Monday, September 17, 2012

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.