Side saddle for growing pony?

[Zingy]

I'd really love to get back into riding side saddle again and figure that next spring it would be fairly realistic to introduce the concept to B as by then he'll have had about 12 months of ridden work. He's fairly sensible, so I can't see it being a major problem, except in terms of fitting.

By then he'd be 5, so still have about a year of filling out to do. On the basis that he is going to change shape so much, I've currently got him in a treeless. Partly because I didn't want to have to change saddles frequently, partly because I didn't want to be constantly paranoid about whether his saddle fits or not and partly because I've already gone through a lot of hassle with back problems on another horse possibly caused by poorly fitting saddles and I don't want to end up in that situation again.

He has had a treed saddle on before but did very little work in it. Given the price of side saddles I'm only going to want to buy one and not have to change it every few months because he's changed shape. Realistically am I going to have to wait until he's at least 6 before I can think about it? I'm assuming that I will have the same problem with a side saddle as with an astride saddle in terms of fitting, or is that not the case?

[No_Angel]

I would love to get a sidesaddle for my lot, but i think my only chance is when they make a treeless one:D

[Jamey]

Well, I waited until I bought mine based on the idea that a sidesaddle is a good deal heavier than my normal saddle and I wanted to give Cossack time to build the strength and muscles up in his back before I tried it (as well as leaving him time to fill out a bit). He started sidesaddle properly aged 6/7 (last year).

You can have the width fitting on a sidesaddle altered to a degree but this should only be done by a qualified sidesaddle fitter. You can also have the panels replaced by a wickham pad which can also give you a bit more room.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!!

[lindz]

I wouldnt put a Side saddle on a growing horse. Wait until hes fully mature. The saddle is a good deal heavier (and longer accross the seat) than a normal saddle.

[old_woman]

I'm assuming that I will have the same problem with a side saddle as with an astride saddle in terms of fitting, or is that not the case?

You are going to have many MORE problems with fitting a sidesaddle than with any astride saddle, I can assure you. Unless, that is, you are fortunate enough to live next door to a skilled sidesaddler, or have one as a close, affectionate family member ...

And I agree wholeheartedly with the other posters who advise you to wait until he has finished growing before starting sidesaddle work.

[Horsewoman]

Although the Sidesaddle Association rule book allows horses to be shown under sidesaddle from the age of four years the general advice is that a horse should be at least six years old before doing so.

"No-Angel" - As regards finding a sidesaddle to fit your horse, I know a horse for whom it is extremely difficult to find an astride saddle but who fits his sidesaddle perfectly. You might find a traditional sidesaddle suits your horse better than an ordinary one

[Horsewoman]

"Zingy" - I suggest that when you start in sidesaddle that you hire a saddle rather than buying one. There are plenty of people providing this service and it allows you to play around until you find the right one.