Inaugural clinic for the OSA a success!

On Sunday July 25, 2010 the newly formed Ontario Sidesaddle Association presented a clinic by Jeanne Cracknell and Debbie Smith of The Sidesaddle Connection. The primary focus of the clinic was the proper fitting of sidesaddles to horses and riders.

Jeanne fits a Mayhew on "Emma"

Many different saddles were brought in by members. All aspects of the sidesaddle were discussed including different makes, individual features relating to the different makes of saddles and of course, fitting sidesaddles to various horses’ backs and positioning the rider for a safe and secure ride. The interest was very keen among the ladies attending and many good questions were asked.

A well-attended clinic.

One of the more exciting aspects of the clinic was the welcoming of Roberta Whitley to the sidesaddle scene. Roberta owns and operates Leatherette in Ballinfad, Ontario (www.leatherette.ca). She was trained in leather working in Britain and has expressed her excitement in learning to work in the repairing and fitting of sidesaddles. She will be a valuable asset to the OSA in the future.


A huge thank you goes out to Joanne Milton for organizing the event and hosting the day at her farm, Rustic Meadows, and to Jeanne and Deb of  The Sidesaddle Connection for a great clinic.

Sidesaddle items for sale at this weekend's fitting clinic

Our clinician, Jeanne Cracknell, will have a number of items for sale during this weekend's sidesaddle fitting clinic at Rustic Meadows (5712 Trafalgar Road, Hillsburgh, ON) including several saddles (Owen and Martin & Martin), accessories (hunting cases, riding jackets, saddle covers, etc.), books, prints and more.  For more information on the items for sale, come on out to the clinic or contact us.

July 25, 2010 - Sidesaddle Fitting Clinic with Jeanne Cracknell

The Ontario Sidesaddle Association will be holding its next event on July 25, 2010 starting at 09:30 am. One of its key goals is to educate riders and spectators in the safe training and exhibition of sidesaddle riding. “Safety is important, so you just can’t pull great-grandma’s saddle out of the closet and expect it to work,” notes OSA President Joanne Milton. The OSA has invited renowned sidesaddle clinician Jeanne Cracknell of Michigan to offer a saddle-fitting clinic to demonstrate the importance of a properly fitted sidesaddle.

Jeanne has participated in many disciplines, ranging from reining to hunter pleasure and she became passionately involved in the sidesaddle field in 1979 after she purchased her first sidesaddle. Although Jeanne began studying the Monte Foreman Horsemanship Science throughout the 1980’s, sidesaddle remained a part of her life and in 1994 she became a student of sidesaddle fitting. Jeanne now resides in Michigan and stresses how important fit and balance are to any discipline.

Both members of OSA and members of the public are invited to attend. Clinic participants will have the opportunity to have their saddles fitted to their horses. The fee for the day is $10 for OSA members and $20 for non-members (memberships will be available for purchase at the event). Jeanne will be available to re-stuff a small number of saddles for a nominal fee and the cost of fitting and stuffing will be dependent upon the saddle. There will also be a number of sale items available including books, saddles, and accessories.

For more information about this event or to register, please contact OSA President Joanne Milton, at 519-855-6865 or info@rusticmeadows.com.

OSA Receives Non-Profit Status

The Ontario Sidesaddle Association (OSA) is pleased to announce that it has received official non-profit status from the Province of Ontario, and has launched its brand new logo. The association welcomes all sidesaddle enthusiasts, from beginner to advanced, women and men, English and Western riders, historians, supporters and friends. Annual membership fees are $25.00 for riders, $15.00 for Youth (under 18) and Friends. Other membership categories include Founder (until Dec. 31, 2010), Lifetime and Corporate.