--- In IceHorses@yahoogroups.com, "Nancy Sturm" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Does anyone know about side saddles? "
Hello Nancy, I finally found my copy of Gaited Horse magazine. Here are some quotes and resources. "People who have never tried riding sidesaddle are often amzaed that riders can do just about anything in a sidesaddle that they can do in a regular saddle. This includes jumping, trail riding, and even barrel racing. The secret every sidesaddle rider seems to know is that it is actually a very secure seat. Hewitt reveals that if she had to deal with a difficult horse, she would rather be mounted sidesaddle than in a regular English saddle. She explains that with the horn and leaping head which curves over the left thigh, she can grip much more securely. She says as long as her saddle is tight (an important point), she can press her right calf against her left knee, a motion known as "gaining prescence," and there is virtually no way the horse will throw her." (p. 35) Per the author, "the greatest challenge is finding a sidesaddle to begin with." Novices should use the newer double horned saddle with a balance strap, rather than the older single horn type. Good saddles will probably be expensive but good, used saddles can be found. Here are some resources: www.sidesaddle.org--listing of instructors and representatives ISSO lending library--provides books on loan www.sidesaddleinfo.com--NEA Side Saddle Assn. users.tinyworld.co.uk/sidesaddlelady --Side Saddle Lady Magazine --Side Saddle International--back issues www.sidesaddleinternational.com www.sidesaddelassociation.co.uk--Side Saddle International Jones, E. (Summer 2007). "Sidesaddle: A Revival in Horsemanship, The Gaited Horse And the best part of the whole thing is you can wear some of those beautiful, long skirted riding habits. The following site: http://www.suitability.com has some wonderful patterns (none for long-skirted riding habits unfortunately) for English and western riding apparel, saddle covers, helmet covers, horse covers, etc. I bought some patterns with the intention to make some customized Icelandic saddles pads for Christmas. I have had time to make one saddle pad. It looks good but I failed to compare it with the saddle and it is too small. Oh well, someone's daughter is going to get an unexptected present. Hope this info helps, Pamela
