Newcomers Guide to Riding Side Saddle
It is possible to compete on any size or type of horse or pony, and riders may be of any age. At the National Championship there are special classes for lead rein riders and mature ladies. You don't even need to join to compete, although non members are not eligible for Side Saddle Association rosettes awarded at show qualifiers for the National Championship Equitation classes.
The best way to learn is to book a lesson with a side saddle instructor. There are many instructors offering lessons in riding schools or on private horses. Most riders find it easier to get a 'feel' on a school master before trying their own horses.
The cost of dressing the rider and setting up a complete side saddle can be expensive but there are many people who will hire saddles, habits, bowlers and top hats, allowing you to compete for a season and decide if you want to take riding side saddle further.
Each Area has a Chairman and a Secretary who will have contact numbers for instructors, equipment hire, clinics and taster days.
Some riders simply want a one-off opportunity to find out what riding side saddle feels like, whilst others really want to compete.
If you are tempted to try riding side saddle, see the Contacts for further information
Membership
Membership is an annual fee of £48 per member. There is no affiliation fee for the horse.
More details can be found on the Side Saddle Association website.
To join the Side Saddle Association, please cut and paste this address into your browser
http://www.sidesaddleassociation.co.uk/membershipinfo.asp
It is possible to compete on any size or type of horse or pony, and riders may be of any age. At the National Championship there are special classes for lead rein riders and mature ladies. You don't even need to join to compete, although non members are not eligible for Side Saddle Association rosettes awarded at show qualifiers for the National Championship Equitation classes.
The best way to learn is to book a lesson with a side saddle instructor. There are many instructors offering lessons in riding schools or on private horses. Most riders find it easier to get a 'feel' on a school master before trying their own horses.
The cost of dressing the rider and setting up a complete side saddle can be expensive but there are many people who will hire saddles, habits, bowlers and top hats, allowing you to compete for a season and decide if you want to take riding side saddle further.
Each Area has a Chairman and a Secretary who will have contact numbers for instructors, equipment hire, clinics and taster days.
Some riders simply want a one-off opportunity to find out what riding side saddle feels like, whilst others really want to compete.
If you are tempted to try riding side saddle, see the Contacts for further information
Membership
- Members Handbook published annually
Shows & Fixtures list published annually - Newsletters
- List of Saddlers
- For Sale & Wanted list
- List of Approved Instructors & facilities
- The Side Saddle Association Equitation Championship rules
- Turnout Guidelines
- Grade Test and Instructor examinations
- SSA Rosettes & awards
- Other Side Saddle classes for all types of horse or pony
- Performance Points Competition
Membership is an annual fee of £48 per member. There is no affiliation fee for the horse.
More details can be found on the Side Saddle Association website.
To join the Side Saddle Association, please cut and paste this address into your browser
http://www.sidesaddleassociation.co.uk/membershipinfo.asp