RIDING SIDESADDLE

INTRODUCTION:

Why learn to ride sidesaddle when women have been riding astride for years?  The response is simple:  Why not?  “There is nothing more elegant than watching a woman ride sidesaddle,” according to Mr. Roger Philpot, one of the more renowned teachers of this discipline.  Mr. Philpot states that the first rule of an equestrienne is “thinking elegant.” 

Although it might appear to be an uncomfortable or an unsure way of riding, it’s just the opposite.  One is more likely to suffer a fall while riding astride than when riding sidesaddle, and with a little practice the equestrienne will become just as comfortable as when riding astride.

FIRST ASSOCIATION IN THIS EQUESTRIAN DISCIPLINE IN SPAIN:

The Spanish Sidesaddle Riding Association aims to promote this elegant and fun equestrian practice, which unfortunately has fallen into decline in recent years, by sponsoring events, contests, meetings, etc.

You can reach us by e-mail: monta_amazona@hotmail.com or by mailing to Apdo. de correos 137. Majadahonda 28220. Madrid. ESPAÑA.

Several associations of this type have already been in existence for some time in other countries, and have thousands of members to promote this discipline.

THE SIDESADDLE:

The sidesaddle has two or three hunting horns mounted on it, and the legs are usually placed on the seat’s left side.  First, there is a large hunting horn, or “top pommel ,” where you place your right leg.  Secondly, there is a lower one, also known as a “lower pommel ”, which curves over your left thigh.  Finally, for those saddles having a third horn, it would be located on the outer part of the saddle’s left side, curving over the right thigh in order to provide a firmer hold.

In the market there are different types of sidesaddles for equestriennes: English, Western, “Cowgirl,” old-style, etc.   New equestrienne’s sidesaddles are priced from 300 euros.

The fitting of an equestrienne’s sidesaddle is more specific than for one used when riding astride. As such, we need to consider the following characteristics when looking for an appropriate sidesaddle:

1.       The seat should be flat and, if possible, made of suede so the equestrienne does not slip.

2.       The buckle or clasp should be located on the saddle’s left side, so the equestrienne can girth the horse from the top.

3.       It should have a balance strap.

4.       The equestrienne must be comfortably centered in the saddle.

5.       The equestrienne must fit perfectly in the seat.  To ensure this, let’s consider the following points:

a.       The length of the sidesaddle should equal the distance from the back of the knee to the buttocks while in a seated position.

b.       The width of the hips while in the seated position must equal the width of the seat.

c.       The height and circumference of the knee must equal the height and width of the superior hunting horn.

6.       The seat should neither shift freely nor cause pain to the horse.

THE RIDING OUTFIT:

To choose the appropriate riding outfit, the basic rule is to add a skirt to the clothing usual worn while riding astride.

The skirt is longer on the right side so that when the equestrienne dismounts the horse, this longer side can be gathered up and buttoned to avoid getting snagged.

The specific riding outfit will depend on which discipline is being practiced:

English style: the clothes will basically consist of a jacket and skirt, usually dark-colored, either black or gray, with a top-hat and a veil.

Western style:  the same one used when riding astride, but substituting the jeans for a skirt, and generally made of suede.2

During the Spring Fair (“Feria de Primavera”), where there are many women who ride sidesaddle, it is acceptable to wear the “rondeña” dress or “traje corto”, but never the “flamenca” dress.

The equestrienne should not wear any jewelry and should always have her hair gathered up.

THE SIDESADDLE RIDER POSITION:

The rider should look as if she were riding astride when viewed from the back; specifically, she should be in the middle of the horse, with the only difference being that the equestrienne is seated slightly behind the horse’s point of gravity due to the saddle.

The weight should rest slightly on the right thighbone; head and shoulders will be straight.

The stirrup’s length is generally a little shorter than when riding astride; a space the size of palm of one’s hand should remain between the left knee and the lower hunting horn.

The right leg’s toecap will point slightly downward.

Hands will be placed on each side of the knee, their height will depend on the position of the horse’s head, and usually longer reins are required since the equestrienne is seated further back on the horse than when astride.

A riding whip substitutes the right leg.

 THE JUMPING WHEN RIDING SIDESADDLE:

Jumping when riding sidesaddle requires the extra measure of leaning forward, more so than when riding astride.  An interesting fact for those who might think that jumping when riding sidesaddle is very difficult:  during the Australian Royal Show, Mrs. Ester set a new height record by jumping 1,981 meters while riding sidesaddle.

Agradecicimientos a Auxi Antón por su traducción.