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.