Home / Equestrian sports / Side-saddle riding
Traditional and historic
Side-saddle is a traditional way of riding in which the rider sits sideways with both legs on one side of the horse. Once all ladies rode this way; today it is an elegant tradition and a competition discipline of its own.
| Group | Traditional and historic |
|---|---|
| Also called | sidesaddle, side saddle, aside riding |
| Olympic | no |
| Governing body | The Side Saddle Association (UK) |
| Where it is popular | The main home of side-saddle is the UK, where the Side Saddle Association is based. It is also practised in the USA and other countries. |
In show classes judges look at the horse's manners and movement, the rider's position, the harmony of the pair and the correct turnout and tack. Side-saddle riders also compete in dressage and jumping, and even ride to hounds. Classes are held in an arena, usually at walk, trot and canter.
A calm, balanced horse with smooth paces and a back that fits the side-saddle well is ideal. Breed does not matter.
A side-saddle has two pommels: the rider's right leg goes around the upper one, and the left leg lies under the lower one and uses the single stirrup. The outfit is a riding habit with a jacket and an apron skirt over breeches; a bowler or top hat is worn for flat classes, but jumping requires a safety helmet.
The main event is the annual three-day National Side Saddle Show in the UK (August), with over 70 classes.
First learn to ride confidently astride. Then find a side-saddle instructor and a suitable saddle, which must fit both the horse and the rider.
The side-saddle high jump record of 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) was set in Sydney back in 1915.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org, sidesaddleassociation.co.uk