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.

OSA Members Attend Stacy Westfall Clinic

Members of the Ontario Sidesaddle Association attended the Stacy Westfall Clinic at 5 Star Ranch in Campbellville, Ontario, May 25-27, 2012. Although not specifically targeted to sidesaddle riders, the concepts Stacy taught would apply to all horses and riders of any discipline. Topics covered included:

L-R: Stacy Westfall & Popcorn, Kathie Wilkinson & Taffy,
Gail Haynes & Jay

• Basic Groundwork

• Starting Young Horses

• Basic Body Control

• Trailer Loading

• Whoa

• Bowing

• Bridleless Riding

Of particular interest was the segment on teaching your horse to bow. This might be a good way to help sidesaddle riders mount their horses when a mounting block or something to use as one is not available, and no one is around to give the rider a leg up. We would love to know if anyone has tried this on a sidesaddle, and how did it work out? Send us your stories to share on this blog. One or two of us may experiment with this and will let everyone know how it goes.

Overall, it was a great clinic and a large amount of information was shared. For more information on Stacy Westfall and her future clinic schedule, visit http://www.westfallhorsemanship.com/.

NB: A Canadian supplier of Stacy Westfall DVDs and training equipment is Apple Saddlery in Ottawa. Visit http://www.applesaddlery.com/.

Ontario Sidesaddle Association Next Meeting

The next meeting of the OSA will be held on Sunday, June17, 2012 at Rustic Meadows, starting at 1:00 pm.


Hope to see you there!

Sidesaddle Jewellery

This New Design is from a fabulous sketch by Becca Holland of the Flying Foxes Sidesaddle Display Team, and shows Bex Hathaway riding Basil.  The photograph at left shows the "master" carving.

Special Introductory Offer: 
Silver Jumping Sidesaddle Lady Pendant
£55 including shipping.

You can order yours online at Charlie Fox Designs http://www.charliefox.co.uk/sidesaddle.htm 

Ontario Sidesaddle Association - Next Meeting

The next meeting of the OSA will be held on Sunday, January 29, 2012 at Rustic Meadows, starting at 1:00 pm. 

Hope to see you there!