Riding side saddle is growing in popularity

A whimsical thought can sometimes spark a lifelong hobby and such was the case for Sam Davies. She was admiring her beloved horse, Vidal, when it struck her that he would look extremely elegant wearing a side saddle. He took to the sport with ease and it is now Sam’s major equestrian pastime. She explained the intricacies of the technique to Wendy Short

SAM Davies’ first side saddle horse Vidal, a striking Welsh cross Trakehner formerly used for dressage, turned out to be so good at the new discipline that he went on to be crowned Side Saddle Horse of Great Britain on two occasions, as well as winning several other national titles.

Sadly, Vidal died aged 16 and Sam now has two new side saddle prospects. Price is a 14-year-old thoroughbred type which she has only owned for a couple of months. He has a showing history and needs further schooling, before he begins his side saddle career in earnest. Her other prospect is Toby, which she also hopes to compete in ROR (Retraining of Racehorses) classes. Both horses will be trained up to standard over the winter.

“Most horses take to side saddle without any problems,” says Ms Davies.

“However, they need to have a fairly quiet temperament. It is understandable for them to be slightly nervous when the rider gets on board for the first few times, because the sensation of the side strap is something new.

“I find that it is helpful to lunge them in side saddle, so that they become accustomed to its feel, especially when they are bending. When mounted, the horse also has to accept the rider’s nearside leg across its back, which is very different from the weight distribution when astride.”

Ms Davies, who has been riding side saddle for 15 years, lives with her husband, Tony, on the family’s mixed farm just outside Bolam. Having taken some time off from riding when her daughter was born, she plans to be ready for next year’s showing and dressage season. Meanwhile, the couple’s daughter, four-year-old Imogen, will be competing in side saddle lead rein classes.

There are no limitations on the possibilities for horses being ridden side saddle, stresses Ms Davies, who is the local area secretary of the Side Saddle Association, as well as being a qualified side saddle riding instructor.

“Any equestrian pursuit that can be achieved astride can be undertaken riding side saddle and some of our members hunt all day. The saddle’s top pommel is called the fixed head, while the second pommel, the leaping head, mainly comes into play when jumping. If the rider becomes unseated over a jump, the heel should be lifted, pushing the leg against the leaping head for security. It takes practice to get to the stage where this becomes a reflex action,” she says.

“The leg does not simply hang against the fixed head, because the idea is to use it to help push the calf against the horse’s shoulder. It is best to start off with the horse at walk, and move up through the gaits as you gain confidence. It is possible to do rising trot, but many competitors prefer to sit.

“The stick is more crucial in side saddle riding, as the rider does not have the same use of the right leg; it is essential when giving the aid for canter on the right rein, for example. It is also even more important to drive with the seat in side saddle. The horse must be responsive and that is why I prefer to delay starting horses until they are competent in their flatwork astride. With practice, it will feel as if you are floating along; it is a very pleasant experience and it shouldn’t require a lot of effort to stay balanced.”

Ms Davies, a former hairdresser, admits that the “dressing up” element of side saddle riding is one of its main appeals. Early habits included a full skirt, but the attire now comes with a split side and is fastened with buttons.

“Ladies had a lot of accidents as a result of falling and being dragged, because their skirts got caught on the saddle,” she explains.

“It is a lot safer with what we call the safety apron and the saddle also has a detachable stirrup on the near side, which will release in an emergency.”

It is rare to find a saddler with the skills to construct a side saddle and many competitors use vintage equipment; Ms Davies’ saddle is stuffed with wool and was made in 1886.

The same applies to the habit and many riders wear vintage outfits.

Due to the high level of insurance that is required, Sam herself does not offer side saddle riding lessons on her own horses, but she has several local contacts who can help with getting started and the habits and saddles are available to hire locally. She can, however, give instruction on clients’ own horses.

Side Saddle Showing

THE showing season for enthusiasts mainly takes place during the summer, with events organised by the Side Saddle Association. The organisation has about 1,000 members, including non-riding “foot followers”. Competitions vary, but most judges will ask for walk, trot and canter, plus extended paces.

“All aspects are judged in side saddle showing,” says Ms Davies.

“The rider’s position and the horse’s gaits are among the most important, as well as the fit of the equipment. As it is such a visual sport. The judge will look very closely at the turnout of horse and rider in general.

“At the higher level county shows, it is traditional to wear a top hat, stock and yellow gloves, but a bowler hat and shirt and tie are usually adequate for local events. Riders of mountain and moorland breeds will often wear tweeds, instead of the more formal black or navy blue.

“The equipment is expensive but it will last for a lifetime if it is looked after properly and habits are available on loan. Side saddle riding is growing in popularity. It is a lot of fun. I would encourage anyone who enjoys riding to try it,” she says.




Side Saddle History

IMAGES of women riding side saddle date back to medieval times and in Europe it used to be considered unbecoming for ladies to rise astride, although two notable astride riders were Catherine the Great and Marie Antoinette.

The earliest “functional” side saddle, which dates back to the mid-1300s, was based on a chair-like arrangement which had a footrest. A more practical version was developed in the 16th century, with the current, two-pommel design brought in during the 1830s.

There are records of farm workmen riding in a side position on wide-backed draft horses and some male riders with back injuries have also found it more comfortable. In addition, grooms taking a second horse to meet a lady huntswoman would usually ride her horse in its side saddle.

See also www.sidesaddle association.co.uk