After being inspired by the side saddle classes at the Dublin Horse 2019 show we catch up with Side Saddle Coach Faith Ponsonby.
We asked Faith what advice she would have to give if someone wanted to learn to ride side saddle?
The first point that Faith emphasised, as with any sport, is to go to a qualified SSA instructor. She said this is preferable to getting a saddle and having a go at home. If you go to a recognised instructor then you know you are going to be in a safe saddle and that it is properly fitted.
A lot of these instructors will be able to match you with a suitable school master horse to have your lesson on, this could be one of their own or maybe they have a link with a riding centre that has suitable horses. The lessons are usually only 30 to 40 minutes as riding side saddle requires different muscles to riding astride and is quite tiring to start with. Initially you only need your normal riding cloths and a long stick. A dressage whip will suffice but the proper side saddle stick is more of a ridged cane carried in the right hand to replace the leg aids.
The lesson will start by working on the correct basic position; Faith said that the canter is usually more comfortable than the trot, so work would progress quite quickly.
If you decide you like it and want to have your own horse and saddle what’s the next step?
Well side saddle is definitely gaining in popularity and it is a lovely elegant art. We see more and more ladies out hunting and some meets are specifically for side saddle. Also more performance classes are appearing for side saddle such as working hunter. The entries in the side saddle classes over the past number of years have definitely increased. Most horses accept a side saddle but it’s worth getting experienced help when first introducing it to the horse.
The Importance of a Good Side Saddle.
Faith emphasised that it is important to use a fully maintained saddle as many of them are quite old and if not maintained can be dangerous to use. The Side Saddle Association of Ireland has a number of saddles listed on their web site for sale. If you become a member of the association you can have your saddle fully checked by an expert.
The Riding Habit, How to Look the Part.
The riding habit can be sourced new from various specialist riding attire suppliers, some are passed down through generations or purchased second hand. It is even possible to get a pattern and have one made up by a good tailor. As with other equestrian disciplines there are guidelines on what colours and types of hat are appropriate to wear in combination, and these are available on the Association web site.
The Ideal Horse for Side Saddle.
The ideal horse should have a quiet temperament and be a smooth ride with a good canter. It does not need to have extravagant movement as this can be very difficult to sit too.
There are all types of horse that will take a side saddle, thoroughbreds, cobs, Irish draughts and even Clydesdales. The horse should also be straight, as both riders legs are to the left if a horse is bent left and stiff to flex right this can be difficult to correct and give a feeling of insecurity to the rider.
This article was written by Jessica Soley BHSI and was originally published in the September 2019 Issue of Irish Sport Horse Magazine. All Pictures were taken by Jessica Soley for Irish Sport Horse Magazine. If this article inspired you to get started in Side Saddle you can contact the Instructor Faith Ponsonby through her website here Faith Ponsonby BHS Training>>