Hacking Out SIDESADDLE !!

[Louise]

Hi Sandra. Just seen your message saying you’ve started hacking out SIDESADDLE on an ex racehorse. I reckon you are very brave to do this. But doesn’t this cause some problems, like if you have to remount during the ride. I have heard that it is virtually impossible to mount sidesaddle unaided from the ground. Have been told its becausec you can easily twist the saddle round as you pull yourself up and (unlike with a normal saddle) you can’t put your weight on the other stirrup once you’re in the saddle to put it straight. Also, and more importantly the sidesaddle’s seat and the stirrup is far higher up than with a normal saddle, and the rider is encumbered by a long skirt sop you have to be very agile (or tall) to reach it. I would be very worried to hack out on my own if I knew I couldn’t remount on my own . I then saw an earlier posting where you say you ride at Mrs Skelton’s yard. I have heard of this remarkable lady who specialises and promotes the art of riding sidesaddle. Do you hack out in a group. This must look very spectacular - a whole group of ladies riding out sidesaddle together. If this is the e case, do you have a rider acompanying the group riding in an ordinary saddle who can easily hop on and off to open gates, provide leg ups, etc.
I am very interested in sideasaddle and would be grateful for any information. I still reckon you are very brave to ride sidesaddle on such a fast horse. Best wishes, Louise

[Sidesaddle]

Hi Louise,
Thanks for your message. I am not very brave as you can tell by the previous note about hacking out but I do feel much more secure sid-saddle than cross-saddle, it would be the opposite way for you. I very rarely ride cross-saddle so side-saddle to me is normal. I used to ride at Mrs Skelton's yard but Larry is now on full livery at Stockbridge, Hampshire. If you want to see a picture of me and Larry look up www.srsls.demon.co.uk under the news update section. I don't hack out with the full kit on, that's kept for showing (the habit costs a fortune). I just ride what you would ride in, it doesn't look the same but it's comfortable. There are no other side-saddle riders at my current yard but I am trying to convert and have persuaded several men to have a go! I go out with a normal riding school group of cross-saddle clients who are all amazed at how I stay on.
I would always recommend mounting side-saddle from a block, as you say, because you can pull the saddle over. Larry is 16.2 and I am only 5 foot 2, therefore it is a long way up, fortunately he has a high wither which is ideal as it keeps the side-saddle in place. It is possible to push the saddle over to the left once on but not ideal.
I have never come off whilst riding side-saddle as there are two pommels on the saddle which you can use in an emergency grip to stay on (keep your legs together). The other tip to staying on is to keep in balance and this usually means keeping the right shoulder back as you are usually pushed over to the left side when cantering.
If you want to e-mail me I with the area you are in I can let you know the nearest instructor in your area and you can go an have a look and possibly have a go. Some areas also have a 'Have-a-go' session to encourage more people to try. Within a couple of minutes on the lunge you will be able to canter and that's a promise.
Best wishes
Sandra