Re Sidesaddle - To Sandra

[Louise]

Thanks for message. Don’t have personal Email address so have to reply here. Despite your comments still think you’re a brave talented person ! Saw the website picture - Larry looks a great horse. Not surprised you recomend mounting from a block. I’m same height as you (5ft 2”) and can’t get on a 16.2 riding cross saddle. Well, actually I did manage it once , but I was real desperate to get on it and even then the owner had to give me a push - didn’t look very elegant !

Re sidesaddle instruction, am keen to give it a go. Think I’ll look in the Yellow Pages for the big riding schools in Kent (I live near Maidstone) and ask. I expect one of them will know of somwhere that gives lessons . Do you know of any sidesaddle web sites ? I have found one www.parque.com/ladyfair - seems quite a good site but is American so no info there about UK lessons. Best wishes, Louise

[Sidesaddle]

Dear Louise,
I checked with an instructor who is nearest to you and she has said it's okay to post her phone number. Miss Lewis has been Side Saddle Rider of the Year 4 times so she should know what she is talking about. She is BHS AI and also the highest grade of side saddle instructor, based in Maidstone. Her phone number is 01622 890279. I have found that the cost of side saddle lessons are not much different from cross saddle lessons. You need to wear much the same as cross saddle but you may be more comfortable wearing jodphur boots rather than long boots as you have to hook your leg around a pommel and most normal boots are too long. Traditionally side saddle riders had shorter 'long' boots. Also half chaps on the right leg may scratch the saddle as the outside of your leg rests on the saddle. Don't wear a baggy top as it's important that the instructor can see if you are sitting straight. A good support bra is required as you will always be sitting at the trot. Last piece of advice, Mrs Skelton always says that if you feel crooked you are probably sitting straight.
The Side Saddle Association, of which I am a member are putting together a web site but it's not ready yet, when I find out I'll let you know. I have also come across lots of american sites, one of which is members.aol.com/worldsfi/sidesadl/html it promotes the World Sidesaddle Federation Inc. which is one of the American equivalents of the Side Saddle Association with English trained instructors. Also try www.davenportclassics.com/sidesaddle/html
Look forward to hearing how your first lesson went.
Best Wishes
Sandra

[Sidesaddle]

Sorry Louise, your in Maidstone the instructor is based in Ashford.
Sandra

[Louise]

Sandra,

Thanks for the information. Ashford is not too far away. Maybe I'll talk with some others at our stables - see if we can organise some transport and perhaps arrange a group introductory / "taster" lesson.