Caledon Riding Club Hosts OSA Info Night

On Tuesday, January 15, 2013, the Ontario Sidesaddle Association gave a presentation to ladies (and gentlemen) members of the Caledon Riding Club.  The event was a great success with over 30 people in attendance.  OSA members Joanne Milton, Sharon Borda and Lois Beecraft presented "An Introduction to Sidesaddle".  The ladies touched briefly on the the history of sidesaddle, different types of saddles and habits, and offered everyone the opportunity to sit on a sidesaddle to see how comfortable and secure they are.  Sincere thanks are extended to Kim and the Caledon Riding Club for organizing and hosting this event.

Kim, with her nieces in sidesaddle attire.
In full formal hunt habit on the left is Emily, and in an
informal tweed habit with bowler on the right is Jacqueline.
The saddle?  It's a Mayhew on a "toy" pony.

A second information night is planned for those who have requested more information on the habits, period costumes and representations.  Details on the date will be posted as soon as they are confirmed.

A number of sidesaddle clinics will also be offered to provide a chance for the ladies to actually ride sidesaddle on a horse, either their own horse or a "loaner".  Four clinics have been scheduled in January and February, and we are looking forward to educating and encouraging riders to pursue this elegant style of riding.  Clinics will introduce proper fitting of sidesaddles, more information on correct appointments for the hunt and equitation classes, and the opportunity to try on different habits and aprons.

Caledon Riding Club member Susan models
an informal tweed habit.

We hope we will continue to strengthen our friendship with the Caledon Riding Club, and thank everyone for their very kind hsopitality,

If you are interested in attending any of the clinics, please contact us for details.

OSA hosts "give sidesaddle a try" at Equifest

The Ontario Sidesaddle Association participated in the 2012 Equifest event on September 22nd at the Orangeville fairgrounds.  Attendees were offered the opportunity to "give sidesaddle a try" on both English and Western sidesaddles.  On display in the OSA exhibit were a number of sidesaddles, English and Western habits, and some antique pieces such as a heart-shaped sidesaddle stirrup dating back to the 1800's. 

OSA Secretary and Co-Founder Sharon Borda
aboard a Circle R Western sidesaddle

Shown in the photos, saddles from left to right are a Circle R custom Western, a Champion & Wilton English (circa 1930), two custom Circle R Western sidesaddles, one for schooling and one for showing, and on the far right, a Whippy  English sidesaddle.

In the background on display are a replica of an Elizabethan riding costume, being created by OSA President Joanne Milton, and a Western show habit, along with a number of other sidesaddle aprons.

Equifest's Elaine Capes gives sidesaddle a try!

We had quite a few visitors of all ages and a lot of interest in the saddles and habits, and were very pleased to have been able to be part of Equifest in  2012. 

Are you interested in sidesaddle?  Contact us with any questions you might have and watch the blog for more information on upcoming clinics, events and meetings.  Everyone is welcome and we are looking forward to an exciting time of growth of our Association in the coming months and years.

We Were There, at the Orangeville Fall Fair!

The Ontario Sidesaddle Association had a booth at the 2012 Orangeville Fall Fair, offering visitors the opportunity to sit upon a sidesaddle in a safe environment to see how secure it feels.  Volunteer members Lois Beecraft and Sharon Borda also assisted willing participants to try on a sidesaddle habit and have their picture taken by friends and family.  Lois and Sharon also gave a presentation in the arena, highlighting the different aspects of both English and Western Sidesaddles, and gave spectators the chance to try out a saddle and habit.


English saddles

The booth showed a number of different saddles as well as habits in English and Western styles.  Lois and Sharon were happy to answer questions from visitors.


A Martin & Martin English saddle, and two Western sidesaddles,
one antique and one modern

The OSA Booth, showing English antique habits, modern Western habits
and a period costume. Headgear included a Western felt hat, a English bowler and top hat (both with veils)
and a matching hat to the period costume. 

Lois helps the Fair Ambassador with her habit.

The Fair Ambassador

A perfect fit!

Sidesadde Demo at Musical Ride

Gail Gimpelj aboard Veronica in Western tack and habit.

The Ontario Sidesaddle Association was invited to present a demonstration at the August 28th RCMP Musical Ride hosted by the Orangeville Agricultural Society, and held at the Orangeville Fairgrounds in, you guessed it, Orangeville, Ontario.

Many thanks are extended to our volunteer riders, who did an excellent job demonstrating the fine art of sidesaddle riding, both English and Western.


Theresa Kerr on Rustic Matador in English tack and habit.

Theresa (L), Gail (R), and OSA President Joanne Milton in an 1880's period cosume, centre.

Ontario Sidesaddle Association Annual General Meeting 2012

The Ontario Sidesaddle Association held its AGM on Sunday, July 22, 2012 at 1:00 pm. at Rustic Meadows, 5712 Trafalgar Road, Hillsburgh, Ontario.

In addition to reviewing the business of the association of the past year and appointing directors for the coming year, we had a special guest speaker address our group.  Roberta Whitley, qualified English harness maker and saddler gave a presentation on how to best clean and care for our sidesaddles and other leather tack.  Roberta operates out of "Leatherette" in Ballinafad, and can be reached at 905-702-7349.  Thank you Roberta, for an excellent presentation.



Attendees Megan, Sharon, Heather,
Lois, Roberta, Renee, Joanne

Roberta shows us how to clean and
condition a sidesaddle.

Ontario Sidesaddle Association Presents Its Inaugural Award of Recognition



On April 14, 2012, the Ontario Sidesaddle Association presented its very first Award of Recognition.  This award is presented annually to a rider/member of the OSA, who has contributed to the promotion of sidesaddle riding and the values of the OSA through her showing and other equestrian activities.

Lois Beecraft (L) and Joanne Milton (R) display
KD's saddle, riding habit and award plaque

This year's presentation took place in conjunction with the Rockwood Trail Riders Annual Banquet.  We are very pleased to announce the recipient of the 2012 OSA Award of Recognition, Miss KD Grainger of Brampton, Ontario.  KD competed in many classes aside at shows and events put on by the Rockwood Trail Riders.



Congratulations and best wishes are extended to KD for her continued success in her aside activies .





L-R Lois Beecraft, KD Grainger, Joanne Milton













Hunt Flask For Sale

Vintage case & flask, the flask has a bayonet top and is hallmarked. It is a James Dixon flask, has the JD&S with trumpet banner on the rim of the top. It is ready to use, just needs the straps to attach to the saddle dees. The flask has the slotted keepers on it (see photo) that the straps would run through. Straps not included.  Asking $250.00.



If you or someone you know is interested in this flask, please contact me and include "Saddle Flask" in the subject line and I will put you in touch with the seller.