saddles can also be found in the Horse & Hound Online classified marketplace under Saddlery.